These festive sugar cookies are decorated to look just like Santa’s suit, perfect for adding a little holiday cheer to your celebrations!
Ingredients:
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4-5 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
- Red gel food coloring
For Decoration:
- Red sanding sugar
- White sanding sugar
- Pink and black nonpareils (for cheeks and eyes)
- Small red candies or mini M&Ms (for Santa's nose)
- Piping bags and small round piping tips
Instructions:
Make the Sugar Cookies:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) and mix until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use a Santa face or round cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Prepare the Royal Icing:
In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water, mixing until smooth and pipeable.
Divide the icing into two portions. Tint one with red gel food coloring for Santa's hat.
Transfer both the white and red icings into piping bags fitted with small round tips.
Decorate the Cookies:
Santa’s Hat: Outline and fill the top section of the cookie with red icing. Sprinkle with red sanding sugar, shake off any excess, and let it set.
Beard and Hat Trim: Use white icing to outline and fill the beard and the trim of the hat. Sprinkle with white sanding sugar while the icing is still wet. Let it set completely.
Santa’s Face: Leave the center of the cookie bare for the face. Once the icing is set, add pink nonpareils for cheeks, black nonpareils for eyes, and a red candy or mini M&M for the nose. Use small dots of icing to "glue" them in place.
Final Touches: If desired, use red icing to add a smile. Allow the cookies to dry completely before serving or packaging.
Enjoy these adorable Santa cookies with friends and family during the holidays.