Turn a simple brownie mix cookie into an adorable Rudolph reindeer cookie: pretzel antlers, chocolate chip eyes and a red M&M nose. Quick, festive, and perfect to make with kids or grandkids.
To make these Rudolph cookies, bake a batch of brownie mix cookies and, while they are still warm, press two mini pretzels into the top for antlers, add two chocolate chips for eyes, and place a red M&M as the nose. The warmth of the cookies helps the pieces adhere without extra icing.
Why You’ll Love This Rudolph Cookies Recipe
These reindeer cookies are a simple way to transform everyday brownie mix cookies into a charming holiday treat. They’re fast to assemble, kid-friendly, and deliver a big visual payoff with minimal effort. Because they use pantry staples—pretzels, chocolate chips and M&Ms—this is an ideal last-minute holiday baking project or a fun activity for family gatherings.
Yield & Time
- Yield: about 30 cookies
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: about 17 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 batch brownie mix cookie dough (see your favorite brownie mix cookie recipe)
- mini pretzels (for antlers)
- chocolate chips (for eyes)
- red M&Ms (for Rudolph’s nose)
Instructions for Rudolph Cookies
- Prepare the brownie mix cookie dough according to the package or your preferred recipe and bake the cookies on a cookie sheet.
- As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, gently press on each cookie:
- 2 mini pretzels for antlers
- 2 chocolate chips for eyes
- 1 red M&M centered below the eyes for the nose
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so the decorations set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Quick Notes
Work quickly but gently: the warm cookies will hold the decorations without glue, but pressing too hard can flatten the cookie. If you prefer, you can attach candies after cooling using a small dab of icing or melted chocolate.
Tips & Tricks
- Work quickly while cookies are warm, but press the candies in gently to avoid smashing the cookie.
- Place chocolate chip eyes carefully; touching or repositioning can cause them to smear as they soften.
- For a friendly reindeer face, set the eyes close together with the nose centered directly underneath.
Substitutions
If you prefer, use candy googly eyes for a more playful look. You can also attach decorations after baking with a dab of icing or melted chocolate if you don’t want to work with warm cookies. Pretzels can be substituted with small cookie sticks or broken pieces of licorice if you need sturdier antlers.
How to Serve Rudolph Reindeer Cookies
These cookies work well on any holiday cookie tray or as part of a Christmas cookie board. For a nostalgic touch, arrange them on a vintage cookie sheet lined with crumpled parchment and tuck seasonal candies around the edges. They also make a delightful centerpiece for a holiday dessert table or cookie exchange.
Equipment
No special equipment is needed—just your normal cookie-baking tools: mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper and a wire cooling rack. If you’d like to use candy googly eyes, any small piping bag or spoon works to apply icing for gluing.
Storage
Because the pretzel antlers are fragile, store the cookies carefully. Layer them in a large airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent breakage. Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, they will keep for about three days. For longer storage, freeze in single layers separated by parchment.
FAQ
How do you keep the chocolate chip eyes from melting?
Press them in gently right after the cookies come out of the oven and then leave them alone. Trying to move them later will likely cause smearing.
Can I use candy eyes instead?
Yes. Candy googly eyes are adorable—attach them after cooling with a dab of icing or melted chocolate if you prefer not to work with warm cookies.
Are these good for kids to make?
Absolutely. An adult handles the hot cookies, while kids add the pretzels, eyes and noses. It’s a quick, hands-on activity that kids love.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Freeze the cookies flat in a single layer with parchment between the layers to protect the antlers. Thaw gently before serving.
Other Christmas Cookie Ideas
- Soft & Chewy Rolled Sugar Cookies (rolled cut-out sugar cookies)
- Classic fudge and quick microwave condensed milk fudge recipes
- Cranberry lemon bars
- Jam sandwich cookies
- Snowflake sugar cookies
- No-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies
- Brownie mix cookies (base for these Rudolph cookies)
Plan Your Merriest Christmas Yet
These Rudolph reindeer cookies are an easy, festive project that brings a lot of joy for little effort. Whether you’re baking with kids, contributing to a cookie exchange, or preparing holiday treats in advance, this recipe is a cheerful, memorable addition to your holiday baking lineup.
