Perfect for holiday gatherings, these reindeer cookies will bring smiles to both kids and adults! Such a fun and easy Christmas treat.

As we hustle and bustle through the festive season, there’s one activity that stands out as a beacon of fun in the holiday chaos – baking! But not just any baking.

We’re talking about a cookie-making extravaganza that transforms a classic Christmas shape – the gingerbread man – into a delightful reindeer!

Today, I’m going to share with you the ultimate reindeer cookies recipe, perfect for edible gifting and cookie exchanges.

By using a gingerbread man cookie cutter, you’ll lay the groundwork for an adorable reindeer face.

And what’s a reindeer without its distinctive features? Never fear, because we have Nilla wafers, M&Ms, candy eyes, and pretzels to complete the transformation to cute.

Picture the surprised expressions when your friends and family realize that what they thought was just a reindeer is actually a gingerbread man in delicious disguise.

These are not just Christmas treats; they are conversation starters, smile generators, and maybe, just maybe, the best reindeer cookies you will ever make.

So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s embark on a sweet journey. Everyone is going to love these, including you!

Here’s what you’re going to need for these Rudolph cookies.

Reindeer Heads

3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Reindeer Face

48 chocolate covered pretzels
48 candy eyes
24 vanilla wafer cookies
24 red candies (like M&Ms or Red Hots)
1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted

Tools

Gingerbread man cookie cutter

These last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to two months (I would wait to decorate them until after freezing). When you bring them out of the freezer, let them rise to room temperature naturally as opposed to microwaving.

Get the printable recipe for these gingerbread man reindeer below:

Reindeer Cookies

This reindeer cookie recipe is sure to become a new family favorite during the holiday season! You'll use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to make the head.

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Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 11

Chill Time: 2

Total Time: 2 41

Servings: cookies

Ingredients

Reindeer Head Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Face

48 chocolate covered pretzels
48 Wilton Candy Eyes
24 vanilla wafer cookies
24 red M&Ms
1 cup milk chocolate chips or chopped up chocolate bar

Instructions

Make the Cookies

[mv_schema_meta name="Whisk Together Dry Ingredients"]In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
[mv_schema_meta name="Cream Butter and Sugar"]In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and then vanilla.
[mv_schema_meta name="Add Dry Ingredients to Wet"]Slowly add flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat just until combined.
[mv_schema_meta name="Shape the Dough and Chill"]Remove dough from bowl to waxed paper or plastic wrap. Shape into a square, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to overnight.
[mv_schema_meta name="Preheat the Oven"]Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
[mv_schema_meta name="Roll Out Dough and Cut Cookies"]Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut 24 heads using a gingerbread cookie cutter. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet.
[mv_schema_meta name="Bake the Cookies"]Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Assemble the Face

[mv_schema_meta name="Melt the Chocolate"]Place the chocolate into a bowl and melt using 30 second intervals in the microwave. Add coconut oil if needed.
[mv_schema_meta name="Attach Wafer Nose with Melted Chocolate"]Spread melted milk chocolate onto the bottom of each vanilla wafer and place over thee gingerbread head for the reindeer snout.
[mv_schema_meta name="Add the Nose"]Dot a small amount of chocolate onto the red candy and set onto the snout.
[mv_schema_meta name="Apply the Eyes and Pretzel Antlers"]Using more melted chocolate, attach the eyes over the snout. Then, add the pretzels to be the antlers, placing them onto the gingerbread man’s feet.
[mv_schema_meta name="Allow Cookies to Set"]Allow the chocolate to set completely before packaging or storing.