No-Bake Reindeer Cookies

$To make No-Bake Reindeer Cookies, gather these fun and simple ingredients: - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup mini chocolate chips - ½ cup pretzel twists (for antlers) - 12 candy eyes - Red candy (such as M&M's or red chocolate pearls, for noses) - 1 tablespoon melted chocolate (for attaching decorations) These ingredients create a sweet treat that is perfect for the holiday season. The peanut butter adds a rich flavor, while the graham cracker crumbs give a nice crunch. The candy eyes and red noses make these cookies extra cute! You can easily find these items at your local grocery store. Make sure to have everything ready before you start. This way, your cookie-making fun will flow smoothly! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by blending 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1 cup of powdered sugar. Use a spatula or whisk for this task. Make sure you get a smooth mixture that holds together well. Next, gradually fold in 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs. Stir well until you have a thick, moldable dough. If the mix feels too sticky, simply add a bit more graham cracker crumbs. Now, take portions of the dough, about 1 tablespoon each. Roll them into small balls. Place the balls gently on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove them later. For antlers, carefully insert two pretzel twists into the top of each dough ball. Adjust them so they look like real antlers. Press two candy eyes onto each cookie, placing them slightly above the center. This gives your cookies a cute reindeer face. Finally, use melted chocolate to stick a red candy right below the eyes for the nose. Now, it's time to chill the cookies. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies firm up and keep their shape. To get the right dough, start with the base. Mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar well. If your mix feels sticky, add a bit more graham cracker crumbs. This helps adjust the moisture level. You want a thick, moldable dough that holds its shape. Use melted chocolate as glue for your decorations. It works great for holding the eyes and noses in place. For the eyes, place them slightly above the center. This gives your cookies a cute reindeer face. When adding noses, a dab of melted chocolate helps stick the red candy right below the eyes. Serving your cookies in fun ways can make them pop! Stack them on a plate or display them on a festive tray. Adding edible glitter around the cookies gives them a magical look. You can also use colorful paper or fabric underneath for extra flair. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your pretzels are fresh for the best texture and flavor, as stale pretzels can affect the overall taste of the cookies. Chill Thoroughly: Allowing the cookies to chill for a full 30 minutes helps them set properly and makes them easier to handle when serving. Customize Your Decor: Feel free to mix and match different candies for the eyes and nose to create your own unique reindeer designs! Storage Tips: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavor of your No-Bake Reindeer Cookies. If you want a different taste, try using almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. This swap gives a unique twist to the classic recipe. You can also use dark, milk, or white chocolate instead of mini chocolate chips. Each chocolate type adds its own flavor and sweetness. For those with dietary needs, you can make gluten-free versions. Simply use gluten-free graham crackers in the recipe. This keeps the texture while ensuring everyone can enjoy them. If you want vegan cookies, substitute the creamy peanut butter with a vegan nut butter. Use vegan chocolate chips to ensure all ingredients fit a vegan diet. It’s easy to make these cookies for everyone! These cookies are perfect for holiday fun. You can create different designs for various celebrations. For Halloween, add orange candy for noses and use chocolate-covered pretzels for spooky antlers. For Christmas, decorate with festive sprinkles or edible glitter. You can even create a snowman version by using white chocolate and round cookie shapes. The ideas are endless, and you can customize them for any holiday! To keep your no-bake reindeer cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors. You can use any container with a tight seal. A glass jar or plastic container works well. Layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking them. This will help keep them from sticking together. You can freeze no-bake cookies for later enjoyment. To do this, first, let the cookies cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Once firm, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper. When you are ready to serve the cookies, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge for a couple of hours. This keeps them from getting too soft. Enjoy your festive treats at any time! No-bake reindeer cookies last about a week at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. The cold helps maintain their shape and flavor. Yes, you can use many types of candies! For eyes, you might try chocolate chips or candy corn. For noses, any red candy works, like red gummy bears or cherry jelly beans. Get creative and use what you have! If you need a nut-free option, use sun butter. It has a similar texture and taste. You can also try soy nut butter or a thick cream cheese. These options keep the cookies tasty and safe for everyone. Chilling the cookies is important. It helps them firm up and hold their shape. If you skip this step, they may not look as nice. Chill them for about 30 minutes before serving. This small wait makes a big difference! In this blog post, we explored a fun recipe for No-Bake Reindeer Cookies. You learned about the ingredients, mixing the base, shaping cookies, and adding festive features. I shared tips for the perfect dough and decorating ideas. Variations offer flavor swaps and dietary options. Proper storage ensures freshness, and FAQs answered common questions. No-Bake Reindeer Cookies are a simple and fun treat. They are perfect for your holiday gatherings. Enjoy making these treats and let your creativity shine!$

Adorable no-bake cookies shaped like reindeer, perfect for festive occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cup mini chocolate chips
0.5 cup pretzel twists (for antlers)
12 pieces candy eyes
as needed pieces red candy (such as M&M's or red chocolate pearls, for noses)
1 tablespoon melted chocolate (for attaching decorations)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar using a spatula or whisk, ensuring a smooth and homogenous mixture.
Gradually fold in the graham cracker crumbs, stirring well until you achieve a thick, moldable dough. If you notice the mixture is too sticky, you may add a little extra graham cracker crumbs.
Using your hands, scoop out portions of the dough (approximately 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into small balls, placing them gently on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Carefully insert two pretzel twists into the top of each dough ball, adjusting them to ensure they resemble antlers and are secure.
Gently press two candy eyes onto each cookie, positioning them slightly above the center of the ball, mimicking the face of a reindeer.
Use a small dab of melted chocolate on the back of each red candy to act as adhesive, then press the candy onto the cookie right below the eyes, completing the reindeer face.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and allow the cookies to chill for about 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and maintain their shape.
After chilling, your adorable reindeer cookies are ready to impress! Arrange them on a festive platter for a delightful presentation.

Notes

Stack the cookies on a decorative plate and consider sprinkling a little edible glitter around them for a festive touch.

Keyword cookies, holiday treats, no-bake