Every year when the holidays roll around, I love finding fun, easy ways to bring a little extra magic into the kitchen. And let me tell you, these Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are always a hit! Whether you’re baking with the kids or just want something festive to share with friends, these adorable little reindeer cookies are guaranteed to spread some cheer. Plus, who can resist the combo of peanut butter and pretzels? (I know I can’t!)

The best part? They’re super simple to make, and decorating them is so much fun. You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull these off — just a love for cute treats and a few simple ingredients. So, let’s grab our aprons, and I’ll walk you through how to make these irresistible cookies that will definitely steal the show at your next holiday gathering!

How to Make Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 large egg
3/4 tsp. baking powder
48 mini pretzels (for reindeer antlers)
24 red M&M candies (for noses)
48 candy eyeballs

Step by Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your flour and baking powder, then set aside. This dry mixture will be added to your dough a little later.

3. In a larger mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Grab your hand mixer and beat them together for 1-2 minutes until everything’s light and fluffy.

4. Next, add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and egg to the bowl. Mix until just combined—you don’t want to overdo it here!

5. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Stir just until your cookie dough is fully combined.

6. Use a 1 1/2 inch cookie scoop (or a tablespoon) to scoop out your dough and place the balls on your lined baking sheet. Space them 2-3 inches apart so they have room to spread out while baking.

7. Use a fork to gently press a criss-cross pattern into the top of each cookie. Not only does this give them that classic peanut butter cookie look, but it helps them bake more evenly too!

8. Bake for 10 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden but still soft in the center.

9. When they come out of the oven, it’s time to bring these reindeer to life! While the cookies are still warm, press pretzel pieces into the tops for antlers, add a red M&M for the nose, and place two candy eyes just above it. It’s amazing how quickly they transform into adorable little reindeer!

10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

And that’s it! You’ve just made the cutest batch of Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, setting out for Santa, or even packaging up as gifts. Plus, they’re a great holiday activity to do with kids since decorating them is so much fun!

Happy baking—and enjoy every sweet, festive bite!

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 large egg
3/4 tsp. baking powder
48 mini pretzels (for reindeer antlers)
24 red M&M candies (for noses)
48 candy eyeballs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your flour and baking powder, then set aside. This dry mixture will be added to your dough a little later.
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Grab your hand mixer and beat them together for 1-2 minutes until everything’s light and fluffy.
Next, add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and egg to the bowl. Mix until just combined—you don’t want to overdo it here!
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Stir just until your cookie dough is fully combined.
Use a 1 1/2 inch cookie scoop (or a tablespoon) to scoop out your dough and place the balls on your lined baking sheet. Space them 2-3 inches apart so they have room to spread out while baking.
Use a fork to gently press a criss-cross pattern into the top of each cookie. Not only does this give them that classic peanut butter cookie look, but it helps them bake more evenly too!
Bake for 10 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden but still soft in the center.
When they come out of the oven, it’s time to bring these reindeer to life! While the cookies are still warm, press pretzel pieces into the tops for antlers, add a red M&M for the nose, and place two candy eyes just above it. It’s amazing how quickly they transform into adorable little reindeer!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.