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Home » Desserts

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Updated: Aug 1, 2025 · Published: Dec 4, 2024 by Misty Tannery · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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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!

White platter filled with reindeer cookies, each decorated with pretzel antlers and red candy noses.
A holiday classic! Peanut butter Reindeer Cookies with red noses and chocolate details are always a hit.

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!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Storage
  • Equipment
  • Holiday Fun
  • Quick Weeknight Meals

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!

  1. Step 1: Make a point at bottom of ball of dough
  1. Step 2: add broken pretzels for antlers
  1. Step 3: Press to brown eyes in
  1. Step 4: Add a red m&m for a nose

Watch the video below to see it in action!

These actually come together very quickly! And perfect for all the holiday parties and festivities!

Two zoomed-in reindeer cookies on a red background showing detailed decoration.
A closer look at the festive faces—these cookies are almost too cute to eat!

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!

Holiday Fun

Looking for more holiday baking fun?! Try one of these!

  • Peanut Butter Christmas Tree Kiss Cookies
  • Double Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies 
  • Reese's Thins Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
  • Pumpkin Bars

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White platter filled with reindeer cookies, each decorated with pretzel antlers and red candy noses.
Print Recipe

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Festive and fun Reindeer Peanut Butter Cookies made with a soft cookie base and decorated with pretzels, chocolate, and candy for the perfect holiday treat!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time8 minutes mins
Decorating5 minutes mins
Total Time18 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas cookies, christmas trees, cookies, peanut butter cookies, reindeer
Servings: 45
Calories: 114kcal
Author: Misty Tannery - www.learneditfrommymom.com

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

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Misty Tannery-Learned it from My Mom Profile

Thank you for being here! I’m a home cook and food blogger sharing easy, delicious recipes made with love—just like my mom taught me! From quick weeknight dinners to sweet Southern desserts, I post new recipes daily to keep your kitchen inspired. Follow for family favorites, holiday treats, and everyday meals you’ll actually want to make!

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