Are you ready to spread some Christmas cheer? These Reindeer Peanut Butter Cookies are guaranteed to bring instant smiles—and honestly, that’s one of my favorite things about holiday baking! I’m all about those heartwarming moments in the kitchen, and these festive cookies deliver every time.
Not only are they adorable and fun to make, but they’re also incredibly easy! With a simple peanut butter cookie dough, a quick pinch, bake, and a few cute decorations, you’ve got a batch of cookies that look impressive but come together in no time.
If you’re looking for an easy Christmas cookie recipe that’s full of charm and flavor, give these a try this holiday season. They’ve been a beloved tradition in our home for years, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in yours too!
These cookies are so fun! We have been making them for about 18 years or so! If you are looking for more fun Christmas treats try these Peanut Butter Christmas Tree Kiss Cookies!
Ingredients
- butter
- brown sugar
- granulated sugar
- egg
- creamy peanut butter
- vanilla
- all purpose flour
- salt
- baking soda
- brown mini m&ms
- red mini m&ms
- mini pretzel twists
See exact quantities in recipe card below
Instructions
After mixing the dough as detailed in the recipe card you will for the dough into one inch balls. To make the reindeer shapes you simply press the bottom of the ball in to form a point. When the cookies are done and being careful not to over bake, remove from oven and immediately begin to decorate. Add the pretzels in a standing up position. Then add the eyes below and the red nose on the tip!
- Step 1: Make a point at bottom of ball of dough
- Step 2: add broken pretzels for antlers
- Step 3: Press to brown eyes in
- Step 4: Add a red m&m for a nose
Watch the video below to see it in action!
Storage
Just store in an airtight container for 3-4 days! So easy and so yummy!
Equipment
I love a well stocked kitchen and know it makes my baking time so much more enjoyable! I LOVE my mixer! And my baking sheets! Here is a LINK to all my fav baking supplies!
FAQs
If your cookie recipe does not fall flat and can hold a Hershey kiss plumply, then of course! My recipe has been tested to hold its shape and stay plump.
Be sure and look at the pictures and video above. You will just slightly pinch the bottom of the dough ball before baking.
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven immediately press the antlers in and do not wiggle them. Press in for a couple seconds then move on to the nest. Having an extra set of hands lets this go quickly.
Holiday Fun
Looking for more holiday baking fun?! Try one of these!
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 90 mini brown m&ms
- 45 mini red m&ms
- 23 mini pretzel twists broken in half
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉.Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Silicone mats can also be use.
- Cream together the butter and sugars in a stand mixer or with a hand held mixer until fluffy. About 2 minutes total. Add the egg and mix in to combine. Add peanut butter and vanilla and mix until smooth and creamy.
- In a bowl whisk together the flour, salt and soda and add to wet mixture. Mix this in JUST until combined. It is important to not over mix.
- Using a small cookie scoop, scoop dough into balls. This is about 1 Tablespoons of dough. Place the dough balls on baking sheet. To make reindeer-shaped cookies, pinch the bottom of the cookie ball slightly to form a point, then gently flatten with your hand.Bake at 375℉ for about 8-10 minutes. Start checking at 8 minutes. Until lightly golden and a couple cracks beginning to form. Do not over bake as it will be hard to decorate.Remove from oven and immediately (and gently) press two pretzels into the tops of the cookies for the reindeer’s antlers. angling them upwards. Press two mini brown M&Ms in for the eyes and one red M&M for the nose. Allow to cool 2 minutes on the baking sheet and then transfer to a wire rack or paper towel to cool completely.
Abi says
These Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies came out perfect: soft centers, crisp edges, and the cutest little faces. Total hit!
Misty Tannery says
I am so glad you liked them! Such a fun cookie!
Hannah H says
My kids loved making and eating these!! 🙂 Not only do they taste great, they're a perfect holiday activity!
Misty Tannery says
I am so glad your family loved them! Happy Holidays!