Reindeer Gingersnaps

Prep: 45 min., Bake: 10 min. per batch, Cool: 30 min.

Yield: Makes 16 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  (14.5-oz.) package gingerbread mix
• 1  teaspoon  meringue powder
• 1/2  teaspoon  hot water
• 1  (12-oz.) container ready-to-spread fluffy white frosting
• Decorations: 32 miniature candy canes, 32 licorice candies, 16 sour cherry candies

Preparation

1. Prepare gingerbread dough according to package instructions for gingersnap cookies.

2. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface, and cut into 3 1/2-inch ovals, using an egg-shaped or oval cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

3. Bake at 375° for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks, and let cool 30 minutes.

4. Stir together meringue powder and 1/2 tsp. hot water until combined; stir in frosting. Spoon frosting mixture into a zip-top plastic freezer bag; snip 1 corner of bag to make a small hole. Pipe 1 dot of frosting mixture at top of 1 cookie; press straight ends of 2 candy canes into piped dot to form antlers. Pipe 2 dots in center of cookie; press 1 licorice candy in each dot to form eyes. Pipe 1 dot at bottom of cookie; press 1 cherry candy in dot to form a nose. Repeat procedure with remaining cookies, frosting mixture, and candies. Let stand 24 hours to dry, if desired.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cake & Cookie Mix and Betty Crocker Fluffy White Whipped Frosting.