Winter Wonderland Reindeer Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Charm: These cookies add a magical, wintry touch to any occasion.
• Customizable Design: Get creative with your decorations—reindeer, snowflakes, or even personalized messages!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the cookies in advance and decorate them when ready.
• Fun Activity: Perfect for family baking projects or decorating parties.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Thanks to the buttery dough, these cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• all-purpose flour
• unsalted butter, softened
• powdered sugar
• granulated sugar
• vanilla extract
• almond extract (optional)
• salt

For Royal Icing:

• powdered sugar
• meringue powder
• water
• vanilla extract
• gel food coloring (sky blue and white)

Directions

Make the Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl, cream the butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
2. Chill:
   Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll and Bake:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.

Make the Royal Icing

1. Prepare Icing:
   Beat together powdered sugar, meringue powder, water, and vanilla extract until thick and glossy.
2. Divide and Tint:
   Divide the icing into two portions: tint one sky blue for the base, and keep the other white for details. Adjust the consistency for piping or flooding as needed.

Decorate the Cookies

1. Base Layer:
   Flood each cookie with sky-blue icing and let dry completely (about 2 hours).
2. Create the Reindeer:
   Using white icing, pipe reindeer heads and antlers. Add dots for eyes.
3. Add Snowflakes and Wreaths:
   Decorate with snowflake patterns, a wreath, and additional snow-like details.
4. Finishing Touches:
   Sprinkle with edible shimmer dust or pearl sprinkles for an elegant frosty effect.

Servings and Timing

• Yields: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

• Different Shapes: Use various festive cookie cutters like stars or trees.
• Colorful Icing: Experiment with other colors like red, green, or gold.
• Flavor Boost: Add a hint of orange zest or cinnamon to the cookie dough.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before decorating.
• Reheating: Gently warm undecorated cookies in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to restore freshness.

FAQs

How do I keep the dough from sticking while rolling?

Use a lightly floured surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.

How long does the royal icing take to dry?

Royal icing typically takes about 2 hours to dry completely, depending on humidity.

Can I use store-bought icing?

Yes, but homemade royal icing provides better consistency for intricate designs.

What’s the best way to pipe fine details?

Use a fine piping tip and practice steady, even pressure.

Can I substitute meringue powder?

Meringue powder can be replaced with pasteurized egg whites (2 tbsp per 3 cups of powdered sugar).

How do I avoid color bleeding in the icing?

Allow each layer to dry completely before adding details.

What if my cookies spread during baking?

Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking.

How do I achieve shiny royal icing?

Use a fan to speed up drying for a glossy finish.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant colors without altering icing consistency.

Conclusion

Winter Wonderland Reindeer Cookies combine festive charm and delicious flavors, making them a must-have for the holiday season. Whether you’re creating them for a dessert platter or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Happy baking and decorating!

---

Print