If you’re dreaming of a holiday treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, then you’ll absolutely love the Reindeer Cookies: Festive Peanut Butter Treats for the Holidays Recipe. These delightful cookies combine the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with a playful festive twist — pretzel antlers, chocolate chip eyes, and bright red candy noses that make them irresistible for all ages. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just bringing a little extra cheer to your cozy winter afternoons.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings its own magic, crafting a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and visually festive. From the creamy peanut butter adding lush richness to the crunchy pretzels giving a fun antler twist, these ingredients truly come together to make the holidays sweeter.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a smooth base and richness that keeps cookies tender.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moistness and a warm caramel depth to the flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a slight crunch in the final bite.
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy): The star ingredient that gives these cookies their classic, nutty soul.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and give structure.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with a subtle, sweet note.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft body of the cookie.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop just the right texture.
- ½ tsp salt: Perfectly balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
- 48 mini pretzels: Two per cookie to create whimsical antlers that snap with every bite.
- 24 red chocolate candies or red M&M’s: For those adorable reindeer noses that steal the show.
- 48 mini chocolate chips: Used for the eyes, adding cute personality to each cookie.
How to Make Reindeer Cookies: Festive Peanut Butter Treats for the Holidays Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off effortlessly. Setting up ahead keeps things smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creaming process is key to achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will lend a lovely aroma and subtle sweetness to the dough.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, combining thoroughly to create a smooth, pliable dough that’s perfect for shaping.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Scoop the dough into roughly 1½-inch balls using a cookie scoop or your hands. Gently flatten each ball just a bit and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets to prevent sticking as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, signaling they’re perfectly cooked but still soft inside.
Step 7: Add the Reindeer Faces
While the cookies are still warm from the oven, carefully press two mini pretzels on the top edge of each cookie to form antlers, add two mini chocolate chips for eyes just below, and place one red chocolate candy at the center front to serve as the bright, festive nose. This step transforms your cookies from classic peanut butter treats into cheerful holiday reindeer.
Step 8: Let Them Cool Completely
Transfer the decorated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time allows the cookies to set up nicely and makes them easier to handle and package if you’re gifting them.
How to Serve Reindeer Cookies: Festive Peanut Butter Treats for the Holidays Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to take these cookies to the next festive level, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. You can also add edible glitter or a tiny dab of white icing around the eyes for a playful pop.
Side Dishes
Reindeer Cookies pair beautifully with classic holiday beverages like hot cocoa, mulled cider, or even a glass of cold milk. They also work delightfully alongside other festive treats like peppermint bark or spiced nuts, creating a cozy assortment for any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties or gift boxes, arrange your Reindeer Cookies: Festive Peanut Butter Treats for the Holidays Recipe in decorative tins or on charming platters with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly to add greenery and color. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon makes an irresistible handmade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your reindeer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy them over several holiday days.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these peanut butter delights in advance, place the unbaked dough balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and bake fresh whenever the mood strikes. Baked cookies also freeze well for up to three months if wrapped properly.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies’ soft texture after storage, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This cozy warmth brings out the peanut butter aroma and makes them feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture and an extra nutty bite to the cookies, which can be very enjoyable. Just be aware it may slightly change the dough’s consistency.
What if I don’t have red chocolate candies for the noses?
No worries! You can substitute with red M&M’s, cinnamon candies, or even small red jellybeans. The goal is a pop of festive color that looks like a reindeer nose.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can adapt the recipe. Keep in mind the texture might differ slightly depending on the blend you use.
How far in advance can I prepare these cookies for a party?
You can bake and decorate these cookies up to 3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This allows you to enjoy fresh flavors while minimizing last-minute prep stress.
Is it okay to omit the pretzels if someone has a nut allergy?
The pretzels are optional in terms of allergy concerns, but this recipe is based on peanut butter, so it’s not suitable for peanut allergies. If avoiding nuts, you might want to try a completely nut-free cookie instead. For the pretzel piece, they add fun crunch and the reindeer look but can be skipped or substituted with allergy-safe alternatives.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you try this Reindeer Cookies: Festive Peanut Butter Treats for the Holidays Recipe this season. It’s such a joyful way to bring smiles to everyone’s faces and have a bit of fun in the kitchen. These cookies aren’t just tasty; they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen, perfect for sharing warmth and laughter with loved ones. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Print
Reindeer Cookies: Festive Peanut Butter Treats for the Holidays Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Reindeer Cookies are fun and festive holiday treats perfect for all ages. These delightful cookies feature a soft peanut butter base decorated with pretzel antlers, chocolate chip eyes, and a red candy nose, creating adorable edible reindeer that bring holiday cheer to any gathering.
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). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, indicating proper aeration for light cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined into a smooth cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1½-inch balls using a spoon or scoop. Slightly flatten each ball and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they’re cooked through but still soft inside.
- Decorate: While the cookies are still warm, gently press two mini pretzels on the top to form antlers, place two mini chocolate chips for eyes, and position one red candy in the center as the reindeer’s nose.
- Cool: Transfer the decorated cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving or storing to set the shapes and decorations.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and peanut butter are softened for easier creaming with the sugars.
- Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Customize decorating candies to fit holiday themes or personal preferences.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
