If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines nostalgia, playful presentation, and irresistible flavor, you have to try the Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe. These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter cookie, topped with crunchy pretzel “antlers,” bright red M&M noses, and cute chocolate chip eyes, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want to bring a smile to someone’s face. Beyond being fun to make, they are packed with the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and creamy textures that keep everyone coming back for another bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect dough and decorating your festive Rudolph cookies. Simple staples transform into holiday magic with just a few extra touches!
- Peanut butter (1 cup): Using creamy or chunky peanut butter gives you rich flavor and a tender texture in every cookie.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds a creamy softness and helps with the structure for that chewy bite.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the nutty peanut butter.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the dough and keeps everything together while providing moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the base of your cookie dough, controlling the texture and thickness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives a little lift and tenderness, perfect for a soft cookie.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors in the dough.
- Mini pretzels (24): For those adorable antlers that add crunch and a salty contrast on top.
- Red M&Ms (24): Rudolph’s signature red nose, bringing in festive color and melty chocolate goodness.
- Mini chocolate chips (48): Used as eyes, they add just the right touch of chocolate and personality.
How to Make Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for success from the very beginning.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy; it should take about 2 minutes. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is fully combined. This creamy base is what gives these cookies that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. This step creates the dough’s perfect consistency — firm enough to hold its shape but soft to the touch.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give room for spreading. Gently press each ball down with a fork to create that signature crisscross pattern, helping the cookies bake evenly while giving a charming rustic look.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. This is the moment when peanut butter aroma fills your kitchen, signaling pure cookie bliss. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before moving them to wire racks for complete cooling.
Step 6: Decorate – The Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe Special Touch
Once cooled, it’s time to make these cookies come alive. Press two mini chocolate chips into each cookie for eyes, arrange a mini pretzel on top for antlers, and finish with a bright red M&M nose right in the center. Gently press all decorations in so they’ll stick perfectly, bringing Rudolph’s playful look to life.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the decorated cookies to set for a few minutes so all the elements meld together well. Then, dive in and enjoy the fun of sharing these festive treats that are just as delightful to look at as they are to eat!
How to Serve Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive flair, sprinkle some powdered sugar over your Rudolph cookies, creating a gentle dusting reminiscent of a snowy winter day. You could even add some edible glitter for sparkle, turning snack time into a whimsical holiday event.
Side Dishes
Pair these charming cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa to complement the peanut butter’s richness and add a cozy vibe. They also work wonderfully on a dessert platter alongside gingerbread men and sugar cookies, creating a merry assortment for guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe on a festive platter surrounded by pine sprigs or cranberries for a stunning holiday centerpiece. You might also gift them in a decorative tin or clear cello bags tied with holiday ribbons, instantly turning these sweet treats into heartfelt gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy their festive charm and delightful flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer or prepare ahead for the holidays, freeze the baked and decorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container once solid. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months without losing any of their delicious texture or festive look.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen cookies fresh from the freezer, bring them to room temperature, then warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This quick reheat helps revive the softness and melts the chocolate just enough to feel homemade and freshly-baked.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of extra texture to the cookies, which contrasts nicely with the smooth dough and crunchy pretzels.
What if I don’t have mini pretzels for antlers?
You can get creative with other sturdy snacks like small pretzel sticks or even twisted breadsticks. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape as antlers.
Can I substitute the red M&Ms with something else?
Yes! Red candies like cranberries, red gumdrops, or cherry-flavored candies work well if you want a different twist or are avoiding chocolate.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading and keep the cookies nicely shaped.
Are these cookies safe for peanut allergies?
Unfortunately, since peanut butter is the star ingredient, these are not suitable for those with peanut allergies. However, you can experiment with sunflower seed butter as a substitute if needed.
Final Thoughts
Making the Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe is an absolute joy, blending wholesome ingredients with a festive spirit that warms the heart. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your own treat stash, these cookies evoke all the happy feelings of the season with every bite. So, grab your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and start creating these charming Rudolph delights — they’re sure to become a beloved holiday tradition.
Print
Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies are festive and fun treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are decorated with pretzel antlers, red M&M noses, and mini chocolate chip eyes to look just like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies bring a playful charm and delightful flavor to any holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decorations
- 24 mini pretzels (for antlers)
- 24 red M&Ms (for Rudolph’s nose)
- 48 mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix well until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring until a uniform dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press each ball down lightly with a fork to flatten the cookies slightly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove the baking sheets and allow the cookies to cool on them for 5 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies from the baking sheets to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. This prevents the decorations from melting or sliding off.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate each cookie by pressing two mini chocolate chips for eyes, a red M&M for Rudolph’s iconic red nose, and insert two mini pretzels as antlers gently pressing them into the cookie dough so they stick well.
- Serve and Store: Let the decorated cookies set for a few minutes, then serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for several days.
Notes
- You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter based on your texture preference.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to mix ingredients smoothly.
- If you don’t have mini pretzels, small pretzel sticks can work as an alternative for the antlers.
- Decorate cookies only after they have cooled completely to avoid melting the chocolate chips and M&Ms.
- These cookies store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
