# 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 and black candy-coated chocolates (for noses and eyes)
14 - Mini pretzels (for antlers)
15 - Sprinkles and edible glitter (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until combined.
02 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the butter mixture; beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a dough forms.
05 - Divide the dough into two discs, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
06 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into oval or round shapes to form reindeer faces using cookie cutters or a glass.
08 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are just golden. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
09 - Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Tint a portion of the icing brown with gel food coloring.
10 - Spread brown icing on each cooled cookie to create reindeer faces. Attach red candies for noses, black candies for eyes, and mini pretzels for antlers using icing. Add sprinkles or edible glitter as desired. Let icing set before serving.
