Description of this recipe
Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies are an irresistibly cute and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. These delightful cookies transform classic Nutter Butter cookies into charming reindeer using simple ingredients like mini pretzels, candy eyes, red M&Ms, and melted chocolate. They’re a fun and easy no-bake project that’s perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen and guaranteed to bring smiles to faces of all ages. Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of peanut butter goodness, chocolate richness, and playful crunch. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them an excellent addition to any holiday dessert platter or a thoughtful homemade gift.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies for several reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking and minimal preparation time. This makes them a perfect activity for busy holiday schedules and a great way to engage children in the kitchen. The recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up a batch with ease. The combination of peanut butter cookies, melted chocolate, and festive decorations is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The resulting cookies are not only delicious but also undeniably cute, adding a touch of whimsy to your holiday celebrations. Plus, they are easily customizable – you can use different colored candies for the nose or add sprinkles for extra sparkle. These cookies are a delightful way to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Their simplicity and deliciousness make them a go-to recipe for holiday gatherings and a fun, creative project for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients:
- 32 mini pretzels
- 64 candy eyes
- 32 red M&Ms, or similar red candies
- 1 Package Nutter Butter cookies, 16-Ounce
- 1 Cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Antlers
Begin by carefully breaking the mini pretzels in half. Snap the edges of each half to create the appearance of antlers. This step requires a gentle touch to avoid breaking the pretzels into small pieces. Set the pretzel antlers aside.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave for 1 minute. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir well. If the chocolate is not completely melted, heat for an additional 30 seconds and stir until smooth. The coconut oil helps to create a smooth, glossy chocolate that is easy to work with.
Step 3: Coat the Nutter Butter Cookies
Grab a Nutter Butter cookie and dip the face of the cookie into the melted chocolate. Use an icing spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the chocolate evenly over the cookie’s surface. Ensure that the entire face of the cookie is covered with chocolate.
Step 4: Decorate the Reindeer
While the chocolate is still wet, quickly and carefully add the pretzel antlers to the top of the cookie. Place two candy eyes below the antlers and attach a red M&M (or similar red candy) in the center of the cookie to serve as the reindeer’s nose. Work quickly to ensure the decorations adhere to the chocolate before it sets.
Step 5: Set the Cookies
Once decorated, place the reindeer cookies on a cooling rack or a large tray lined with parchment paper. Allow the cookies to set for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely dry and firm. This will prevent the decorations from sliding off and ensure the cookies are easy to handle.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, as part of a dessert platter, or as a sweet treat for family and friends. They make a delightful addition to cookie exchanges and can be packaged as homemade gifts. Pair them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a festive holiday punch for a complete and satisfying treat. Arrange them artfully on a platter with other holiday desserts like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark for a visually appealing spread. You can also use them as decorations for cakes or cupcakes to add a touch of holiday whimsy.
Tips:
- To prevent the chocolate from seizing, ensure the bowl and utensils are completely dry before melting the chocolate.
- If the chocolate becomes too thick, add a small amount of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin it out.
- Work quickly when adding the decorations to the chocolate to ensure they adhere properly.
- Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
- For a fun twist, use different colored candies for the reindeer’s nose or add a sprinkle of edible glitter for extra sparkle.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought chocolate frosting instead of melting chocolate chips.
- To make the cookies ahead of time, decorate them and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)
Calories: Approximately 150-200 per cookie
Protein: Approximately 2-3 grams per cookie
Sodium: Approximately 50-75 milligrams per cookie
Conclusion
Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Their ease of preparation, combined with their charming appearance and delicious taste, makes them a perfect activity for families and bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a fun project to do with your kids, a sweet addition to your holiday dessert platter, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are sure to bring joy and smiles to everyone who tries them. The combination of peanut butter cookies, melted chocolate, and festive decorations creates a memorable and satisfying treat that will become a cherished holiday tradition. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and get ready to create these adorable Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies that will add a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy the process, share the cookies with loved ones, and savor the sweet moments of the season. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a symbol of holiday cheer and togetherness.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate?
A: Yes, you can definitely use white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate. This will give your reindeer cookies a different look and flavor. Just be sure to melt the white chocolate carefully, as it tends to be more sensitive to heat and can burn easily. You might also want to add a drop of oil to the white chocolate to keep it smooth and glossy. The white chocolate will provide a sweeter flavor profile that complements the peanut butter cookies nicely. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate to find your favorite combination. You could even use dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have red M&Ms for the nose?
A: If you don’t have red M&Ms, there are several alternatives you can use for the reindeer’s nose. Red hots, small red jelly beans, or even red sprinkles can work well. You can also use a small piece of red fondant or marzipan, rolled into a ball. Another option is to use a dab of red-colored frosting. Just make sure whatever you use is small enough to fit nicely on the cookie and easily adhere to the melted chocolate. Get creative and use what you have on hand to make the cookies your own!
Q3: How do I prevent the pretzels from breaking when making the antlers?
A: To prevent the pretzels from breaking when making the antlers, handle them gently and avoid applying too much pressure. It helps to use mini pretzels that are not too brittle. You can also try slightly warming the pretzels in the microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable. Another tip is to use a small, sharp knife to score the pretzels before breaking them, which can help them break more cleanly. If you do break some pretzels, don’t worry – you can still use the smaller pieces to create a rustic, uneven look for the antlers, adding to the charm of the cookies.
Q4: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Once you have decorated the cookies, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and let them set completely. After the chocolate is firm, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting. When storing, separate the layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Making the cookies ahead of time is a great way to save time during the busy holiday season and ensures you have a festive treat ready to go whenever you need it.
Q5: Is there a way to make these cookies without using chocolate?
A: Yes, there are a few ways to make these cookies without using chocolate. One option is to use peanut butter frosting or melted caramel as an alternative coating. You can also use a thin layer of melted vanilla candy coating or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you could try using a thin layer of mashed avocado mixed with cocoa powder and a touch of sweetener for a chocolatey flavor without the added sugar and fat. Experiment with different coatings to find a flavor and texture that you enjoy. The key is to use something that will hold the decorations in place and add a delicious flavor to complement the peanut butter cookies.
