Transform simple sugar cookies into festive reindeer faces with pretzel antlers, chocolate chip eyes, and candy noses! These whimsical holiday treats are as fun to make as they are to eat—perfect for cookie swaps, kids’ parties, or leaving out for Santa.
Why You’ll Love These
❤️ Instant holiday cheer – Each reindeer has its own personality!
👩🍳 Kid-friendly decorating – Little hands can help with assembly.
🦌 Customizable – Make Rudolphs, frost antlers, or add scarves!
⏱ Quick to make – Uses store-bought dough for ease.
Ingredients
(Makes 24 cookies)
Base Cookies
-
1 batch sugar cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)
-
Flour for rolling
Decorations
-
24 small pretzel twists, halved (for antlers)
-
48 mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
-
24 pink candies (M&Ms, Sixlets, or frosting dots for noses)
-
Optional:
-
Red candies (Rudolph noses!)
-
White chocolate chips (for snowy eyes)
-
Edible marker (to draw smiles)
-
Tools
-
Baking sheets
-
Parchment paper
-
Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Cookies
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls, flatten slightly, and bake for 10-12 mins until edges are golden.
2. Add Antlers
-
While cookies are still warm, gently press 2 pretzel halves into the top of each for antlers.
3. Decorate Faces
-
Press 2 mini chocolate chips for eyes and 1 pink candy for the nose.
-
Pro tip: Use a dab of frosting to help candies stick if needed.
4. Cool & Set
-
Let cool completely on a rack so decorations harden in place.
Pro Tips
🔸 Warm cookies = sticky surface – Decorations adhere best when just out of the oven.
🔸 Break pretzels carefully – Use a knife to split twists cleanly.
🔸 Make Rudolphs – Use red candies and draw on eyelashes with edible marker!
Variations
🎄 Frosted Antlers – Dip pretzels in melted white chocolate.
❄️ Snowy Reindeer – Dust cookies with powdered sugar.
🍪 Gingerbread Reindeer – Use gingerbread dough instead.
Storage
-
Airtight container: Up to 1 week (pretzels may soften over time).
-
Freeze undecorated cookies: Up to 3 months; decorate after thawing.
Serving Ideas
-
Cookie platter – Pair with snowman and tree cookies.
-
Hot cocoa bar – Serve with marshmallows and candy canes.
-
Gift boxes – Tie with ribbon for edible presents.
Final Thought
These reindeer cookies are holiday magic on a plate—simple, joyful, and guaranteed to spread smiles. Perfect for baking with kids or gifting to neighbors!
More Holiday Cookies to Try:
🌟 Christmas Tree Thumbprints
🎅 Santa Hat Brownies
❄️ Snowball Cookies