Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for an absolutely delightful holiday treat, you’re in for a real win with this Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Recipe. These little cuties are my family’s absolute favorite around Christmas time, and trust me, once you try making them, you’ll see why! They’re super simple but incredibly charming, combining that classic peanut butter cookie flavor with adorable reindeer decorations that are fun to assemble and even more fun to eat.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love that the ingredients for this Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Recipe are simple and easy to find, yet they come together to make something truly special. Each one plays a role — the peanut butter gives rich flavor and soft texture, while the pretzels give that iconic antler crunch!

• Peanut Butter: Use smooth, not all-natural peanut butter for the best texture and sweetness balance.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works great here for that classic cookie sweetness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the cookie dough together perfectly.
• Pretzels: Break them in half to create the reindeer antlers; their crunch and saltiness are key.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: These become the cute nose bases; I’ve found using mini size fits perfectly on each cookie.
• M&M’s (or colored candy): Choose red or any fun color for the reindeer noses.
• Candy Eyes or Mini Chocolate Chips: These make the sweetest little reindeer eyes and add personality to each cookie.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over the years, I’ve tried a few tweaks that added even more personality — feel free to experiment and find your favorites!

• Nut-Free Version: I once swapped peanut butter for sunflower seed butter for a nut allergy-friendly batch — still delicious and kid-approved!
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Adding mini chocolate chips right into the dough adds a lovely melty surprise inside each cookie.
• Holiday Spice: Sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough gave it a cozy festive vibe my family loved.
• Vegan Adaptation: Using a flax egg replacement and vegan peanut butter lets you keep all the cuteness and flavor plant-based.

How to Make Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F. I always grease my mini muffin tin well — trust me, it makes removing these delicate little cookies so much easier! If you don’t have a mini tin, a regular muffin tin works too, but your cookies will be larger, and you’ll need fewer decorations accordingly.

Step 2: Mix Up the Cookie Dough

In a simple bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth and fully combined. The dough is pretty thick and sticky; that’s exactly what you want. This part is a lifesaver because the dough doesn’t spread too much during baking.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough into each muffin cup. Press them gently down with the back of the scoop or your fingers so they form a nice even base. Pop the tin into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden on the edges.

Step 4: Add the Reindeer Faces

Right after you pull the cookies out while they’re still warm, press one mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie — the heat will slightly melt the chocolate, helping the pretzel “antlers” stick. Then add two pretzel halves for antlers, one M&M for the nose, and two candy eyes or mini chocolate chips. I love how these details make each cookie so festive and fun!

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest in the tin for about 5 minutes before gently removing them to a cooling rack. I sometimes struggle with removing them too soon, which causes breakage, so this cooling step is key. Once cooled, they’re ready to impress at your holiday party or just to enjoy with a glass of milk.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the decorations on the cookies as they are for maximum cuteness, but sometimes I dust a little powdered sugar over the whole batch to mimic a snowy effect. It adds a charming touch and makes them look extra festive!

Side Dishes

These Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are perfect on their own but also pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk. I like to serve them alongside a cozy holiday punch at Christmas gatherings for a crowd-pleasing snack table.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these cookies on a festive platter lined with pine sprigs and holly berries, making them look like a reindeer parade! Wrapping a few in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon makes for sweet little gifts that always get rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might not!), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for about 3-4 days, although in my house, they never last that long! Keeping them out of the fridge actually preserves the cookie’s softness better.

Freezing

I once froze extra batches by wrapping each cookie loosely in parchment and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed at room temperature, they tasted just as fresh as the day I baked them—perfect for planning ahead during the hectic holiday season.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds — just enough to soften the peanut butter cup a bit again and bring that fresh-baked vibe back. Be careful not to overheat or the M&Ms might melt too much!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how these Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Recipe turn out—not just because they taste amazing, but because they bring so much festive joy to baking and eating. When I first tried making them, I was impressed at how simple it was to get professional-looking results that wowed family and friends. I hope you’ll find as much fun and deliciousness in this recipe as I do every holiday season. Give it a go and watch your own kitchen fill with giggles, warm smells, and happy tummies!

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