Description of this recipe: These Reindeer Graham Cracker Cookies are a delightful and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking, and are a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Transform simple graham crackers into adorable reindeer with just a few readily available ingredients, creating a charming and delicious snack or dessert that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Simple and Quick: These cookies come together in minutes, making them ideal for busy schedules and last-minute holiday gatherings.
- No-Bake Fun: No oven is required! This makes it a safe and enjoyable activity for children to participate in.
- Festive and Adorable: The reindeer design is undeniably cute and adds a touch of holiday magic to any occasion.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the decorations to your preferences, using different candies or sprinkles.
- Delicious and Satisfying: The combination of graham crackers, chocolate, pretzels, and M&M’s creates a delightful sweet and salty flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz Wilton Light Candy Cocoa Melts (or other chocolate melting wafers)
- 4 Graham Crackers (yielding 8 squares when broken in half)
- 16 small White Candy Eyes
- 16 small Pretzel Twists
- 8 Red Mega M&M’s (or regular-sized M&M’s if Mega M&M’s are unavailable)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Melts
Pour your candy melts into a microwave-safe dish. This step is crucial for creating the smooth, melted chocolate needed to adhere the decorations to the graham crackers. Using a microwave-safe dish ensures that the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t overheat.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Cook on medium heat (50% power) for 2-3 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Microwaving at medium power prevents the chocolate from burning or seizing. Stirring every 30 seconds helps distribute the heat evenly, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency. If the chocolate is not fully melted after 3 minutes, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted.
Step 3: Prepare the Piping Bag
Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag (or use a Ziploc bag. Place it in a glass for stability. Once filled, cut off one corner). A piping bag allows for precise application of the melted chocolate onto the graham crackers. If using a Ziploc bag, place it in a glass to keep it upright and stable while filling. Cutting off a small corner of the bag allows for controlled dispensing of the chocolate.
Step 4: Prepare the Graham Crackers
Break your Graham crackers in half to form a square. This creates the base for your reindeer cookies. Ensure the graham crackers are not stale or broken before proceeding.
Step 5: Frost the Graham Crackers
Frost your Graham cracker square with melted chocolate. Use the piping bag to apply a generous layer of melted chocolate onto each graham cracker square, ensuring complete coverage. This layer of chocolate acts as the “glue” for the reindeer’s features.
Step 6: Add the Reindeer Nose
Turn your Graham crackers at an angle, place 1 large red M&M at one corner. Angling the graham cracker creates the reindeer’s face shape. The red M&M serves as the reindeer’s iconic red nose. Press the M&M gently into the melted chocolate to ensure it adheres securely.
Step 7: Add the Eyes
Place two eyes above the red M&M. The candy eyes bring the reindeer to life! Position them symmetrically above the red nose, pressing them gently into the melted chocolate.
Step 8: Add the Antlers
Finally, place 1 pretzel twist on each side of the top of the Graham cracker. The pretzel twists serve as the reindeer’s antlers. Position them at the top corners of the graham cracker, angling them slightly outward for a more realistic look. Press them firmly into the melted chocolate.
Step 9: Allow to Dry
Allow chocolate to dry completely! This is crucial for preventing the decorations from sliding off and for creating a stable cookie. Place the decorated graham crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper and allow them to dry at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm. You can speed up the drying process by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Very Easy
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Holiday Festive: Highly Festive
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a fun and festive snack at holiday parties.
- Include them in holiday cookie exchanges.
- Package them as adorable gifts for friends and family.
- Enjoy them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
- Use them as edible decorations for holiday desserts.
Tips:
- Use high-quality chocolate melts for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off.
- Make sure the graham crackers are fresh and not stale.
- Get creative with your decorations! Use different colored M&M’s, sprinkles, or other candies to personalize your reindeer.
- Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus drying time)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per cookie)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sodium: 50 mg
Conclusion
These Reindeer Graham Cracker Cookies are a delightful and easy way to spread holiday cheer. They are a perfect activity to do with kids, and the adorable reindeer design is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a festive and delicious treat that will be a hit at any holiday gathering. So gather your ingredients, get creative with your decorations, and enjoy the magic of these Reindeer Graham Cracker Cookies!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?
A: While you can use regular chocolate, candy melts are recommended because they melt smoothly and set firmly, providing a better base for the decorations. If using regular chocolate, add a teaspoon of shortening to help it melt smoothly and prevent it from seizing.
Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, these cookies can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from becoming stale.
Q3: What if I don’t have red M&M’s?
A: You can use other colors of M&M’s or other small red candies, such as red hots or cinnamon candies, for the reindeer’s nose. You could even use a small dollop of red frosting.
Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the chocolate may bloom (develop a white coating) and the graham crackers may become soggy upon thawing.
Q5: My chocolate is seizing up when I melt it. What am I doing wrong?
A: Chocolate seizes up when it comes into contact with even a small amount of water. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry before melting the chocolate. Also, microwaving at too high a power or for too long can cause the chocolate to seize. Use medium power and stir frequently to prevent this. Adding a teaspoon of shortening can also help to prevent seizing.
