# What You'll Need:
→ Sugar Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
→ Decorating
09 - 1 cup powdered sugar
10 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Brown gel food coloring
13 - Red candy-coated chocolates (for noses)
14 - Black candy-coated chocolates (for eyes)
15 - Mini pretzels (for antlers)
16 - Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
# How to make it:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well blended.
02 - Beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Blend in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, mixing until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until a dough forms.
05 - Divide dough in half, shape each into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
06 - Set oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into oval or round shapes using cookie cutters or a glass.
08 - Arrange cookies on prepared sheets 1 inch apart and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden; cool completely on a wire rack.
09 - Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable; tint a portion of icing brown using gel coloring.
10 - Spread brown icing over cooled cookies to form reindeer faces, affix red candies for noses, black candies for eyes, and mini pretzels for antlers using icing as adhesive; optionally add sprinkles or edible glitter. Allow icing to set before serving.
