Delicious Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate for Holidays

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Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate are a delightful and festive holiday treat perfect for any Christmas gathering. Made with a chocolate cake mix base and topped with chocolate frosting, these cookies resemble adorable reindeer faces. With their creative decorations of mini Nilla Wafers, candy eyes, pretzels, and colorful M&M’s, they are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. These cookies are not only fun to make but also incredibly easy, making them a favorite for holiday baking!

Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate

This Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate recipe is a hit for numerous reasons! First, they are visually appealing and make the perfect festive centerpiece for your cookie platter. Additionally, the combination of chocolate and the crunchy texture of pretzels creates a delightful flavor experience. These Chocolate-Dipped Reindeer Cookies are easy to prepare and are great for kids to decorate, making them a fun family activity. Plus, they require minimal ingredients, making them accessible for all bakers. The short baking time means you can whip up batches quickly, perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings. Lastly, they are an excellent option for cookie exchanges, as their unique look makes them stand out. Enjoy these Christmas Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate during the holiday season!

Delicious Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate for Holidays - Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate - main visual representation

Ingredients for Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate

Gather these items:

1 box chocolate cake mix
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 can chocolate frosting (or 1-2 cups homemade chocolate frosting)
24-28 mini Nilla Wafers
24-28 red and brown M&M’s
1 package candy eyes (24-28 pairs)
48-56 mini pretzels

How to Make Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir well until a thick cookie batter forms.
Step 3: Scoop 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all dough is used.
Step 4: Place 12 cookie dough balls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
Step 5: Bake for approximately 8 minutes or until the tops start to crinkle and set.
Step 6: Remove cookies from the oven and cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Once cooled, spread chocolate frosting over the top of each cookie.
Step 8: Place one mini Nilla Wafer on the bottom half of each frosted cookie.
Step 9: Position two candy eyes above each Nilla Wafer.
Step 10: Place two mini pretzels on top for antlers.
Step 11: Stick one red or brown M&M onto each Nilla Wafer for a nose.
Step 12: Allow frosting to set completely before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate

Keep these in mind:

These cookies are perfect for Christmas celebrations and cookie exchanges.
Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
For an added twist, try using different colored M&M’s or sprinkles to decorate!
Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent melting.

Best Ways to Serve Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate

These cookies dazzle on any dessert table. You can serve them alongside a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even eggnog during the holiday season. They also make great gifts when packaged nicely in a festive box, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Consider pairing them with other holiday cookies for a complete assortment of treats!

How to Store and Reheat Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies without decorations for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm, and then add your desired toppings!

Frequently Asked Questions About Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate

What’s the secret to perfect Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate?

The secret to perfect Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate lies in not overbaking them. Keep a close eye on them in the oven; they should be soft and slightly crinkled when you take them out. This will ensure they remain chewy and delicious!

Can I make Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for a day or two. Just roll into balls and bake when you’re ready. This is a great way to save time during the busy holiday season!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and follow the instructions closely. It’s also essential to let the cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent any melting of the frosting or toppings.

Variations of Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate You Can Try

Feel free to get creative! You can try using Chocolate-Dipped Reindeer Cookies by dipping the cooled cookies in melted chocolate. Another fun idea is to use different types of candies for decoration, like gumdrops or colored icing, to customize your Christmas Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate. For a minty twist, add peppermint candies or use mint chocolate frosting!

For more festive ideas, check out our Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies or Pumpkin Patch Cookies recipes!

Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about cookie decorating techniques, you can visit Cooking Classy for expert tips!