Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Royal Icing:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 5–6 tablespoons water
• Red, black, and white food coloring
• Small round piping tips or squeeze bottles

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
2. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until a dough forms.
3. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use Santa suit or round cookie cutters to cut shapes.
5. Place cookies on lined baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just set. Cool completely before decorating.
6. For royal icing: whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth and pipeable. Divide into bowls and color with red, black, and white food gel.
7. Decorate cooled cookies to resemble Santa’s red suit with a black belt and white trim. Let icing set before serving or storing.

Tips for Perfect Santa Suit Cookies

• Chill the dough: This helps the cookies keep their shape when baking.
• Food gel colors: Use gel instead of liquid for vibrant red and black icing.
• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Make ahead: Dough can be made 2 days ahead or frozen for up to 1 month.