Reindeer Cookies
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I’ve always loved fun holiday bakes that make people smile before they even take a bite. These Christmas Reindeer Cookies do exactly that. They’re buttery, chewy, and decorated with antlers and red noses that instantly make these Rudolph cookies the star of any cookie tray for your Christmas party.
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Why You’ll Love These Cute Christmas Reindeer Cookies
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Brown sugar and maple give the cookies a rich, deeper flavor than a standard sugar cookie.
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The dough bakes up soft and chewy, which makes a great base for the reindeer decorations.
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You only need a few simple add-ons (pretzels, candy eyes, and M&Ms) to make these Rudolph cookies look festive.
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They hold up well for gifting or bringing to holiday get-togethers.
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Decorating these fun reindeer cookies keeps things light and fun in the kitchen, especially if others are helping out.
- Perfect cute reindeer cookies for cookie trays, cookie swap and holiday party fun.
Ingredients You Need
Bake the perfect batch of Christmas reindeer cookies with this easy recipe. These adorable treats use simple ingredients and are great for a holiday cookie swap. Perfect for making with kids or serving at your next winter party. Try this recipe for a sweet way to celebrate the holidays and share with friends.
Cute Reindeer Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
- 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 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 large egg, plus 1 large yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling cookies
Rudolph Reindeer Heads
- Reindeer Eyes: candy eyes
- Reindeer Antlers: Mini pretzels or pretzel pieces
- Reindeer Nose: Red m&m’s or Red hots
Instructions How to Make Cute Reindeer Cookies for the Holiday Season
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
- Add the brown sugar and maple syrup. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until dough forms.
- Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), portion cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Roll dough into smooth balls, then coat in granulated sugar. Chill for 15–30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake 6 cookies per sheet for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just set.
- Right after baking, on the top of the cookie, gently press in pretzels for antlers, candy eyes, and a red M&M for the nose.
- Cool those adorable reindeer cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Store Reindeer Christmas Cookies
Keep your reindeer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to make them ahead for Christmas, you can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Just thaw and decorate before serving so the pretzels stay crisp.
More Variations For Your Reindeer Christmas Cookies
- Flavor twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or ginger to the dough for a spiced cookie version.
- Different noses: Use gumdrops or jelly beans instead of M&Ms for a fun look on your Rudolph cookies
- Chocolate lovers: Dip the bottom of the baked cookies in melted chocolate for extra richness.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Chill the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping.
Do I need to decorate the reindeer face while cookies are hot?
Yes, press in the antlers and candies while the cookies are still warm so they stick securely.
Can I double this Reindeer Christmas Cookies recipe?
Absolutely. This is a great batch cookie for Christmas, so doubling works well if you’re baking for a party or gift boxes.
These Christmas reindeer cookies are fun to make, easy to decorate, and always get attention on a holiday table. Bake them with kids, bring them to a party, or add them to a cookie tray, and they’ll bring instant cheer. This Christmas cookies reindeer recipe is simple, memorable, and one you’ll want to bake again.
Want more quick ideas? Follow on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for recipe updates, baking tips, and lots of sweet inspiration.
More Christmas Treat Ideas
- 65 Best Christmas Cookies Recipes
- 65 Best Christmas Cookies Cookbook
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- M&M Christmas Cookies
- 60 Easy No Bake Christmas Treats
- Christmas Cowboy Cookies
- Santa’s Christmas Trash Cookies
- Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Ugly Sweater Christmas Cookies
- Vanilla Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Christmas Reindeer Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling
- Small pretzels for antlers
- Candy eyeballs
- Red M&Ms for noses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add brown sugar and maple syrup. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 3 tablespoons each).
- Roll into smooth balls, coat in granulated sugar, and chill for 15–30 minutes.
- Place 6 dough balls per sheet and bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set.
- While cookies are still warm, gently press in pretzels for antlers, candy eyes, and a red M&M nose.
- Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping.
- Cookies freeze well undecorated for up to 2 months. Decorate after thawing for best texture.
- Try swapping the cinnamon for nutmeg or ginger for a spiced version.
Nutrition
Thank you so much! Yes the flavors are big and delicious!
Not only are these Reindeer cookies crazy adorable, they are also sooo delicious. I love how the brown sugar and maple syrup flavors really come through.