Reindeer Cookies

These Reindeer Cookies are an adorable and festive holiday treat that I love making every December. They start with a simple cookie base—either homemade or store-bought—and are decorated with pretzels, candy eyes, and red noses to create sweet little reindeer faces. They’re fun to assemble, super kid-friendly, and always a hit at holiday parties or cookie exchanges.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they’re easy, customizable, and bring instant holiday cheer. They’re perfect for baking with kids or making in batches for gifting. The combination of soft cookie, salty pretzels, and sweet chocolate or candy decorations makes every bite playful and delicious.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookie base (choose one):

• Peanut butter cookie dough
• Chocolate cookie dough
• Sugar cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)

For decorating:

• Mini pretzels (for antlers)
• Candy eyes
• Red M&Ms or red candies (for the nose)
• Melted chocolate or frosting (for attaching decorations)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. I scoop the cookie dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
3. I flatten each dough ball slightly with my palm or a spoon to make a round surface for decorating.
4. I bake the cookies according to the recipe or package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden. I let them cool slightly on the sheet.
5. While the cookies are still warm but not too hot, I gently press two pretzels into the top of each cookie for antlers.
6. I add candy eyes and a red M&M for the nose, using melted chocolate or frosting as glue if needed.
7. I let the cookies cool completely so the decorations set in place before serving or storing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes around 15 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to bake, and 10–15 minutes to decorate. Total time: approximately 35–40 minutes.

Variations

• I use chocolate chip cookies as the base for a delicious twist.
• For a nut-free version, I skip peanut butter and use sugar or gingerbread cookie dough.
• I decorate with mini marshmallows or licorice for different facial features.
• I dip one side of the cookie in chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint for added flair.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking them, I separate layers with parchment paper to protect the decorations. These cookies don’t need reheating and are best enjoyed at room temp.

FAQs

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the cookies a day in advance and decorate them the next day. They hold up well and taste just as good.

What’s the best way to attach the decorations?

I use a dab of melted chocolate or a thick frosting to attach the candy eyes and nose if they don’t stick naturally while the cookie is warm.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Absolutely! This is one of the most fun holiday recipes to make with kids—they love adding the antlers, eyes, and noses.

Can I freeze these cookies?

I freeze the baked cookies before decorating if I want to prep ahead. I thaw them completely, then decorate closer to serving time.

What if the pretzels break?

No problem—I use broken pieces to create different antler shapes. It just adds personality to each cookie!

Conclusion

These Reindeer Cookies are a joyful and festive way to celebrate the season. They’re simple to make, irresistibly cute, and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or Santa himself. Whether I’m baking for a party or just getting into the holiday spirit, these cookies always bring smiles.

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