Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the classic taste of peanut butter cookies with a festive twist. These cookies are shaped and decorated to resemble reindeer, making them a fun activity for kids and a charming addition to any holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Mini pretzels (for antlers)
- Candy eyes (available at most grocery stores or craft stores)
- Red or brown candies (like M&Ms or red hots, for noses)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough is smooth and fully combined.
- Scoop out the dough into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Gently flatten each ball of dough slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Shape the cookies into a reindeer face: Press two mini pretzels into the top of each cookie for the antlers.
- Add two candy eyes below the antlers and press a red or brown candy in the center for the nose.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies at holiday gatherings, as a festive snack, or package them in clear bags for gifts.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but the texture of the cookies may be less smooth, and they may not hold their shape as well when decorated.
2. Are there any substitutes for candy eyes?
If you can’t find candy eyes, use chocolate chips or small dots of icing for the eyes.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure that the pretzels you use are gluten-free, as the basic cookie dough is naturally gluten-free.
4. Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and follow the same instructions. You may need to bake in multiple batches, depending on your oven size.
Enjoy baking these festive Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies and spreading holiday cheer!
PrintPeanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
These charming Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies feature a soft and chewy peanut butter base, adorned with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a red M&M nose to create an adorable reindeer face. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a festive treat to leave out for Santa.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Cookies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Decorations:
- Small pretzel twists (for antlers)
- Candy eyes
- Red M&M’s (for noses)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently flatten each ball into a triangle shape to form the reindeer’s head.
- Add Decorations:
- Press two pretzel twists into the top corners of each triangle to create antlers.
- Place two candy eyes below the antlers.
- Press a red M&M into the lower center of the triangle for the nose.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Be gentle when pressing the pretzels and candies into the dough to maintain the reindeer shape.