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Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies: A Festive Holiday Recipe

  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

Festive peanut butter cookies shaped like reindeer with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and M&M noses. A fun holiday baking project!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pretzel twists (for antlers)
  • Candy eyes
  • Red M&Ms or red candies (for noses)
  • Chocolate frosting or melted chocolate (for attaching decorations)

Instructions

  1. Cream Together Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  2. Add Sugars: Gradually add granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until well combined and smooth.
  3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Chill Dough: Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or longer, even overnight).
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Roll and Cut Out: On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
  9. Place on Baking Sheets: Place cookies on baking sheets, leaving 1-2 inches between each.
  10. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
  11. Cool: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Prepare Decorations: Gather pretzel twists, candy eyes, red M&Ms, and chocolate frosting.
  13. Attach Antlers: Break pretzel twists in half. Press two pretzel halves into the top of each cookie. Use frosting to secure if needed.
  14. Add Eyes: Use frosting to attach candy eyes to each cookie.
  15. Attach Nose: Use frosting to attach a red M&M to the center of each cookie.
  16. Let Frosting Set: Allow the frosting to set completely before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overbake the cookies.
  • Use quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Get creative with decorations!
  • Cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Baked and decorated cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Peanut butter can be substituted with sunflower seed butter or another nut butter alternative.
  • If cookies are spreading too much, chill the dough for a longer period of time.
  • If cookies are too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to the dough.
  • Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

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Find it online: https://butdelicious.com/peanut-butter-reindeer-cookies/