Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

These Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are festive, fun, and perfect for holiday baking — a soft, peanut-butter cookie base decorated with pretzel “antlers”, candy eyes and noses that make each cookie look like a cute little reindeer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these cookies because they combine the rich, comforting flavor of peanut butter with the playful joy of holiday-themed cookies. They’re easy enough for bakers of any level, and decorating them with pretzels and candy transforms ordinary cookies into adorable treats that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Plus, the combination of sweet peanut butter cookie and salty pretzel antlers gives a delightful sweet-salty contrast.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• about 72 small pretzel twists (for antlers)
• about ½ cup chocolate chips (for eyes and noses — or use M&Ms for noses)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and smooth peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well.
3. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and baking soda, mixing until the dough comes together and is well incorporated.
4. Roll the dough into approximately 36 balls. Flatten each ball slightly and shape into an upside-down triangle.
5. Press two small pretzel twists into the top corners of each triangle to form antlers. Then press two chocolate chips into the center for the eyes, and one chocolate chip (or an M&M) at the bottom for the nose.
6. Place the cookies on a baking sheet, spaced apart, and bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Yields about 36 cookies. Total time is approximately 40 minutes (about 30 minutes prep, 10–15 minutes bake).

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you need to reheat them, warm briefly in a preheated oven (low temperature) or microwave for a few seconds — just enough to soften slightly before serving.

FAQs

What if I don’t have pretzel twists for the antlers?

You can substitute pretzel sticks broken in half, or even use chocolate-coated pretzels. As long as you have something firm and “stick-like” to resemble antlers, you can be creative.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter?

It’s best to use regular creamy (not natural) peanut butter — natural peanut butter often has different texture and oil separation, which can affect how the dough bakes and holds shape.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Yes — you can shape smaller balls for bite-sized cookies or slightly larger ones for a bigger treat. Just be sure to adjust baking time: smaller cookies bake a bit faster, larger ones may need a minute or two more.

What if I don’t want to use chocolate chips for eyes/noses?

You can use small candy eyes, colored candies (like M&Ms), or even small drops of melted chocolate — whatever you have on hand, as long as they stick when pressed into the warm cookies.

Can I make dough ahead of time?

Yes. After mixing, you can refrigerate the dough (covered) for a day or two before shaping and baking. This can actually help make shaping easier.

Are these cookies kid-friendly for decorating?

Absolutely — decorating with pretzels and candy eyes/noses is simple and fun, so kids can help with shaping and decorating under adult supervision.

Can I make a nut-free version for someone allergic to peanuts?

Yes — you could use a simple sugar cookie dough instead of peanut butter dough, and decorate in the same reindeer-style way. The look stays festive even if flavor changes.

What makes the cookies chewy vs crunchy?

The combination of peanut butter and butter gives a rich, slightly chewy texture. Baking until edges are golden but centers still soft helps maintain chewiness.

How do I keep pretzel antlers from falling off after baking?

Press them gently into the dough before baking, making sure they’re well embedded. Let cookies cool completely before moving them — this helps the pretzels stay secure.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes — once baked and cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and, if desired, warm briefly before serving.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings together the cozy flavor of peanut butter cookies with fun, festive decorations. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, dessert tray, or simple family treat, this recipe is easy, playful, and delicious — making it a perfect choice for festive baking.

Print