These easy Reindeer Cookies are a fun and festive Christmas treat made with ready-to-bake cookie dough! They’re adorable, kid-approved, and come together with just a few simple ingredients.
If you’re looking for a Christmas cookie that feels special without being complicated, these reindeer cookies are it.
I love using place-and-bake cookie dough during the holidays — it keeps things simple while still letting us create something really fun together.
They’re cute, festive, and one of those treats that makes kids feel so proud when they help make them.
I made these as neighbor gifts this year, and they were such a hit — everyone loved them!
How to Make Reindeer Cookies
These cookies bake like normal, then turn into adorable reindeer with a few quick decorations added while they’re still warm.
- Made with store-bought dough (easy win)
- So cute and festive for Christmas
- Kids love helping decorate
- Perfect for parties, classrooms, or neighbor gifts
- No fancy baking skills required
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Place-and-bake cookie dough
(Peanut butter works great for a reindeer look, but any flavor is fine) - Pretzel twists
- Candy eyeballs
- Red M&M’s (for the nose)
You can of course use any cookie recipe here if you have a preferred homemade version, mix, or dough!
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the cookies
Preheat your oven and bake the cookie dough according to the package directions.
Lay the cookie dough out on a baking sheet and bake as normal.
Step 2: Prep the decorations
While the cookies bake, prepare your decorations.
Break the pretzel twists in half to create two antlers for each cookie.
Set aside along with the candy eyeballs and red M&M’s so everything is ready to go.
Step 3: Decorate while warm
When the cookies come out of the oven, work quickly but carefully (they’ll be hot!).
- Press two candy eyeballs into each cookie
- Add one red M&M for the nose
- Press two pretzel halves into the top of each cookie to create antlers
It’s important to do this while the cookies are still soft so everything sticks before they cool and firm up.
Step 4: Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
Once set, they’re ready to enjoy — or package up for gifting!
These Reindeer Cookies are one of those simple Christmas treats that feel extra special — especially when little hands help bring them to life.
Easy, adorable, and guaranteed to make people smile.
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I'm Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I've made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈
