Jolly Reindeer Cookies Recipe: Simple Holiday Magic

Sweet, crumbly reindeer delight cookies dance with festive charm on holiday platters everywhere.

Bakers adore this classic delicacy that blends nutty pecans and rich chocolate in a mouthwatering treat.

These simple cookies bring warmth to winter gatherings with their delectable crunch and irresistible flavor.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and comfort, wrapped in a golden-brown package of pure joy.

Generations have treasured this recipe, passing it down like a delicious secret.

The perfect balance of sweetness and texture makes these cookies a standout dessert that disappears faster than snowflakes in sunlight.

Whip up a batch and watch smiles light up the room like twinkling Christmas lights.

Tools for Reindeer Sprinkle Cookies

• Electric Mixer: Essential for creating smooth, creamy butter mixture quickly and efficiently.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and mixing dough thoroughly.
• Cookie Cutter (Large Circle): Key tool for shaping uniform, round cookies with clean edges.
• Rolling Pin: Crucial for rolling dough to consistent ¼ inch thickness.
• Baking Sheet: Needed to hold cookies during baking process.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Whisk: Ideal for creating smooth royal icing with proper consistency.
• Piping Bag: Helps create precise decorative details on cookies.
• Small Bowls: Useful for separating and mixing different icing colors.

How to Make Reindeer Sprinkle Cookies

• Dough Preparation

Mix softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until creamy and smooth using an electric mixer.

• Flour Incorporation

Slowly blend flour, baking powder, and salt into the butter mixture. Add milk gradually to form a consistent dough.

• Dough Resting

Wrap the dough in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to solidify.

• Cookie Shaping

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to quarter-inch thickness. Cut into large circles and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Oven Magic

Bake cookies at 350°F for 9-10 minutes until edges turn golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

• Festive Decorating

Prepare royal icing by whisking powdered sugar, meringue powder, and vanilla. Add warm water until peaks form. Decorate cookies with white base, brown antlers, and a green nose accent to create adorable reindeer faces.

Tips for Reindeer Sprinkle Cookies Success

• Cookie Texture Magic: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and creates a more compact, tender cookie with clean edges during baking.
• Flavor Boosters: Swap vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract for a unique twist that'll surprise family and friends during holiday celebrations.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 4 weeks for stress-free holiday baking.
• Decoration Pro Tips: Use a small piping bag or squeeze bottle for precise royal icing application, ensuring clean lines and professional-looking reindeer faces with minimal effort.
• Storage Secrets: Keep decorated cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their crisp texture and festive appearance.

Reindeer Sprinkle Cookie Serving Tips

• Festive Flavor Companions: Pair these delightful reindeer cookies with hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat that warms both heart and soul.
• Holiday Cookie Platter Paradise: Arrange these cute reindeer cookies alongside other seasonal favorites like gingerbread men and sugar snowflakes for a stunning dessert display that will impress guests.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap a few cookies in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon, creating charming homemade gifts perfect for teachers, neighbors, or holiday party hosts that showcase your baking creativity.
• Milk and Memories Moment: Serve these adorable reindeer cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, creating a nostalgic experience that brings out the child-like joy of the holiday season.

Keep Reindeer Sprinkle Cookies Fresh

• Quick Batch Preparation: Mix cookie dough ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing spontaneous baking moments without stress.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in sealed freezer bag. Raw dough stays fresh for 4-6 weeks, perfect for unexpected cookie cravings.
• Smart Cookie Storage: Keep decorated cookies in airtight container between parchment paper layers. Room temperature storage maintains texture for 5-7 days, ensuring delicious treats stay crisp and fresh.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake cookies completely, then freeze decorated treats in single layers inside rigid containers. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving, maintaining original taste and design quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients for Reindeer Sprinkle Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure and softness to the delicate cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and creates a light, airy texture with gentle lift.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookie.

• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and a classic sweet undertone.
• Milk: Brings moisture and helps bind the dough together smoothly.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a tender crumb and provides subtle sweetness.

• Meringue Powder: Stabilizes royal icing and ensures smooth, glossy finish.
• Warm Water: Helps achieve perfect icing consistency for seamless decorating.
• Green M&M: Provides a playful pop of color for the reindeer's nose.
• Brown Icing: Creates delicate antler details with precision.

Festive Reindeer Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Nordic holiday cookies called reindeer delight cookies bring festive cheer to winter celebrations. Sweet almond and chocolate notes complement traditional Scandinavian baking techniques you can enjoy with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 5 tbsps (75 mL) milk
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) warm water
• 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
• 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder
• ¼ tsp (1.5 g) salt
• 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 g) meringue powder
• A few drops of brown liquid food coloring
• A few green M&M’s (for noses)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Cream butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until achieving a luxurious, homogeneous consistency. Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, and salt, blending milk to create a smooth, pliable dough.
2. Chilling: Encase the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for one hour, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up, enhancing the cookie’s overall quality.
3. Shaping: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface to ¼ inch thickness. Cut precise circular shapes using a cookie cutter.
4. Baking: Position cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing. Bake for 9-10 minutes until edges acquire a delicate golden-brown coloration.
5. Cooling: Transfer baked cookies to a cooling rack, allowing complete temperature reduction to room level.
6. Decorating: Craft royal icing by whisking powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla extract, and warm water until stiff peaks form. Divide icing into white and brown batches. Apply white icing for facial features and eyes, then embellish with brown antler details and a vibrant green M&M nose.

Notes

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigeration is crucial for preventing cookie spread and enhancing flavor development, so don’t skip the minimum 60-minute cooling period.
• Perfect Thickness Matters: Roll dough precisely to ¼ inch for consistent baking and optimal texture; use ruler or rolling pin guides for accuracy.
• Icing Consistency Check: Whisk royal icing until stiff peaks form, ensuring smooth decoration and professional-looking reindeer design.
• Spacing Prevents Merging: Leave adequate space between cookies on baking sheet to prevent unexpected spreading and maintain individual cookie shapes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Nordic

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg