1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It's crucial to have your oven at the right temperature to ensure even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about three to five minutes. This step is important as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a lighter texture. Don’t rush this step!
3. Add the egg to the mixture and beat until combined. Once incorporated, add the flour and kosher salt. Mix just until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that holds its shape.
4. Remove one cup of the dough and set it aside for later. With the remaining dough, add in one teaspoon of red food coloring. Mix until the color is uniform, adding more coloring if necessary for a vibrant hue. Note that the color will deepen when baked, so keep that in mind.
5. Now it's time to shape the cookies! From the red dough, roll one (1-inch) ball for Santa's body and five (1/2-inch) balls for his arms and legs. From the plain dough, create one (3/4-inch) ball for his head and five (1/4-inch) balls for his hands and feet. This method helps you visualize Santa's shape as you prepare.
6. On your prepared baking sheet, gently flatten the red 1-inch ball until it's about 1/2 inch thick. Attach four of the red 1/2-inch balls to create arms and legs. Next, add the plain 3/4-inch ball for Santa's head, flattening it slightly as well. Then, attach the plain 1/4-inch balls for hands and feet, and shape the remaining red 1/2-inch ball into a triangle for Santa's hat. Arrange them with at least two inches between each cookie to ensure they have room to spread.
7. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake the Santa cookies for twelve to fifteen minutes, or until they turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; every oven is a bit different.
8. While the cookies are baking, let's prepare the frosting. In a stand mixer, whip together the butter and any cream cheese until light and fluffy, about three to four minutes. This adds a rich flavor to the frosting. Gradually add the powdered sugar and an extra teaspoon of vanilla, beating for about two more minutes until it’s airy and spreadable. If it's too thick, add a splash of milk.
9. Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to decorate! Transfer half of the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Alternatively, you can use a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off. Use the piping bag to outline Santa's face, arms, and legs. For the finishing touch, place a small dot of frosting on the tip of his hat and add a red mini M&M for his nose. Let your creativity shine!
