Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies
A No-Bake Christmas Treat That’s Almost Too Cute to Eat!
If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s festive, fun, and won’t have you elbow-deep in flour, Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies are your new holiday BFF. These little cookies are so cute and super simple to make, and there’s no baking involved!
You can use store-bought icing, or my favorite, melted chocolate chips to make the reindeer details, which adds even more rich, delicious flavor. Chocolate + peanut butter = YES PLEASE.
Whether you’re making these for a Christmas party, classroom celebration, or just a family night in with the kiddos, these reindeer cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles.
What Are Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies?
These darling little cookies are made from, you guessed it, peanut butter. With a few simple decorations, you can turn these peanut butter sandwich cookies into reindeer with big googly eyes, red noses, and pretzel antlers.
They look impressive, but I promise, they’re as easy as can be. (And did I mention delicious?!)
What You’ll Need For These Easy Reindeer Cookies
Here’s everything you need to make your adorable reindeer herd:
Ingredients:
How to Make Reindeer Cookies
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, pour about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave in 20- to 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. (Don’t overdo it, burnt chocolate is not festive.)
Tip: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening if you want the chocolate a little thinner and easier to pipe.
Step 2: Prep Your Work Surface
Lay out a sheet of wax or parchment paper to make clean-up easy. Set up your Nutter Butters, candy eyes, pretzels, and M&Ms so you’re ready to decorate.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Details
Using a spoon, pour your melted chocolate onto the back of the cookie where the antlers (pretzels) will go. Of if you prefer you can put the melted chocolate into a zip-top bag and snip off a tiny bit of the corner. Instant piping bag! You can also use a clean squeeze bottle if that’s easier but I find a spoon works well.
Press two mini pretzels into the melted chocolate to form those cute little antlers. Hold for a few seconds, then leave to set so the pretzels stay in place while the chocolate hardens.
Tip: If your kitchen is warm, pop the cookies in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help everything set.
Step 4: Add Eyes and Nose
Once the pretzel antlers have set, turn the cookies over and dab two dots of chocolate onto each cookie where the eyes will go. Stick on the candy eyes while the chocolate is still warm.
Next, add a dot of chocolate near the bottom and place your red M&M nose (for Rudolph!). If you want to make some non-Rudolph reindeer, swap in brown or green M&Ms too.
Step 5: Let Them Cool and Set
Give your reindeer some chill time so the chocolate can firm up. Once everything is set, they’re good to go, ready for snacking, gifting, or just showing off!
Tips and Tricks from the Holiday Kitchen
Use Good Chocolate
The better the chocolate, the yummier the cookie! You can use semi-sweet, milk, or even dark chocolate chips. White chocolate works too if you’re going for a snowy look!
Chill Before Serving
These look so polished when the chocolate has had time to set. If you’re making a big batch, keep them cool so the antlers don’t slide around.
Make it a Decorating Station
Lay out all the toppings and let your kids go wild. Rudolphs with three eyes? Go for it. Pretzel antlers on sideways? Absolutely. It’s all part of the fun!
Where to Show Off These Cuties
These cookies are perfect for:
- Christmas parties
- Holiday cookie exchanges
- School bake sales
- Family movie nights (with hot cocoa, of course)
- Edible gifts for teachers, neighbors, or your holiday guests
They look adorable in a holiday tin or cellophane bag with a cute little tag that says:
“Dashing by with holiday cheer!” (or “From our herd to yours!” if you’re feeling punny)
How to Store Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies
Once your chocolate is completely set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. Just pop a piece of wax paper between layers to keep those antlers from sticking.
Want to keep them longer? You can refrigerate them, but let them come to room temp before serving so the chocolate doesn’t snap when someone takes a bite.
Here’s what I love most about these cookies: they’re festive without the fuss. I mean, we’re melting some chocolate and sticking things onto cookies, how easy is that?! And yet… the final result is total holiday magic.
Plus, these are such a sweet way to spend time together. Put on your favorite Christmas playlist, pour some marshmallow-topped cocoa, and create a whole reindeer family with your kids. The giggles and messy fingers are so worth it.
So go ahead and give these Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies a try! They’re fun, yummy, and guaranteed to sleigh.
