Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Extracts:
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), beating until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as the dough comes together.
5. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape when baking.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Cut Out the Shapes:
Using a Santa suit or similar festive cookie cutter, cut out the shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each cookie.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Royal Icing
1. Mix the Icing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the icing reaches a thick but pipeable consistency.
2. Divide and Color:
Separate the icing into three bowls. Color one portion with red gel food coloring (for Santa’s suit), one with black gel food coloring (for the belt), and leave one white (for the trim and buckle).
3. Adjust Consistency:
Add a few drops of water to thin each color slightly for a smoother flow, if necessary. Place each color into a piping bag with a small round tip.
Step 4: Decorate the Santa Suit Cookies
1. Outline and Flood the Suit:
Using the red icing, outline and flood the main body of each cookie to create Santa’s red suit. Allow the red icing to set for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Add the Belt and Buckle:
With the black icing, pipe a horizontal line across the middle of each cookie for Santa’s belt. Using the white icing, add a square in the center of the belt to create the buckle.
3. Create the Trim:
Use the white icing to add “fur” trim to the top and bottom edges of Santa’s suit. Sprinkle a bit of white sanding sugar over the trim for a sparkly effect.
4. Add Buttons:
Place two or three small gold pearls down the center of each suit for buttons.
Step 5: Let the Icing Set
Allow the decorated cookies to sit for at least an hour or until the icing is fully set. This step is crucial if you plan to stack or store the cookies.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough Well: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, so they hold their shape beautifully.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel colors are more vibrant and won’t thin the icing as much as liquid food coloring.
- Practice Piping Skills: If you’re new to piping, practice a few lines on parchment paper before decorating the actual cookies.
Enjoy the Festive Fun!
These Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts will bring the spirit of Christmas to any holiday gathering. The buttery, vanilla-infused cookies combined with the sweet, decorative royal icing make each bite as delicious as it is festive. Share them with family, friends, or even leave a few for Santa!