Description of this recipe:
Reindeer Cookies are a delightful and festive treat, perfect for spreading holiday cheer. These adorable cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate and vanilla with the satisfying crunch of pretzels and the colorful sweetness of M&Ms. Shaped like reindeer, they’re not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make, making them a wonderful activity for families during the holiday season. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes, from the soft, chewy cookie base to the salty pretzels and the sweet candy coating. These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering or as a special homemade gift.
Why you will love this recipe:
You’ll fall in love with these Reindeer Cookies for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. The recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it a convenient and stress-free baking project. Second, the reindeer design is irresistibly cute, adding a touch of whimsy to your holiday celebrations. Kids and adults alike will be charmed by these festive treats. Third, the combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The rich, chocolatey cookie base is perfectly complemented by the salty crunch of pretzels and the sweet, colorful M&Ms. Finally, making these cookies is a fantastic way to create lasting memories with your loved ones. It’s a hands-on activity that encourages creativity and collaboration, making the holiday season even more special.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
- 40 mini pretzel twists
- 60 mini M&M baking bits (brown and red)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared baking sheets aside.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can do this by microwaving it for about 40 seconds. The butter should be mostly melted but not completely liquid. If there are a few small chunks remaining, that’s perfectly fine.
Step 3: Whisk the Butter
Using a whisk, stir the melted butter until it is completely smooth and melted. This ensures that the butter is evenly distributed throughout the dough, resulting in a consistent texture.
Step 4: Combine Sugars
Add the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter. Use the whisk to mix the sugars and butter together until they are well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Egg
Stir in the vanilla extract and the large egg. Continue to mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should be light and airy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients ensures that they are evenly distributed, preventing clumps and creating a consistent texture in the final product.
Step 7: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not overly sticky.
Step 8: Add Chocolate Chips
Stir in the mini semisweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 9: Scoop and Shape
Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop (or a spoon), scoop out portions of the dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This will give the cookies enough room to spread as they bake.
Step 10: Add Pretzels and M&Ms
For each cookie, gently press two mini pretzel twists into the top of the dough to resemble reindeer antlers. Then, add two brown M&M baking bits for the eyes and one red M&M baking bit for the nose.
Step 11: Bake
Bake the cookies for 7-10 minutes, or until they are set. The cookies will be puffy and may still look a little underbaked in the middle. They will continue to set as they cool.
Step 12: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy!
COOKING Rating: 5/5
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Reindeer Cookies with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for a classic holiday treat.
- Package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags to give as homemade gifts to friends and family.
- Arrange them on a festive platter as part of a holiday dessert spread.
- Bring them to holiday parties and gatherings to share with others.
- Enjoy them as a special treat while watching your favorite holiday movies.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best cookie texture.
- Measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping.
- Bake the cookies until they are just set, as they will continue to cook as they cool.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: Approximately 120 kcal Protein: 1 gram Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion:
Reindeer Cookies are the perfect way to add a touch of holiday magic to your baking. With their adorable design, delicious flavor, and easy-to-follow recipe, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, a special gift, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and create lasting memories. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delightful Reindeer Cookies!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate chip?
A: Yes, you can substitute other types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate chips, according to your preference. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the overall flavor of the cookies. You can also use chunks of chocolate if you like a chunkier cookie.
Q2: What if I don’t have mini pretzel twists?
A: If you don’t have mini pretzel twists, you can use regular-sized pretzels and break them into smaller pieces to resemble antlers. Alternatively, you can use other small, crunchy snacks like mini breadsticks or even small pieces of toffee.
Q3: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, simply scoop out the dough and bake as directed. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q4: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
A: To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough. You can also chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.
Q5: Can I add other decorations to the cookies?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your decorations. You can use different colors of M&Ms for the eyes and nose, add sprinkles or edible glitter, or even pipe on some frosting to create additional details. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and let your creativity shine!
