• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

This Vivacious Life logo

  • Welcome
    • About the vivacious girl…
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mocktails
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Charcuterie
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Welcome
    • About the Vivacious Girl…
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mocktails
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Charcuterie
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Cookies » The CUTEST Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

    The CUTEST Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

    December 17, 2021 By Chandice | 22 Comments | Updated December 18, 2021

    this post may contain affiliate links

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    You will love making these easy reindeer cookies! They are a fun treat for little hands to help with AND they are chewy and perfectly sweet.

    These cute reindeer cookies are an easy recipe that is perfect for your next cookie swap, Christmas party or as a fun treat to make for Santa on Christmas Eve. The kids will love the little reindeer face with green and red m&m candies and chocolate pretzel antlers!

    Reindeer cookie in a hand

    We are typically fans of decorated sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies (our gluten-free gingerbread men are SO good!) during the holidays. But since we had so much fun making our reindeer pancakes, I wanted to make my favorite peanut butter cookie recipe into pretzel reindeer cookies.

    Nothing says Christmas time like making the cutest cookies you’ve seen all year! I just love cookies in all varieties but peanut butter are one of the tastiest classics. Just like in these gluten-free nutter butter cookies.

    And who doesn’t love chocolate and peanut butter right? They are a classic combination that marry so well together! The little chocolate candies and chocolate pretzel antlers give that flavor combo that you love.

    Subscribe to This Vivacious Life

    Receive a free e-book of Instant Pot recipes!

    If you need even more of it though, you can easily do a dollop of chocolate frosting underneath each candy eye and the candy nose of this fun treat! Or you can drizzle white icing over the chocolate antlers for a pretty and double chocolaty effect.

    Reindeer cookies are so much fun to make and look absolutely darling on a holiday dessert table. They also look great on a milk and cookies platter with our Christmas crack (or cranberry Christmas crack), ginger molasses cookies, Grinch cookies and gluten-free snowball cookies.

    Reindeer cookies on a plate

    What you need

    • butter
    • peanut butter
    • brown sugar
    • sugar
    • eggs
    • gluten-free all purpose flour
    • baking powder
    • baking soda
    • small pretzel twists (plain or chocolate covered)
    • red and green or brown m&m candies OR skittles

    We chose to make our reindeer cookies homemade but you can certainly use a cookie mix to make your peanut butter reindeer cookies if you’d rather.

    You can also use chocolate chips to make chocolate chip eyes in place of the m&m or skittles candy eyes. You can even use mini m&m candies and mini pretzels if you are making smaller cookies.

    Reindeer cookie ingredients

    How to make reindeer cookies

    Making these cookies is definitely a blast! It’s a fun way to get kids in the kitchen this holiday season as they make their own little reindeer head and sneak candies as they do…

    • Pre heat oven to 350°
    • In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, cream peanut butter, butter, sugars and eggs together
    • In a seperate large bowl, combine gluten-free flour and all other dry ingredients
    • Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients a little at a time mixing in between
    • Once dough is mixed well, use a small cookie scoop and form dough to make 1-inch balls
    Step by step reindeer cookie instructions
    • Roll in sugar then place on greased or silicone mat lined baking sheet or cookie sheets
    • Flatten with the bottom of a cup and bake 10 minutes or until golden brown 
    • Cool cookies slightly on a wire rack then press in fudge pretzel “antlers” on top of the cookies as well as add two candy eyes and one red nose to make reindeer cookies

    Can you make them dairy free?

    Yes, this cookie recipe can easily be made dairy-free and we did here in these pictures! We used No Whey chocolate covered pretzels to make the reindeer antlers and skittles for the eyes and nose.

    If you can’t find dairy-free chocolate covered pretzels, you can make them yourself by using regular pretzels and dipping them in melted dairy-free chocolate.

    You would just need to use dairy-free butter as well. Earth Balance sticks are great for cookies.

    Reindeer cookies on a plate with a little towel next to it

    How to store leftover reindeer cookies

    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days if the whole family hasn’t eaten them before then. Make sure to cool them entirely before putting them in a container.

    Can you freeze them?

    Absolutely! I love to freeze them and pull just one or two out when I want them. They only take 15 minutes or so to thaw at room temperature. Then you can enjoy the cutest Christmas cookies in minutes.

    Mocktails to serve with these cookies

    • Candy Cane Christmas Mocktails
    • Cranberry Mocktail
    • Non-Alcoholic White Russian
    • Gingerbread Martini Mocktail
    • Non-Alcoholic Prosecco Drink with Cranberries and Pomegranate

    Parties to serve them at

    • Christmas in July ideas and party
    • Hygge cozy Christmas party
    • Gingerbread decorating party
    • White Christmas dinner party
    • Flannel and flapjacks holiday party
    • and here are some more Christmas party ideas and themes
    Reindeer cookies on a plate

    More cookie recipes…

    Gluten-Free Peppermint Bark Cookies from Gluten Free Baking

    Peanut Butter Crunch Cookies from I am Celiac

    Lemon Currant Butter Cookies from The Pretty Bee

    Gluten-Free Chocolate Dipped Snickerdoodles from The Healthy Home Cook

    Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
    Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

    NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

    The CUTEST Reindeer Cookies

    Reindeer cookie in a hand
    4.50 from 10 votes
    These delicious peanut butter cookies have been taken to the next level and shaped like reindeer, plus they are gluten free!
    PRINT RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    Prep Time: 20 mins
    Cook Time: 10 mins
    Total Time: 30 mins
    Course: cookies
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cookies, reindeer
    Servings: 18 servings
    Calories: 163kcal
    Author: Chandice

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 C butter
    • 1/2 C creamy peanut butter
    • 1/3 C brown sugar
    • 1/3 C sugar, plus more for rolling
    • Dash of Real Salt
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 3/4 C gluten-free flour King Arthur works best for us
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1/2 tsp baking soda
    • 1 bag gluten-free fudge covered pretzels
    • green and red candies

    Instructions

    • Pre heat oven to 350°In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, cream peanut butter, butter, sugars and eggs together
    • In a seperate large bowl, combine gluten-free flour and all other dry ingredients
    • Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients a little at a time mixing in between 
    • Once dough is mixed well, use a small cookie scoop and form dough to make 1-inch balls
    • Roll in sugar then place on greased or silicone mat lined baking sheet or cookie sheets
    • Flatten with the bottom of a cup and bake 10 minutes or until golden brown 
    • Cool cookies slightly on a wire rack then press in fudge pretzel “antlers” on top of the cookies as well as add two candy eyes and one red nose

    Notes

    I love to freeze them and pull just one or two out when I want them. They only take 15 minutes or so to thaw at room temperature. Then you can enjoy the cutest Christmas cookies in minutes.
    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days if the whole family hasn’t eaten them before then. Make sure to cool them entirely before putting them in a container.
    This cookie recipe can easily be made dairy-free and we did here in these pictures! We used No Whey chocolate covered pretzels to make the reindeer antlers and skittles for the eyes and nose.
    If you can’t find dairy-free chocolate covered pretzels, you can make them yourself by using regular pretzels and dipping them in melted dairy-free chocolate.
    You would just need to use dairy-free butter as well. Earth Balance sticks are great for cookies.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 184IU | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

    This recipe was originally published December 16, 2015 but has since been updated with a more helpful set of instructions, slightly different flour measurements and new photos.

    Here is the original photo…

    Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies | gluten-free Christmas treats | gluten-free Christmas cookies | Christmas cookies gluten-free || This Vivacious Life #glutenfreeChristmas #glutenfreecookies

    Share:

    Filed Under: Christmas, Cookies Tagged With: christmas, cookies

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

    FREEBIES

    Subscribe to receive a FREE e-book of Instant Pot Dinner Recipes!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sky says

      October 26, 2022 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      These are so cute and so easy to make! My kids loved helping me make them and it is now one of our family traditions.

      Reply
    2. Teralee Williams says

      October 21, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      SO good! And festive!

      Reply
    3. Elizabeth says

      December 23, 2018 at 10:36 pm

      4 stars
      These are adorable! My daughter and I just made them. They were a bit bland, though. Maybe it was the organic peanut butter with honey that we used? For the second half of the batch, we rolled them in sugar, and sprinkled more sugar on top after flattening them. Much better!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        January 04, 2019 at 5:08 am

        Hmmm, I wonder if it was the brand of peanut butter you used. I am so glad to hear that they were better rolled in sugar. What a great idea! I will have to add that…

        Reply
    4. Kim says

      December 23, 2018 at 3:42 pm

      Hi, can you tell me what size cookie scoop you used or what size ball you rolled the dough into? Then at that size about how many does a batch make?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        January 04, 2019 at 5:10 am

        Hi Kim, we used a small tablespoon sized cookie scoop. I am not exactly sure how many it makes but I will update these and add it when I do.

        Reply
    5. kim dwyer says

      January 01, 2016 at 1:18 am

      OOOOlala! 🙂

      Reply
    6. Amy Lynn says

      December 27, 2015 at 10:59 pm

      The reindeer cookies are such a GREAT idea!! Love it!

      Reply
    7. Shayna says

      December 17, 2015 at 9:49 pm

      OMG I never got a mixer and could really use one!! I would bake so much more. Plus I love peanut butter cookies!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 22, 2015 at 3:50 am

        These ones are tasty and easy 🙂

        Reply
    8. Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Allergy Friendly Eats says

      December 17, 2015 at 3:02 am

      These are just too cute! I love them!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 22, 2015 at 3:54 am

        Hey thanks Kelly!

        Reply
    9. Dr. Jennifer Weinberg MD MPH | Simple Pure Whole Wellness says

      December 17, 2015 at 1:05 am

      These are adorable! What a clever holiday treat 🙂

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 22, 2015 at 3:56 am

        Thank you so much!! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Raia says

      December 16, 2015 at 8:17 pm

      My kids are going to love these!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 16, 2015 at 8:27 pm

        Thanks Raia! It’s always fun to have something the kiddos find fun. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Julie says

      December 16, 2015 at 8:17 pm

      Too cute! What a great idea!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 16, 2015 at 8:27 pm

        Thanks so much Julie! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Angelina-JoJoandEloise says

      December 16, 2015 at 5:58 pm

      OH!!! Aren’t these just the cutest cookies!! My kiddos would not only LOVE making them but they will certainly LOVE eating them 🙂

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 16, 2015 at 8:29 pm

        Thanks! I loved your cute cookies too…so fun seeing what everyone created. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Brianna @Flippin' Delicious says

      December 16, 2015 at 5:22 pm

      These are SOOOO cute!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 16, 2015 at 8:29 pm

        Thanks Brianna, you were totally my inspiration when it came time to create the Pinterest collage!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi there, I’m Chandice!

    I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

    Read More

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Freebies

    Subscribe to receive a FREE e-book of Instant Pot Dinner Recipes!

    Seasonal Recipes & Entertaining

    What is a mocktail? Hand pouring drink ingredient into a cup.

    What is a mocktail?

    Whole30 Ranch Dressing in a glass pitcher

    Whole30 Ranch Dressing (Dairy-Free)

    Three whole30 crab cakes on a white plate

    Whole30 Gluten-Free Crab Cakes

    Featured Posts

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese in a bowl

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

    gluten free ramen in a white bowl

    Gluten Free Ramen (the BEST!)

    Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls (the BEST) on a plate

    Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls (The BEST & Fluffiest!)

    Grazing Table on butcher paper

    Grazing Table (Easy & Delicious!)

    Easy Tater Tot Casserole on a spoon

    Easy Tater Tot Casserole (Grandma’s Recipe)

    Gluten-free crescent rolls on a plate

    Gluten-Free Crescent Rolls (The BEST Ever!)

    Check out my e-book!

    Sheet Pan Meals and More gluten-free e-book

    Gluten Free on a Budget

    Our cookbook is now available right here!

    Footer

    As seen on

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Check out my web stories

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 This Vivacious Life