Reindeer cookies are a festive treat that’s perfect for Christmas parties or a fun family baking activity. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they see these adorable reindeer cookies on your holiday table. These delightful treats combine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with charming reindeer decorations, making them almost too cute to eat!
This recipe is designed with busy home bakers in mind, so don’t worry if you haven’t mastered the art of cookie decorating. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your reindeer cookies turn out as delicious as they look.
Ready to spread some Christmas cheer with these charming treats? Let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Decorations:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Red candy melts
- Pretzel sticks
- Candy eyes
Ingredients for Reindeer Cookies
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Reindeer cookie cutter (or use a heart-shaped cutter and adjust accordingly)
- Piping bag or Ziploc bag
Let’s Bake Some Reindeer Cookies:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Cream together the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Expert Tip from Chef Emily Davis: “Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just incorporated.”
2. Chill and Roll Out the Dough:
- Wrap and chill: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will prevent it from spreading too much while baking.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
3. Cut Out and Bake the Cookies:
- Cut out reindeer shapes: Use a reindeer cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough.
- Transfer to baking sheet: Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
- Cool completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating.
Freshly Baked Reindeer Cookies Cooling on a Rack
Decorating Your Reindeer Cookies:
1. Make the Icing:
- Combine powdered sugar and milk: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and free of lumps. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the icing is too thick.
2. Assemble the Reindeer Faces:
- Pipe or spread icing: Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off. Outline and flood each cookie with icing.
- Attach pretzel antlers: While the icing is still wet, gently press two pretzel sticks onto each cookie for the antlers.
- Add the eyes and nose: Attach the candy eyes and a red candy melt for the nose.
Helpful Tip: If you don’t have red candy melts, you can use a small red sprinkle or a dot of red icing for the reindeer’s nose.
3. Let the Icing Set:
- Allow icing to dry completely: Let the cookies sit for about 30 minutes to allow the icing to set completely before serving.
FAQs About Reindeer Cookies:
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie cutter?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or any other shape you prefer. Get creative and adjust the decoration accordingly.
Q: How should I store the decorated cookies?
A: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze the undecorated cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion:
There you have it—a delightful and easy reindeer cookie recipe that’s perfect for the holiday season. These charming treats are not only delicious but also a fun activity for the whole family. So gather your loved ones, put on your aprons, and create some unforgettable holiday memories in the kitchen!
Don’t forget to share your reindeer cookie creations with us! Leave a comment below and tell us about your baking experience. Happy baking!
