Step-by-step instructions
Cream the butter: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms.
Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s 1/4-inch thick. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
Make the royal icing: In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, water, and vanilla extract until thick and glossy. Color one portion with gel food coloring in sky blue and keep the remaining icing white.
Decorate the cookies: Flood each cookie with blue icing for the base and let dry thoroughly. Use white icing to pipe the reindeer’s head, antlers, eyes, snowflakes, and decorative patterns. Be sure to allow each layer to dry between decorating steps.
Best ways to enjoy it
These delightful cookies don’t just taste great; they also look stunning on any table! Arrange them on a festive platter alongside hot cocoa or warm cider for the ultimate holiday treat. You can even package them in cute cellophane bags tied with ribbons for gifting. They make excellent additions to winter dessert tables or cookie exchanges, delighting guests with their sweetness and charm.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To maintain your Reindeer Cookies’ freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper between them, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Don’t forget to let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying them again!
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your butter is truly softened (not melted) for the best texture.
- For a smoother royal icing, sift your powdered sugar beforehand to eliminate any lumps.
- If you’re new to piping, practice on a piece of parchment paper before decorating the cookies to get the hang of your icing consistency and control.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to customize your Winter Wonderland Reindeer Cookies:
- Spice up the cookie dough with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer flavor.
- Use different colors for the royal icing to match your holiday decor.
- Swap out the reindeer shapes for snowmen or holiday trees for an alternate celebration cookie!
FAQs
How long does it take to make these cookies?
Typically, you’ll spend about 30 minutes prepping the dough and shaping the cookies, plus an hour for chilling. Baking takes another 10-12 minutes, and decorating can take up to an hour depending on your design. Overall, you can easily complete this in just a couple of hours including cooling time.
Can I substitute dairy-free butter in this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative, which will work just as well, especially for the cookie base!
How can I adjust the sweetness of the royal icing?
To reduce the sweetness, you can lower the amount of powdered sugar, but remember that less sugar may affect the icing’s thickness and piping ability. Adding a touch of lemon juice can help balance the sweetness without compromising the texture too much.
Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and details, get into the holiday spirit by making these cookies. Enjoy every step of the baking process, and have fun creating beautiful, festive treats!
