These Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! Theyโre fun, festive, and absolutely delicious, combining the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with a touch of whimsy. Whether youโre baking with kids or looking to impress at a holiday party, these cookies are sure to delight.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun:ย These cookies look like adorable reindeer, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Kid-friendly:ย A great recipe to involve children in decorating and creating.
- Delicious flavor:ย Peanut butter pairs beautifully with chocolate for a treat everyone will love.
- Simple ingredients:ย You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!
- Customizable:ย You can easily adapt the recipe with your favorite candies and decorations.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Peanut butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Mini pretzels
- Chocolate chips
- Red or brown candy pieces for noses
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or a spoon.
- Decorate the cookies by pressing two mini pretzels at the top to form antlers, two chocolate chips for eyes, and a candy piece in the center for the nose.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย Approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size.
- Prep time:ย 15 minutes
- Cook time:ย 10 minutes
- Total time:ย 25 minutes
Variations
- Change the base flavor:ย Substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Add sprinkles:ย Sprinkle colorful holiday sprinkles on the cookies before baking for extra festivity.
- Use different candies:ย Swap out the red candies for green or white ones, or use chocolate-coated candies for the noses.
- Gluten-free:ย Use gluten-free pretzels and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Double chocolate:ย Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing:ย Freeze the decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating:ย While these cookies donโt need reheating, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake and decorate when ready.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of pretzels for antlers?
You can use piped melted chocolate or break small pieces of chocolate-covered pretzel sticks for a creative twist.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure itโs well-stirred as natural peanut butter can be oily, which might affect the dough consistency.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
You can try replacing the egg with a flax egg or applesauce, though the texture may vary slightly.
Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
No, this recipe can be mixed by hand. A sturdy spatula or spoon works perfectly.
How do I prevent the decorations from sliding off?
Press the decorations gently into the dough before baking, and ensure the cookies cool completely before moving them.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredient quantities. Ensure you have enough baking sheets for larger batches.
Are these cookies safe for nut allergies?
If you replace peanut butter with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter and ensure no cross-contamination, they can be allergy-friendly.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. With their charming appearance and irresistible flavor, theyโre sure to become a family favorite. Whether youโre baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or just for fun, these cookies will spread holiday cheer with every bite. Give this recipe a try and create sweet memories this festive season!
Print
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are a delightful and festive treat, perfect for the holiday season. These chewy peanut butter cookies are decorated to resemble reindeer faces, complete with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and red M&M noses. Theyโre not only delicious but also fun to make, especially with kids.
Ingredients
For the 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 soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Decoration:
- Mini pretzel twists (for antlers)
- Red M&Mโs (for noses)
- Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes (for eyes)
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 soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball with your palm to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Add Antlers:
- Break mini pretzel twists into halves to create antlers.
- Press two pretzel halves into the top of each cookie to form the reindeerโs antlers.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Decorate:
- Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a red M&M into the lower center of each cookie for the nose.
- Add two mini chocolate chips or candy eyes above the nose for the eyes.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Using creamy peanut butter provides a smoother texture, but chunky peanut butter can be used if you prefer a bit of crunch.
- If you donโt have candy eyes, mini chocolate chips work well as substitutes.
- For a festive touch, you can use red and green M&Mโs for the noses.
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