Winter deer-themed sugar cookies sound like a charming and festive treat! Here’s a simple recipe to help you make them:
Winter Deer-Themed Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Water, as needed for desired consistency
- Food coloring (for decorating)
Instructions:
1. Make the Sugar Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
2. Roll and Cut the Dough:
- Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using deer-themed cookie cutters (such as a deer silhouette or antlers), cut out the shapes. You can also use star or snowflake cutters for added winter charm.
- Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
3. Prepare the Royal Icing:
- In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and vanilla extract.
- Add water slowly, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches a thick, yet pipeable consistency.
- If you plan on using different colors for the details, divide the icing into smaller bowls and add food coloring of your choice.
4. Decorate the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, use a piping bag or small spatula to decorate them.
- You can pipe antlers, deer faces, snowflakes, or even wintery backgrounds (like icy blue or frosty white).
- Let the icing set completely (at least 2 hours) before serving or packaging.
Additional Tips:
- Edible glitter or shimmer dust can be used to give the cookies a frosty, magical look.
- For a more rustic effect, try using a brown sugar icing for the deer, and white icing for snow accents.
- If you don’t have a deer-shaped cookie cutter, you can always create the shape by hand or look for printable templates online.
Enjoy your Winter Deer-Themed Sugar Cookies, and they’re sure to add a whimsical touch to any winter gathering!
