Name: Reindeer Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 47 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 2/3 cups brown sugar; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling); Small pretzels (for antlers); Candy eyeballs; Red M&Ms (for noses)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 22 reviews

If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings smiles and a touch of holiday magic, this Reindeer Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine soft, buttery sugar cookies rolled in sparkling sugar, then transformed into playful reindeer with crunchy pretzel antlers, cute candy eyes, and a bright red M&M nose – a perfect combo of sweet, salty, and fun. This recipe not only tastes incredible but also makes for a joyful baking activity, especially when shared with friends or family during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate filled with round, light brown cookies decorated like reindeer faces. Each cookie has two small, golden pretzels placed at the top edges as antlers, two round white candy eyes with black centers near the top middle, and a small red candy at the center bottom representing the nose. The cookies have a slightly cracked texture and sit closely together on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is super straightforward, yet every item plays a key role in making these reindeer cookies truly special. From the warm spices in the dough to the crunchy pretzels for antlers, each element helps build flavor, texture, or that charming appearance.

All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation for a tender, perfect cookie structure.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Provides just the right lift for a soft bite.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warm spice that feels cozy and seasonal.
Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Brings richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brown sugar (1 2/3 cups): Offers moisture and deep molasses notes to the cookie.
Maple syrup (1 teaspoon): A hint of natural sweetness and complexity to the dough.
Large egg (1) and egg yolk (1): Bind the dough and contribute to softness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses classic, aromatic sweetness.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, for rolling): Creates a sparkling, crunchy coating on each cookie.
Small pretzels: Perfectly shaped for adorable reindeer antlers.
Candy eyeballs: Essential for giving your cookies that cute, lively expression.
Red M&Ms: The cherry-red noses that complete the look with festive flair.

How to Make Reindeer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This combination creates a subtly spiced base for your cookies, giving just the right hint of warmth that feels so comforting.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy and soft, then add the brown sugar and maple syrup. Beat this mixture until it becomes light and fluffy – this step is key for that tender, moist cookie texture everyone loves.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything’s combined. These ingredients bring richness and enhance the flavors in the dough, laying the groundwork for that classic cookie taste.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add your dry mixture into the wet, stirring until the dough just forms. You want to be gentle here to keep the dough soft and ready for rolling.

Step 6: Shape and Chill Dough Balls

Scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough per ball, roll them smooth, then coat each in granulated sugar to add a sparkling finish. Chill the dough balls for 15 to 30 minutes – this helps them hold their shape and get that perfect texture after baking.

Step 7: Bake and Decorate

Arrange six dough balls on each prepared sheet, leaving enough space between for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges set but centers remain soft. While cookies are still warm, gently press on small pretzels for antlers, candy eyeballs, and a red M&M for the adorable nose. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.

How to Serve Reindeer Cookies Recipe

A white plate holds seven round cookies arranged in a slightly overlapping stack. Each cookie is light brown and soft-looking with a slightly wrinkled surface. Two small black-and-white candy eyes are placed near the top center of each cookie. Above the eyes, two small golden pretzels sit side by side like antlers. Below the eyes, a single round red candy is positioned in the middle to represent a nose. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your reindeer cookies even more festive, consider dusting lightly with powdered sugar for a frosty look or adding edible glitter to the pretzel antlers. These small touches elevate the presentation and bring the cookies to holiday party center stage.

Side Dishes

Serve these Reindeer Cookies Recipe treats alongside hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a warm spiced apple cider. The warm beverages complement the sweet and salty notes of the cookies, creating an inviting seasonal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your cookies on a platter shaped like a sleigh or a Christmas tree for visual fun. Wrapping individual cookies in festive cellophane tied with a ribbon makes them perfect for gift-giving or party favors, spreading holiday cheer wherever they go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover reindeer cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their soft texture and tasty charm for up to 5 days, which means more joy well beyond the baking day.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies ready for a festive surprise later on, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw — just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, pop cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness without drying them out, making every bite feel like straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce added salt slightly to balance the flavors properly. Unsalted butter gives you better control over sodium levels and flavor precision.

What if I don’t have candy eyeballs?

You can use mini chocolate chips or small white candies, drawing pupils with edible markers, or skip the eyes altogether for a simpler look.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these Reindeer Cookies Recipe creations stay delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Is it okay to substitute pretzels for the antlers?

Absolutely! Pretzels add a delightful crunch and salty contrast, but you could also try thin cookie sticks or even small twisted breadsticks if you prefer.

Can children help make these cookies?

Definitely! Decorating with pretzels, candy eyes, and M&Ms is a fun, safe way for kids to get involved in the kitchen and enjoy the festive spirit of baking.

Final Thoughts

This Reindeer Cookies Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen projects that bring warmth, laughter, and delicious results all in one go. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a holiday party, these cookies are sure to be a hit that everyone will ask for again. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make some merry memories with this charming recipe!