10 Delightful Christmas Reindeer Cookies for the Holidays

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by Mia Hanry

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The holiday season brings a sprinkle of joy and a dash of magic, especially when it comes to baking. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that not only tastes delightful but also looks like a cheerful reindeer! Christmas Reindeer Cookies are not just treats; they embody the spirit of the holidays with their playful design and rich flavors, making them perfect for any festive gathering. perfect holiday feast delicious holiday treats

Christmas Reindeer Cookies
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Every year, as the snow begins to fall, my kitchen transforms into a winter wonderland filled with laughter, flour snowstorms, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. The sight of these adorable reindeer cookies always reminds me of my childhood days when my family would gather around to decorate them. With each bite, I relish the sweet memories while enjoying a cookie that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of spice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Christmas Reindeer Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules
  • Their delightful flavor profile combines classic cookie goodness with festive spices
  • Visually appealing, these cookies become the star of your dessert table
  • Versatile enough for any holiday occasion or as fun gifts for friends and family!

Everyone who tries these cookies can’t help but smile at their whimsical appearance and delicious taste. One year, my niece took one look at them and exclaimed they were too cute to eat—until she took a bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies; use unbleached for better flavor and texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that delightful crisp edge.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper flavor; I always opt for light brown sugar.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels; make sure it’s softened.
  • Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together while adding richness.
  • Baking Powder: For that perfect rise—ensure it’s fresh for best results.
  • Cinnamon: A warm spice that evokes cozy holiday vibes; don’t skimp on this!
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances all the flavors; imitation just won’t cut it here.
  • M&Ms or Chocolate Chips: These are essential for creating the reindeer’s nose and eyes; go for festive colors!
  • Pretzel Twists: Used as antlers—get creative with your choices here!
  • Icing or Royal Icing: To decorate and bring your reindeer to life; homemade or store-bought works great!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. savory stuffing recipe.

Recipe preparation

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your cookie dough. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect bake!

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of all dry ingredients.

Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes—don’t rush this step!

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract. Beat well after each addition until fully incorporated.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures : Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.

Scoop and Shape Cookies : Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough onto lined baking sheets. Shape them into slightly flattened rounds; leave space between each cookie because they will spread.

Bake Until Golden Brown : Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown. Let cool on sheets before transferring them to wire racks.

Decorate Your Reindeer : Once cooled, use icing to attach M&Ms as noses and eyes while placing pretzel twists as antlers. Get creative—it’s all about having fun!

Now you’re ready to present these charming Christmas Reindeer Cookies! Enjoy sharing them with family or at festive gatherings—just don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly! fun Christmas desserts. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Double Chocolate Cookies recipe.

You Must Know

  • Baking Christmas Reindeer Cookies is a delightful holiday tradition
  • These cookies not only taste amazing but also look adorable, bringing smiles to both kids and adults
  • The sweet aroma as they bake fills your home with festive cheer, making it a true holiday experience

Perfecting the Cooking Process

When making Christmas Reindeer Cookies, start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, mix in your eggs and vanilla before gradually adding the dry ingredients for a smooth cookie dough. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or add crushed peppermint for a festive twist. You can also experiment with different icing colors for even more fun!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas Reindeer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To ensure perfect Christmas Reindeer Cookies, chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading
  • Use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor
  • Don’t overbake; they’re best soft and chewy right out of the oven!

Baking these cookies always reminds me of the time my niece tried to decorate them with more sprinkles than cookie! It was an epic mess but filled our kitchen with laughter and joy.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chilling the dough overnight enhances flavor and makes it easier to handle.

What can I use instead of butter?

You can substitute with coconut oil or margarine, but the taste may vary slightly.

How do I decorate my reindeer cookies?

Use royal icing for detailing and edible glitter for that extra sparkle during the holidays!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Christmas Reindeer Cookies

Christmas Reindeer Cookies


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  • Author: Mia Hanry
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

Description

These whimsical Christmas Reindeer Cookies are a festive treat that combines the joy of baking with holiday cheer. Soft and chewy, these cookies feature delightful flavors and a playful design that will bring smiles to both kids and adults alike. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as sweet gifts, they embody the spirit of the season in every bite.


Ingredients

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  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup M&Ms (for decoration)
  • Pretzel twists (for antlers)
  • Icing or royal icing (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
  4. Gradually add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just mixed.
  6. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets, shaping into flattened rounds.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown; cool on wire racks.
  8. Decorate cooled cookies using icing to attach M&Ms as noses and eyes, and pretzel twists as antlers.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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