If you're looking for a festive treat that brings smiles and a bit of whimsy to your holiday table, this Reindeer Cookies Recipe is just the thing. These chewy, buttery cookies shaped like playful reindeer are perfect for baking with kids or surprising your holiday guests. You'll love the mix of classic peanut butter cookie flavor with charming pretzel antlers and bright red noses-it's fun to make and even more fun to eat.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Reindeer Cookies Recipe strikes the perfect balance between a tender, chewy cookie and an easy-to-assemble holiday delight. It's approachable for bakers of all skill levels while delivering that classic peanut butter warmth we all adore. You'll find the gentle sweetness melds perfectly with the salty crunch of pretzel antlers and the festive pop of red candies that make these cookies as charming as they are delicious.
- Consistent Texture: The mix of brown sugar and peanut butter creates a chewy base that holds its shape well without crumbling.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Vanilla, peanut butter, and just a hint of salt amplify the cookie's flavor without overpowering it.
- Simple Ingredients: You won't need anything fancy-common pantry staples make this recipe quick and accessible.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: From mixing to decorating, the process is straightforward and kid-friendly, perfect for holiday baking sessions.
Ingredient Game Plan
Choosing quality ingredients really makes a difference in this Reindeer Cookies Recipe. I like to use creamy peanut butter that's not labeled 100% natural because it helps with the cookie's texture. The pretzels should be mini and sturdy enough to hold as antlers without breaking easily.
- Brown Sugar: Use packed brown sugar for moisture and caramel notes that deepen cookie flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy, stable peanut butter blends smoothly and helps cookies stay soft.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warm, inviting undertones.
- Mini Pretzels: Choose mini pretzels shaped like little twists or rods for sturdy antlers.
- Red M&Ms: For a festive red nose that adds cheerful color.
- Chocolate Chips: Small chocolate chips for "eyes" that melt slightly when added warm.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Reindeer Cookies Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by beating together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until you get a light, creamy mixture-about a minute or so. You'll notice it turns a beautiful pale color and smells sweet and buttery. Then, blend in the peanut butter, milk, vanilla, and whole egg until everything is smooth and fluffy. This step is key to a tender cookie, so don't rush it. Next, add your flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing gently just until the dough comes together. Remember, over-mixing can toughen your cookies, so scrape down the bowl and stop once you see no dry flour.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Once your dough is ready, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes. This resting period is a simple trick I use to develop flavor and firm up the dough, which helps keep the cookie shape during baking. While the dough chills, gather your pretzels, red M&Ms, and chocolate chips so you're ready to assemble. When you scoop the dough, I like to use a mini ice cream scoop or simply two tablespoons. Shape the dough balls into small, upside-down triangles and place them on a sprayed or parchment-lined cookie sheet. This shape is the foundation for your reindeer face, so take your time here.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden but the centers still look soft. This is the magic moment for soft, chewy cookies you'll love. Immediately after pulling them from the oven, press gently but firmly to add the pretzel 'antlers' and place a red M&M at the bottom of the triangle for that signature reindeer nose. Once the cookies have cooled for about five minutes but are still warm, carefully press two chocolate chips into the center for eyes-the chips soften slightly for that full, chocolatey look. Let the cookies cool completely on the rack before enjoying or packing them away.
Pro Moves I Swear By
I've baked countless batches of these cookies, and a few tricks always help keep my experience stress-free and fun. From timing the chill to picking press-in toppings at the right moment, these tips will make your batch shine.
- Doneness Cue: Pull the cookies when edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft-this gives that perfect chewy bite.
- Temperature Trick: Make sure your peanut butter and butter are softened but not melted, maintaining the right dough consistency.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can prep the dough a day ahead and keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge or freeze shaped dough balls for longer storage.
- Skip This Pitfall: Avoid over-baking to prevent dry, crumbly cookies; set a timer and check early if your oven runs hot.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I love finishing these Reindeer Cookies Recipe treats by letting the chocolate chips settle in while the cookies are warm, which gives a glossy, just-melted eye effect. The contrast of salty pretzel ears, sweet red M&M noses, and chocolate eyes always draws compliments and looks adorable on the plate. For a glossy finish, you could brush a touch of warmed honey over the pretzels, but honestly, the natural shine is charming enough by itself.
Great Pairings
These reindeer cookies are lovely with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa topped with whipped cream. If you're setting out a dessert platter, add some spiced nuts or dried fruit, which bring a savory-sweet balance and different textures to the mix. I often serve these with a simple vanilla yogurt dip for little ones-it adds a creamy counterpoint to the chewy cookies.
Easy Plating Wins
For a quick and charming presentation, arrange the reindeer cookies in a circle on a festive platter, maybe surrounding a small bowl of extra red candies or holiday-themed sprinkles. If it's a casual family night, stack them neatly on a pretty plate or basket lined with parchment paper. These cookies also make fantastic edible gifts-you can package a half dozen in a clear bag tied with a ribbon for a sweet holiday surprise.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Reindeer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days. As I've learned, keeping them sealed well keeps the pretzels crunchy and the cookies soft-perfect for a late-night holiday snack.
Freezer Notes
These cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the shaped dough balls tightly wrapped on a tray and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready, just bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in a single layer between parchment paper sheets. Thaw at room temperature to keep the cookies soft and fresh.
Reheating Reindeer Cookies Recipe Without Drying Out
To warm these cookies without drying them out, try a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds covered with a damp paper towel. Alternatively, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes wrapped loosely in foil to gently warm through. If you have an air fryer, 3-4 minutes at 320°F does the trick. These gentle reheating methods bring back that fresh-baked softness and keep the pretzels delightfully crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
I recommend avoiding 100% natural peanut butter here because it tends to be too oily or runny, which affects dough texture and baking consistency. Use a creamy, smooth peanut butter that's more stable for the best results.
Choose sturdy mini pretzels and gently press them into the dough after slightly pulling down the cookie shape. Adding them immediately after baking when cookies are warm but still soft helps them stick without snapping.
You can try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but be aware it may affect texture and how the cookies hold together. Adding a little xanthan gum and monitoring bake time can help maintain structure.
Roll uniform dough balls and then press into an upside-down triangle shape using your palm or fingers before baking. This shape creates the face, where pretzel antlers and red M&M noses go, making it truly festive and recognizable.
Final Thoughts
PrintComplete Recipe
Reindeer Cookies Recipe
These festive Reindeer Cookies are a fun and delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft peanut butter cookies are decorated with pretzels for antlers, red M&Ms for noses, and chocolate chips for eyes, making them a playful and delicious snack for both kids and adults.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 26 cookies
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (not 100% natural)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 whole egg
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Decorations
- 52 mini pretzels
- 26 red M&Ms
- 52 chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar using a stand or electric mixer until combined, about 1 minute.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the creamy peanut butter, milk, vanilla extract, and egg to the bowl. Continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a cookie dough forms, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula; be careful not to over-mix.
- Chill Dough: Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Oven and Cookie Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray or line them with parchment paper.
- Form and Arrange Cookies: Using a mini ice cream scoop or 2 tablespoons, portion out 26 dough balls. Arrange each dough ball in an upside-down triangle shape on the cookie sheets. Gently press them slightly flat with the palm of your hand.
- Add Antlers and Nose: Place two mini pretzels on top of each dough ball to form antlers. Press one red M&M near the bottom tip of the triangle to form the reindeer's nose.
- Bake Cookies: Bake one cookie sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Add Eyes and Cool: Immediately after baking, carefully press two chocolate chips into the center of each cookie to form eyes. Let the cookies set on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy these charming Reindeer Cookies, perfect for holiday celebrations or leaving out for Santa.
Notes
- Make sure to use creamy peanut butter that is not 100% natural to ensure proper cookie texture.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies firm for decorating.
- If you prefer, use parchment paper instead of nonstick spray for easier cleanup.
- Press decorations gently after baking to avoid melting or breaking the chocolate chips and M&Ms.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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