Directions

Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Roll and Cut the Cookies:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
• Use Santa suit-shaped cookie cutters or round cutters (to draw the suit later) to cut out the cookies. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Royal Icing:

• In a large bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water (for thinner icing) or powdered sugar (for thicker icing).
• Divide the icing into three portions. Tint one portion red, one black, and leave the last portion white.

Decorate the Cookies:

Base Layer:

• Use the red icing to flood the cookie, leaving the edges clean. Let it dry for about 1-2 hours or until the icing sets.

Add the Details:

• Pipe white icing along the bottom and top edges for Santa’s suit trim. Add a white dot in the center for the fluffy pompom on the hat (if applicable).
• Use black icing to draw the belt across the middle of the suit.
• Add a small white square in the center of the belt for the buckle.

Final Touches:

• Attach sugar pearls or edible beads as buttons. Sprinkle edible glitter for extra sparkle, if desired.
• Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely, preferably overnight, before stacking or packaging.