Jolly Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Recipe You’ll Love

Sweet holiday magic happens when playful peanut butter reindeer cookies dance onto your festive plate.

Childhood memories sparkle with each adorable chocolate-adorned treat.

Rudolph-inspired desserts bring whimsy to seasonal baking adventures.

Crafting these delightful morsels requires minimal ingredients and maximum creativity.

Little hands and big imaginations collaborate perfectly in this cheerful kitchen project.

Decorative antlers and cute pretzel ears transform simple cookies into delightful woodland creatures.

You’ll want to gather everyone around and start creating these irresistible seasonal delights.

FAQ Guide for Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

• Are peanut butter cookies safe for kids to make?

Absolutely! Kids can help with mixing dough, rolling balls, and decorating. Always supervise them near hot ovens and sharp tools.

• Can I use different candies for decorating?

Yes! You can swap red M&Ms or red candy melts for the nose, and use different shaped pretzels or chocolate pieces for antlers.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

• What kind of peanut butter works best for this recipe?

Use creamy, smooth peanut butter for the most consistent texture. Avoid natural peanut butters that separate, as they can make cookies too oily.

Why Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Make Kids Smile

• Quick and Easy Holiday Cookies
• Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these reindeer cookies a breeze to create, perfect for busy bakers wanting a delightful holiday treat.
• Transform plain cookies into adorable reindeer with pretzels, candy eyes, and red noses, turning baking into a fun family activity that sparks creativity and holiday joy.
• Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes for easier handling, allowing even novice bakers to achieve picture-perfect cookies without frustration.
• Arrange these charming reindeer cookies on a festive platter or package them as heartwarming homemade gifts that will bring smiles to friends and family during the holiday season.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Reindeer Cookies

• Butter: Rich base that adds flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Peanut Butter: Provides signature nutty taste and creamy consistency to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that contribute to cookie's flavor and help with caramelization.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and helps create structure in the cookie.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and body to the cookie dough.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Mini Pretzels: Creates fun antler shape for reindeer design.
• Candy Eyes: Adds playful character to cookie decoration.
• Red Candy: Represents reindeer nose, typically a red button or M&M.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the cookie base.

Making Reindeer Cookies with Peanut Butter Ears

Step 1: Whip Up Cookie Dough

Combine butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well blended.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until soft dough forms.

Step 3: Chill The Dough

Cover cookie dough and refrigerate for half an hour to make handling easier.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Balls

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball using hand or glass bottom.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges look set. Cookies will remain soft but firm while cooling.

Step 7: Transform Into Reindeer

• Mini pretzels for antlers
• Candy eyes
• Red candy nose

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling. Display on festive platter or package as delightful holiday gifts.

Helpful Tips for Decorating Reindeer Cookies

• Chill for Easy Handling: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to prevent sticking and make shaping cookies a breeze.
• Perfect Baking Technique: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers are still soft for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Decorate While Warm: Press pretzels, candy eyes, and red nose immediately after baking while cookies are still warm to help decorations adhere perfectly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these festive treats celiac-friendly.
• Storage Savvy: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer enjoyment.

Store Your Reindeer Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Layer cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and keep for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore softness.
• Avoid storing decorated cookies with candy eyes and pretzels for extended periods, as these toppings might become soggy or lose their crispness.

Snacks That Pair Well with Reindeer Cookies

• Warm, creamy hot chocolate complements the nutty peanut butter cookies, creating a cozy winter treat that enhances the holiday spirit.
• Smooth, sweet vanilla milk balances the cookies' rich flavor and provides a classic, comforting beverage for all ages.
• Aromatic, warming cinnamon tea cuts through the cookie's sweetness and adds a delightful seasonal twist to the dessert experience.
• Smooth caramel notes and espresso undertones create a sophisticated pairing that elevates the playful reindeer cookie design.

Reindeer Cookie Variations to Test Out

• Gluten-Free Holiday Reindeer Cookies: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same festive charm.
• Vegan Peanut Butter Reindeer Treats: Replace butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of chicken egg, and select dairy-free chocolate candies for eyes and nose.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Cookies: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic reindeer design.
• Nut-Free Festive Cookies: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and omit nuts completely for those with nut allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy these holiday treats.

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Playful peanut butter reindeer cookies bring holiday cheer with their whimsical design and delightful flavor. Festive treats that spark joy and delight children and adults alike, these charming cookies promise sweet memories of seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Cookie Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorating Ingredients:

• Mini pretzels
• Candy eyes
• Red candy-coated chocolates

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Instructions

1. Cream together butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookie dough.
2. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform wet mixture.
3. In a separate container, combine flour, baking soda, and salt, whisking to distribute leavening agents evenly.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, gently mixing until a cohesive dough develops.
5. Refrigerate dough for half an hour to enhance flavor and improve handling consistency.
6. Heat oven to 350F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
7. Portion dough into uniform balls, spacing them across the lined baking sheet to allow proper spreading.
8. Gently press each cookie ball to create a slightly flattened surface for even baking.
9. Bake until edges turn golden and centers appear set, approximately 8-10 minutes.
10. While cookies remain warm, carefully position pretzel pieces to resemble reindeer antlers.
11. Delicately attach candy eyes and red candy nose to transform cookies into adorable reindeer characters.
12. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for brief cooling, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
13. Display or package cookies for festive holiday sharing and gifting.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading during baking and create a more compact cookie shape.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Replace traditional pretzels with gluten-free pretzels to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Swap regular peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free alternatives that still deliver delicious results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg