Save to Pinterest A festive and whimsical assortment of sugar cookies shaped and decorated to resemble Santas sleigh, reindeer, and holiday accents — perfect as a centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
I have always enjoyed creating this sugar cookie display as a special holiday tradition that brings family and friends together around the table.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, ¾ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- For the Royal Icing: 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted, 2 large egg whites or 4 tbsp meringue powder + 6 tbsp water, ½ tsp vanilla extract, Gel food coloring: red, green, brown, yellow, black, white
- For Decoration & Assembly: Edible gold or silver sprinkles, Mini pretzels (for sleigh runners, optional), Mini candy canes (optional), Assorted festive sprinkles, Edible glue or a small amount of royal icing (for assembly)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract mix until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients mixing just until dough forms. Divide dough in half, form into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 5:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use sleigh, reindeer, Santa, star, and tree cookie cutters to cut shapes. Transfer to prepared baking sheets.
- Step 6:
- Bake 10 12 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
- Step 7:
- Prepare royal icing Beat powdered sugar and egg whites (or meringue powder mixture) on low speed until thick and glossy (about 5 minutes). Add vanilla, then divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Step 8:
- Decorate cooled cookies with colored royal icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations. Pipe details onto sleigh, reindeer, Santa, and accents. Let icing dry completely (at least 2 hours).
- Step 9:
- For the display, arrange sleigh cookies at the center of a platter. Place reindeer in front, connecting with icing or edible glue. Fill sleigh with tree star cookies or mini candies. Use mini pretzels or candy canes as sleigh runners, attaching with icing if desired.
Save to Pinterest This cookie display never fails to bring joy and smiles during family gatherings over the holidays.
Notes
Vary cookie shapes or colors to match your holiday décor. Pair with hot cocoa or mulled wine.
Required Tools
Electric mixer, rolling pin, holiday cookie cutters (sleigh, reindeer, Santa, star, tree), baking sheets & parchment paper, piping bags and small tips for decorating, spatula.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter). Some decorations may contain nuts or soy always check labels if you have allergies.
Save to Pinterest This delightful cookie display is a festive tradition that enhances any holiday celebration.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What is the best way to achieve smooth royal icing?
Use powdered sugar sifted well and beat egg whites or meringue powder until glossy and thick. Mix slowly on low speed for about 5 minutes to avoid air bubbles.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps with rolling and cutting shapes cleanly. Dough can also be refrigerated overnight wrapped in plastic.
- → How do I ensure cookies keep their shape during baking?
Roll dough evenly to about ¼ inch thickness and chill. Use sharp cookie cutters and bake on parchment-lined sheets at 350°F until edges start to turn golden.
- → What decorations complement the holiday theme best?
Use gel food coloring in red, green, brown, yellow, black, and white for vibrant icing. Add edible gold or silver sprinkles, mini pretzels as sleigh runners, and candy canes for extra festive touches.
- → How do I assemble the sleigh display securely?
Use thick royal icing or edible glue to attach reindeer to the sleigh base. Allow the icing to dry completely for sturdy display before moving.