Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

These started out as peanut blossom cookies.. you know, the peanut butter cookies with a Hershey’s kiss in the middle? Then I realized those are boring. Reindeer are so much more exciting! And so much more entertaining to make when you’re inevitably swamped with nieces, nephews, cousins, and various other little people during the holiday season… or by yourself on a Saturday night. Whatever.

Warning… if baking these with small humans, watch out for sticky-licky fingers… and missing m&ms… it’ll happen. Be ready for it.

Servings: 3 dozen
Total Time: 2.5 hours
Prep Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 C creamy peanut butter (use a natural one… they have more peanut flavor and less sugar)
1/2 C shortening
1/3 C granulated sugar
1/3 C light brown sugar, packed
1 egg
3 Tbsp milk (or non-dairy milk substitute)
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

chocolate-covered mini pretzels (either store bought, or make your own by dipping in melted chocolate and cooling on parchment paper)
mini m&ms
regular m&ms – red

 

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Beat peanut butter and shortening in large bowl with electric mixer until well mixed.
  4. Add granulated and brown sugars. Beat well.
  5. Add egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
  6. Gradually stir in flour mixture, beating until blended.
  7. Form dough into 1-inch balls.
  8. To make reindeer shape, pinch bottom half of ball slightly to form a point, then gently flatten with your hand.
  9. Place cookies2-inches apart on un-greased cookie sheet and bake 5-7 minutes or until set and just beginning to brown.
  10. remove from oven and immediately (but gently!) press two mini pretzels into tops of cookies for the antlers (works best if they are at a slight angle) and m&ms for eyes and nose.
  11. Let stand on baking sheet 2 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

 

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 137
Fat (g): 8
Carbs (g): 14
Sugar (g): 8
Protein (g): 2

Cholesterol (mg): 6
Sodium (mg): 94
Potassium (mg): 3
Fiber(g): 1
Vitamin A (%): 0
Vitamin C (%): 0
Calcium (%): 1
Iron (%): 2

*Percent Daily Values based on 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.