Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy during the festive season. They are not only simple to make, but they also look adorable. Everyone loves cookies that taste good and make you smile. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet brown sugar, and a touch of chocolate creates a flavor that is hard to resist. Families will enjoy baking these cookies together, creating memories that last a lifetime. Plus, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends or for holiday gatherings.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love making Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies for many reasons. First, they are fun to create with children or friends. You can all gather in the kitchen, roll the dough into balls, and shape them into cute reindeer. It is a great way to spend time together during the holidays. Second, these cookies are delicious! The rich peanut butter flavor blends well with the sweetness of the M&Ms and the crunch of the pretzels. Each bite is a sweet surprise. Third, they are a great addition to any holiday cookie tray. Their unique shape and festive decorations make your dessert table stand out. Lastly, they are easy to make with common ingredients you probably already have at home.

HOW TO MAKE Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Making these cookies is as simple as following a few easy steps. The process is quick, which means you can enjoy them sooner rather than later.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To create Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies, you will need some basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Wire rack or paper towels

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to bake Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies:

• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• Chocolate-covered mini pretzels (for antlers)
• Mini brown M&Ms (for eyes)
• Regular-sized red M&Ms (for nose)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, peanut butter, shortening, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the mixture at medium speed until everything is well blended.
4. Add the egg to the mixture and beat until just blended.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Slowly add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture at low speed. Mix just until blended; do not overmix.
7. Form the dough into 1-inch balls. To make reindeer-shaped cookies, pinch the bottom of each ball slightly to form a point. Then, gently flatten the ball with your hand.
8. Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes, until set or just beginning to brown.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven. Immediately and gently press two mini pretzels into the tops of the cookies for the reindeer’s antlers. Next, press two mini brown M&Ms in for the eyes and one red M&M for the nose.
11. Allow the cookies to cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack or paper towel to cool completely.

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are perfect for serving during the holiday season. You can place them on a festive platter or in a holiday-themed tin. They are great for parties, cookie exchanges, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy snack.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

To keep your Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply take them out, let them thaw at room temperature, and they will be just as tasty as the day you made them.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

When serving Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies, you can add some festive touches. Consider arranging them with other holiday desserts like sugar cookies or fudge. You can offer some hot chocolate or apple cider on the side. This way, you can create a fun dessert table for family and friends to enjoy. Kids will love decorating the cookies, and adults will appreciate the tasty treats.

VARIATIONS

There are many fun ways to change up Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Nut-Free Version: Use sun butter or another nut alternative instead of peanut butter for a nut-free cookie.
• Chocolate Chip Addition: Stir in some chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Sprinkle Toppings: Add festive sprinkles on top of the cookies for a more colorful and fun look.
• Different Shapes: You can mold the dough into different shapes, such as snowmen or Christmas trees, for variety.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure it is well-stirred and smooth to ensure a good dough consistency.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature before shaping and baking.

3. What if I don’t have shortening?

You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of butter or margarine. The flavor will change slightly but will still be delicious.

4. Are Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour. However, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

If you want to prepare for the holidays, here are some make-ahead tips:

• Dough Prep: Make the dough a day or two in advance. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
• Baked Cookies: You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Just decorate them close to when you plan to serve them for the best presentation.
• Freezing: As mentioned earlier, you can freeze the baked cookies. Thaw them when needed for parties or family gatherings.

These tips will help you enjoy making and sharing Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies without the stress of last-minute preparation. Happy baking!

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