Rudolphs Rednosed Reindeer Cookies
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered what Santa's reindeer snack on? Well, I've got a hunch it's something like these adorable reindeer treats ! These cookies aren't just cute; they are spiced with ginger and cinnamon that'll warm you right up.
Brief Overview
These Rudolph cookies are inspired by classic Christmas cookies . This recipe is super easy. It takes about 1 hour 40 minutes total.
This recipe yields about 24 cookies and is perfect for sharing.
Main Benefits
Honestly, these festive cookies are more than just a treat. They're about making memories! Plus, a little ginger is good for the digestion, right? These cute Christmas cookies are ideal for a family baking day or a holiday party.
What makes them special? Well, besides being ridiculously cute, their warm spice flavour make them irresistible!. Ready to unleash the Christmas spirit with these gingerbread reindeer cookies ?.
Let's dive into what you'll need, shall we?
All You Need for Rudolph's Red-Nosed Reindeer Cookies
Here's what to grab from the pantry. This is to make some proper Christmas treats recipe . We are not making just any cookies; we are creating edible Christmas magic.
- For the Cookies: You'll need 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Plus, grab 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- For Decorating: Gather 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, mini chocolate chips, red M&Ms, and pretzel sticks. These ingredients will turn them into Rudolph cookies .
Tools to create Christmas Magic
Don't worry, you probably have most of this stuff already. We don't need fancy stuff. Make sure you have your trusty electric mixer.
You'll also need a mixing bowl. Don't forget those measuring cups and spoons. Baking sheets and parchment paper are crucial.
A rolling pin is essential, obviously. Cookie cutters, round or gingerbread shape, would also come in handy. Small bowls for decorating are super useful.
Bakes for Everyone!
Making these cookies is easier than untangling Christmas lights, I promise! These Christmas cookie recipes for kids are a great way to get the little ones involved, and the end product is something that everyone can enjoy.
Perfect for holiday baking ! You can bake a big batch for Santa or just to enjoy with a warm drink while watching a Christmas movie !
Alright, let's get crack-a-lackin' on these Rudolph's Red-Nosed Reindeer Cookies ! Think of it as a culinary Christmas Carol. Instead of singing, we're baking.
We want something that Rudolph himself would approve of. Though he'd probably want extra carrots, you know?
We'll aim for a recipe that's fun, festive, and achievable. Even if your skills are more "Great British Baking Show - first week elimination" than "Paul Hollywood handshake."
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Reindeer Treats
Right then, let's dive into what you'll need. I'll break it down so even your nan could follow it, yeah? No sweat!
Main Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g) . Get the good stuff, softened. Honest, if the butter is too hard, you'll have lumps. Nobody wants lumpy reindeer treats!
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) . Plain white sugar. Simple!
- Packed Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) . Gives it a bit of warmth and chewiness.
- Large Egg: Just one. Size doesn't really matter here.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . The real deal, not that imitation stuff.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups (192g) . Plain flour.
- Ground Ginger: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds that festive spice. Perfect for some Gingerbread reindeer cookies .
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . More Christmas feels, innit?
- Ground Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Just a smidge, don't overdo it.
- Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Helps 'em rise.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Balances the sweet.
For Decorating your Christmas cookies :
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (120g) . Icing sugar, whatever you call it.
- Milk: 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) . Start small, add more until it's right.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: For the eyes. Loads of Cute Christmas cookies use this.
- Red M&Ms: Or red-coated candies, for Rudolph's nose! Gotta have that Rudolph cookies detail!
- Pretzel Sticks: Broken in half, for antlers. Genius, right?
Seasoning Notes
- Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are the trifecta for Christmas spice. Like the Spice Girls, but for your taste buds.
- Vanilla extract is your flavour enhancer. Don't skip it. It makes all the difference, seriously!
- No cloves? Don't panic. Just leave them out.
- Want a flavour boost? Try a pinch of allspice.
Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer. Handheld or stand, whatever you've got.
- Large mixing bowl. Big enough to wrangle all the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
- Baking sheets. The bigger the better.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Stops the cookies from sticking. A lifesaver!
- Rolling pin. For flattening the dough.
- Cookie cutters. Round or gingerbread man, your call. It's the Christmas cookie recipes for kids after all!
- Small bowls for decorating. To keep everything organized.
Right, that's the gear sorted. Let's get baking some Festive cookies that are Easy Christmas baking at its finest.
Alright, let's get crack-a-lackin' on these Rudolph's Red-Nosed Reindeer Treats ! Think of it as a culinary Christmas Carol, but instead of singing, we're baking.
We want something that Rudolph himself would approve of! (though he'd probably want extra carrots).
We'll aim for a recipe that's fun, festive, and achievable. Even if your skills are more "Great British Baking Show first week elimination" than "Paul Hollywood handshake," we got you.
Let's dive in and make some Christmas Cookies !
Rudolph's Red-Nosed Reindeer Cookies Let's Get Baking!
These adorable reindeer cookies are perfect for holiday baking ! Soft, spiced ginger cookies transform into Rudolph and his antlered pals with a simple decorating scheme.
The bright red nose adds a touch of Christmas cheer. This Christmas Treats recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place and Safety First!
Essential mise en place ? You bet! First, soften 1/2 cup (113g) of unsalted butter. Honestly, I sometimes forget and microwave it, but be careful not to melt it! Get all your ingredients measured out before you start.
It will save you a heap of time.
Also, dig out all your decorating bits and bobs! Time saving tip? Before you start making the dough, break your pretzel sticks in half for the antlers.
You will be thankful later. Don't forget to preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) too.
step-by-step to Deliciousness
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Cream together 1/2 cup (113g) softened butter, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. No overmixing!
- Chill Out: Wrap the dough and chill for at least 1 hour. This is crucial!
- Roll and Cut: Roll the chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out shapes.
- Bake Time: Bake for 8- 12 minutes , or until lightly golden.
- Decorate: After cookies are cooled, decorate with icing, chocolate chips, red M&Ms, and pretzel antlers.
Pro Tips for Festive Perfection
Want cute christmas cookies ? Chill that dough. Seriously. If you skip this, you'll end up with flat, sad-looking reindeer cookies . The chill keeps them perky!
My little secret? Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. Oh my gosh! It adds such a lovely warmth! Don't overbake or they will be hard! Aim for that light golden edge.
You can totally make the dough a day ahead. Just wrap it well and pop it in the fridge. This is great if you're short on time.
And there you have it! Now you are a Holiday baking expert!
Alright, let's talk about making these Rudolph's Red-Nosed Reindeer Cookies ! I promise, even if you're not a star baker, these reindeer treats are totally doable.
So, let's dive into some helpful hints and ways to make them your own.
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Shine!
Okay, so you've baked your Christmas cookies . Now what? Honestly, presentation is key! Think cute. Stack a few on a festive plate or arrange them like Rudolph and his pals are ready to take off.
You could even use edible glitter for some extra sparkle. I like to pair these festive cookies with a tall glass of milk.
Because, well, who doesn't love cookies and milk? Or, for something a bit warmer, think about a cozy cup of hot chocolate.
The perfect combo while you binge watch Home Alone!.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
Listen, these reindeer treats are usually gone in a flash at my house. But, if you have any left over, here's the lowdown.
First, let them cool completely. Then, pop them into an airtight container. They'll stay good in the fridge for up to three days.
Want to keep them longer? Freeze them! Just wrap them well and they'll last for up to two months. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature.
They'll be almost as good as fresh. You know, as long as the icing survives!
Variations: Make It Your Own
Don't be afraid to get creative! Want to make these Christmas cookie recipes for kids a little healthier? Try swapping half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat.
Or, for a fun twist, add a bit of orange zest to the dough. For a dietary change, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate reindeer cookies.
Seasonal ingredient swaps? Easy! Add some chopped dried cranberries or orange zest for a festive winter flavor.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat!
Let's be real, these are holiday baking . Each cookie is about 120 calories. I know, I know, but it's the holidays! They also have a gram of protein, 6 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbohydrates and 9 grams of sugar, But, come on, it's a Christmas treats recipe to enjoy in moderation.
It's all about balance, right? Plus, a little sugar rush can't hurt, especially when you're decorating with the family.
So, there you have it! A few extra tips to make these cute Christmas cookies even more amazing. Just have fun with it.
That's what holiday baking is all about! If you get stuck on these gingerbread reindeer cookies , just think about reindeer food recipe .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these reindeer treats ahead of time? I'm trying to avoid a Christmas Eve baking frenzy!
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies 2-3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Hold off on decorating them until closer to serving time to prevent the icing and pretzel antlers from getting stale.
Think of it as prepping your Christmas dinner the day before less stress, more festive cheer!
My icing always seems to be too runny or too thick. Any tips for getting the perfect consistency for these reindeer treats?
Icing consistency can be a real Goldilocks situation, right? Start with 2 tablespoons of milk for the powdered sugar and add more very gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a consistency that's smooth and easily spreadable but still holds its shape.
If it's too runny, add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
What if I don't have all the spices listed? Are the ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves essential for these reindeer cookies?
While the blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives these cookies that warm, Christmas-y flavour, you can adjust based on what you have. If you're missing cloves, don't worry too much the ginger and cinnamon will still provide a lovely spiced flavour.
You could also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a bit of extra depth. Remember, baking is all about adapting be creative!
Can I freeze these "Rudolph's Red-Nosed Reindeer Cookies", either before or after baking?
Yes, you can! To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and baking. Baked cookies, undecorated, can also be frozen for up to a month.
Just make sure they're completely cooled and stored in an airtight container.
My kids have allergies. Are there any substitutions I can make to these reindeer treats to make them gluten-free or dairy-free?
Absolutely! For gluten-free reindeer treats, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For dairy-free, use a vegan butter substitute and a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or soy milk in the icing.
Always double check the labels of your decorating candies and chocolate chips to ensure they are also allergen free.
I don't have cookie cutters, can I still make these reindeer treats? What other shapes could I use?
No cookie cutters? No problem! Use a round glass or mug to cut out simple circle shapes. You can even use a knife to cut out squares or triangles. For other festive options, consider stars or Christmas tree shapes. The key is to have fun and get creative, even Rudolph would approve!
Rudolphs Rednosed Reindeer Cookies
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
