Winter Deer-Themed Sugar Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough forms.
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to make it easier to cut.
2. Roll and Cut:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
   • Use a deer-shaped cookie cutter, or a similar animal shape like a reindeer head, to cut out the cookies.
   • Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake:
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
   • Let the cookies cool on a wire rack completely before decorating.

How to Decorate:

1. Base Frosting:
   • Once the cookies are cool, use white royal icing to cover the body of the deer. You can flood the cookie with icing and use a spatula to smooth it out, creating a clean base.
2. Antlers and Ears:
   • Use brown royal icing to pipe antlers on top of the deer’s head. You can make simple, branching lines that extend outward from the top.
   • Pipe small white or brown ears on each side of the deer’s head.
3. Face Details:
   • Pipe small black dots for the eyes and place mini candy eyes or round fondant pieces.
   • Pipe a small red circle for the nose to give the deer a “Rudolph” look. If you want a more realistic look, use brown or black icing to create a smaller, subtle nose.
   • Add a tiny smile or a small black outline for the mouth, if desired.
4. Finishing Touches:
   • Add edible glitter or snowflake sprinkles to the cookie to make it look like the deer is surrounded by a snowy winter wonderland.
   • If you’re feeling extra festive, dust the cookies with a little powdered sugar for a “snowed” effect!

Pro Tips:

• Antler Tips: Use a fine piping tip for the antlers to get clean, precise lines. You could also try adding a little shimmer with edible gold or silver dust for a more magical touch.
• Texture Variation: Add texture to the deer’s body by gently pressing a fork into the icing once it’s set for a subtle fur effect!
• Gift Idea: These cookies would make a lovely holiday gift when placed in a cute cookie box or jar with a winter scene background.

These Winter Deer-Themed Sugar Cookies are a perfect way to celebrate the winter season with their rustic charm and festive details. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies will surely be a hit! Are you planning on making a full batch or just a few for a special occasion? 🦌🍪