These adorable and easy reindeer cookies use a store-bought shortcut to create a simple, giftable Christmas treat.
This season gets busy fast. Between shopping, planning meals, and trying to make memories, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. These reindeer cookies are a fast, festive way to check off baking and gift-giving without the stress.
Using store-bought oblong cookies as a base and a few simple decorations, you can assemble charming treats in minutes — no oven required.
Reindeer Cookies Are Perfect for Gifting
I assemble Christmas cookie trays and tins each year, mixing homemade and easy, store-bought-boosted treats. These reindeer cookies fit right in with other favorites and make a lovely addition to gift boxes, party platters, or classroom treats.
They’re universally loved — who can resist sweet cookies shaped into cute reindeer faces? Pair them with other goodies, and you have a thoughtful, homemade-feeling gift that’s quick to assemble.
Pssst… Consider pairing your cookie gifts with a small jar of homemade vanilla extract for an extra-special touch.
Easiest Christmas Cookies Ever
These reindeer cookies require no baking. Use store-bought Milano, Nutter Butter, or any oblong/oval cookie as the base. Then decorate with candy eyes, small pretzels for antlers, and a red candy for the nose.
If you enjoy recipes that combine convenience with creativity, these are for you. They’re quick, kid-friendly, and perfect for last-minute plans.
How to Make Reindeer Cookies
This is a straightforward project that comes together in under an hour, including set time. There’s no oven, and the assembly is perfect for decorating with kids or making a batch for gifts.
Ingredients to gather:
• 12 oblong or oval cookies (Milano or Nutter Butter work well)
• 2 ounces white vanilla frosting, white chocolate, or white candy melts to act as “glue”
• 12 small pretzels for antlers
• 24 candy eyes (two per cookie)
• 12 red candies for noses (red M&Ms, cinnamon candies, or Sixlets)
Preparing for Decorating
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and place the cookies spaced evenly. If using chocolate or candy melts, melt them now and transfer to a small piping bag or a cookie decorating bottle with a fine tip.
Work efficiently by decorating one element at a time across all cookies. This speeds the process and keeps the finished cookies consistent.
Step-by-Step Assembly
1. Antlers: Pipe a small amount of your “glue” onto the flatter side of each pretzel and press the pretzel onto the top of each cookie. Repeat for all cookies.
2. Eyes and nose: Pipe two small dots in the center of each cookie for the eyes and one dot near the bottom for the nose. Press candy eyes into the center dots and a red candy onto the bottom dot.
Allow Your Reindeer Cookies to Set
Let the cookies rest for about 30 minutes so the frosting or melted candy can firm up and hold the decorations in place.
Storing and Enjoying Your Reindeer Cookies
Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Their shelf life and sturdy decorations make them suitable for gifting, shipping, or preparing ahead of a party.
These reindeer cookies are charming, easy to make, and great to share. They pair beautifully with eggnog, hot cocoa, or coffee and are an excellent last-minute solution when invitations pop up.
Pick up a package of oblong cookies, some pretzels, candy eyes, and red candies, and you’ll have a batch of festive favorites in no time.
Reindeer Cookies
Ingredients
- 12 Milano cookies, Nutter Butter cookies, or other oblong/oval shaped cookies
- 2 ounces white vanilla frosting, white chocolate, or white candy melts
- 12 small pretzels
- 24 candy eyes
- 12 red candies
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and place cookies spaced evenly apart.
- Prepare your white “glue” (melt white chocolate or candy melts if using). Transfer to a piping bag or small decorating bottle with a fine tip.
- Work one element at a time. For antlers, pipe a small amount of glue onto the flat side of a pretzel and press it onto the top of each cookie.
- Pipe two small dots near the center of each cookie for the eyes and one dot at the bottom for the nose. Press candy eyes onto the center dots and a red candy onto the bottom dot.
- Allow the glue to set, about 30 minutes. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Frosting: Use any “glue” that will harden, such as royal icing, vanilla buttercream, white chocolate, or candy melts.
- Red candies: Red M&Ms, cinnamon hard candies, or Sixlets all work for the nose.
Nutrition Disclosure
All nutritional values are approximate and provided as a courtesy. Changing ingredients or quantities will alter the totals.