Save A festive assortment of cookies inspired by Santas reindeer—perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring classic flavors and whimsical decorations.
This recipe brings back warm holiday memories and is always a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- For Sugar Cookie Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter room temperature, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- For Decorating: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 1 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Brown gel food coloring, Red and black candy-coated chocolates (for noses and eyes), Mini pretzels (for antlers), Sprinkles edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
- Step 3:
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into oval or round shapes (for reindeer faces) using a cookie cutter or glass.
- Step 8:
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 10 12 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 9:
- Make the icing Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Tint part of the icing brown.
- Step 10:
- Decorate cooled cookies Spread brown icing over each cookie for the reindeers face. Use red candies for noses, black candies for eyes, and mini pretzels for antlers (attach with icing). Add sprinkles or glitter if desired. Allow icing to set before serving.
Save Making these cookies together has become a cherished family tradition every holiday season.
Notes
For variety, add cocoa powder to a portion of the dough for chocolate-flavored reindeer. Use chocolate chips or edible black pearls for eyes as an alternative. Great to serve with hot cocoa or spiced cider.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, Electric mixer, Measuring cups and spoons, Rolling pin, Cookie cutters or glass, Baking sheets, Parchment paper, Wire rack
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: 120 calories, 5 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein
Save Enjoy creating and sharing these festive cookies that bring joy and sweetness to your holidays.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the perfect cookie shape for the reindeer faces?
Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and use oval or round cutters, or a glass, to create smooth shapes. Chilling the dough beforehand helps maintain form during baking.
- → Can I substitute almond extract if unavailable?
Yes, simply omit almond extract or replace it with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract to keep the flavor balanced.
- → What is the best way to decorate the cookies to resemble reindeer?
Spread brown-tinted icing for the face, use red candy for the nose, black candy for the eyes, and attach mini pretzels as antlers with icing. Optional sprinkles or edible glitter add festive sparkle.
- → How can I store the cookies to maintain freshness?
Keep decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days. Avoid stacking before icing sets to preserve decoration.
- → Are there variations for flavor beyond classic sugar cookies?
Yes, adding cocoa powder to a portion of the dough creates chocolate-flavored faces, and substitutions like chocolate chips for eyes offer fun alternatives.