Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
Adorable and delicious Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies made with soft, chewy peanut butter dough, decorated with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and colorful M&M noses. A fun, festive treat for holiday baking with kids or cookie exchanges!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies
- Category: Cookies, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
15 red and/or brown M&Ms
30 mini pretzels
30 candy eyeballs (Wilton brand)
Small amount of icing or melted chocolate
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, butter, and sugar for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
6. Scoop 1½ tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls.
7. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until coated.
8. Flatten slightly, then roll into an oval shape, pinching the center gently to create a peanut shape.
9. Place shaped cookies on prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 10 minutes until edges are barely set. Do not overbake.
11. Cool cookies completely on baking sheet (about 20 minutes).
12. Once cool, use icing or melted chocolate to attach two pretzels for antlers at the top.
13. Attach two candy eyeballs about halfway down the cookie using small dots of icing.
14. Add an M&M near the bottom for the reindeer nose.
15. Allow decorations to set for 10–15 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
Candy eyeballs are available in the baking or party aisle at Walmart, Target, or craft stores.
Melted chocolate or white chocolate chips can be used instead of icing for a stronger hold.
For neater results, apply icing to pretzel backs before attaching.
Use creamy, no-stir peanut butter for the best texture.
Rolling dough balls in sugar prevents sticking and adds a sweet crunch.
If using runny icing, allow pretzels to set before adding other decorations.
Find it online: https://pinchofwarmthbakes.com/peanut-butter-reindeer-cookies/