If you are looking for a delightful treat that will bring smiles across generations, this Reindeer Cookies: Fun, Festive Holiday Cookies for All Ages Recipe is absolutely perfect. These charming cookies combine classic peanut butter goodness with playful holiday decorations that turn every bite into a moment of joy. Easy to make and irresistibly festive, they are sure to be a standout on your holiday cookie tray and a new family favorite you’ll cherish baking year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Reindeer Cookies: Fun, Festive Holiday Cookies for All Ages Recipe is a breeze because each one is a simple kitchen staple that plays a crucial role in making these cookies a holiday hit. From the creamy peanut butter that adds richness to the crunchy pretzels bringing a whimsical touch of antlers, everything works in harmony to create both flavor and festive fun.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the perfect creamy base for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Enhances the cookie’s crisp edges with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy): The star flavor that makes these cookies rich and irresistibly nutty.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and give the cookie structure.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that keeps the cookies sturdy yet soft.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s natural flavor.
- 48 mini pretzels (2 per cookie): For creating those iconic reindeer antlers with a salty crunch.
- 24 red chocolate candies or red M&M’s: Perfect for the bright, festive reindeer noses.
- 48 mini chocolate chips: Tiny eyes that give each reindeer personality and charm.
How to Make Reindeer Cookies: Fun, Festive Holiday Cookies for All Ages Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and release easily when done. This prep step sets the stage for flawless cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and beautifully creamy. This aeration is the secret to cookies with the perfect texture and chew.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat the eggs in one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to keep the dough smooth. Then stir in the vanilla extract which elevates the flavor with its rich, aromatic notes.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly to avoid any unwanted bumps in the final dough. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Scoop out dough balls about 1½ inches in diameter and place them on your lined baking sheets, leaving enough space for them to spread. Slightly flatten each ball with the palm of your hand to prepare for baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely for lightly golden edges. That subtle color change tells you the cookies are done and ready for their festive makeover.
Step 7: Decorate While Warm
As soon as your cookies come out of the oven and are still warm (but no longer sticky), gently press two mini pretzels at the top of each cookie to form the antlers. Next, add two mini chocolate chips for eyes and pop a red candy right in the center to create the iconic Rudolph nose. This quick decorating step turns simple peanut butter cookies into festive reindeer.
Step 8: Cool on a Wire Rack
Place your decorated cookies on a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. This helps the cookie set perfectly and the decorations to stay intact, ready for munching or gift-giving.
How to Serve Reindeer Cookies: Fun, Festive Holiday Cookies for All Ages Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar for a “snowy” effect or add edible glitter to give them sparkle under the holiday lights. Sometimes, a simple dusting of cocoa powder around the plate adds a cozy, warm touch that makes the cookies feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a spiced holiday latte. Their rich peanut butter flavor and festive charm make them an ideal sweet companion to almost any warm or cold holiday beverage.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Reindeer Cookies: Fun, Festive Holiday Cookies for All Ages Recipe on a rustic wooden platter or festive holiday-themed plates. Wrap them up in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for delightful gift ideas or hang them on a cookie tree as edible ornaments, adding both whimsy and deliciousness to your festive decor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their fresh, soft texture for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread inside the container can help retain moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming dry.
Freezing
Want to prepare ahead? Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two of extra baking time. You can also freeze fully baked and decorated cookies layered with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating
If your cookies lose their freshness, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave revives their softness wonderfully. Avoid heating too long to prevent them from drying out or melting the decorations.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can. Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture inside your cookies, which some people love. Just be aware it might slightly change the cookie consistency.
Are these cookies safe for kids with nut allergies?
This recipe contains peanut butter, so it is not safe for those with nut allergies. However, you can experiment by substituting sunflower seed butter or another allergy-friendly spread, but the flavor will differ.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
For a vegan version, you can substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs. For gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Note that texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How can I make the pretzels stick better if they fall off?
Press the pretzels into the cookie while it’s still warm but not hot. If they tend to fall off after cooling, try applying a small dab of melted peanut butter as edible glue before placing the pretzels.
Can I store these cookies decorated or undecorated?
It is best to store these cookies decorated to maintain their appearance, but if you prefer, you can store them undecorated and add pretzels, candies, and chocolate chips just before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Reindeer Cookies: Fun, Festive Holiday Cookies for All Ages Recipe is such a joyful way to create holiday memories with your family and friends. The combination of simple ingredients, easy steps, and playful decoration brings both deliciousness and festive cheer to your kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise these cookies will become a treasured holiday tradition you’ll smile about every time you bake them.
Print
Reindeer Cookies: Fun, Festive Holiday Cookies for All Ages Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Reindeer Cookies are a delightful and festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations. These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are decorated with mini pretzels, chocolate chips, and red candies to resemble cute reindeer faces, making them fun for bakers and eaters of all ages. Easy to make and irresistibly charming, these cookies add a playful touch to any holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Decorations
- 48 mini pretzels (2 per cookie for antlers)
- 24 red chocolate candies or red M&M’s (for noses)
- 48 mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which helps create a light texture for the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls. Slightly flatten each ball and arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still soft.
- Decorate Warm Cookies: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and are still warm, gently press two mini pretzels at the top of each cookie to create antlers, place two mini chocolate chips beneath them for eyes, and add one red candy in the center as a festive nose.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the decorated cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving or storing to allow the decorations to set firmly.
Notes
- For best results, use softened butter to ensure a creamy texture in the dough.
- If you have peanut allergies, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a similar taste.
- Mini pretzels should be broken if they’re too large to fit nicely as antlers.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent cookies from sticking to baking sheets.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
