Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

The Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie is pure festive magic in edible form. Imagine a batch of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookies transformed into the most adorable little reindeer, complete with bright red candy noses, chocolatey eyes, and mini pretzel antlers. Every cookie looks like it just stepped out of a holiday storybook, and their sweet, salty, nutty flavor keeps everyone—kids and adults alike—coming back for seconds. Not only are they a joy to decorate, but they’re a guaranteed showstopper for cookie exchanges, classroom parties, or cozy nights by the fire. Baking these cookies is half the fun and sharing them is sure to spark plenty of smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie lies in its simplicity: classic pantry staples magically combine to form a cookie that’s both familiar and extra-special. Each ingredient brings its own personality, from creamy richness to a sweet crunch, all working together for delicious, charming results.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Delivers that melt-in-the-mouth richness and helps the cookies hold their shapedies.
• Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Provides the signature nutty flavor and smooth texture everyone loves in this cookie.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Boosts chewiness and adds a subtle note of caramel.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Lends sweetness and helps the edges crisp up just right.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the dough structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor, giving a warm, comforting note to the dough.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Forms the sturdy body of the cookie, ensuring they hold their reindeer shape.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes lift, ensuring the cookies are light and tender rather than dense.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and intensifies every other flavor in the mix.
• Red candy-coated chocolates: The perfect little Rudolph noses—you can’t have a reindeer cookie without them!
• Mini pretzels: They make the cutest, easiest edible antlers and add a salty crunch to each bite.
• Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes: For playful, expressive eyes that bring each cookie’s face to life.

How to Make Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment not only guarantees easy cleanup but also helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking—so every Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie comes off the tray without losing its shape.

Step 2: Cream Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or a strong arm and a wooden spoon) to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light, fluffy, and seamlessly blended. This step is key for that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until fully combined—this helps bind your dough and builds a subtle layer of warmth and depth that makes each Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie sing.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavener and salt disperse evenly, working their magic for texture and flavor. That simple whisk is the secret to cookies that bake up beautifully uniform.

Step 5: Mix Dough

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. It should hold together easily and be simple to scoop—if it seems dry, a splash of milk can help, but usually the balance is perfect.

Step 6: Shape and Flatten

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions, roll them into balls between your palms, then gently press each one to flatten slightly. Shape each disc into an oval to resemble a reindeer face. This step is where the cookies get their character!

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, keeping a close eye as you want the edges just set and the centers still a little soft. Over-baking will make them dry, so trust that they’ll finish firming up as they cool.

Step 8: Decorate While Warm

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven (while still warm), gently press two mini pretzels at the top for antlers, two mini chocolate chips or candy eyes in the center for the eyes, and a single red candy in the middle for that famous Rudolph nose. If the decorations seem loose, give them a tiny press after a minute or two of cooling.

How to Serve Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie

Garnishes

Each Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie already arrives delightfully dressed for the occasion, but you can always add a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of “snow” or pipe a thin line of icing around the edge for extra festive flair. Little edible stars or sprinkles can also turn these into star attractions on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a frosty glass of milk, creamy hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, or even a mug of spiced chai for a grown-up twist. For a dessert tray, nestle them alongside other holiday favorites like peppermint bark, gingerbread men, or classic sugar cookies for a playful, colorful selection.

Creative Ways to Present

Gather several Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon for adorable classroom treats or stocking stuffers. Or, plate them on a big red or green platter with a cluster of fresh cranberries and a scattering of extra candy noses for a party-ready display. Kids also love arranging these “reindeer” around a centerpiece for a snackable winter wonderland!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. Place a sheet of wax or parchment paper between layers to keep the decorations intact and prevent sticking.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled, undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and decorate for fresh-tasting, festive cookies on demand. You can also freeze decorated cookies; just be gentle with the antlers!

Reheating

While these cookies are delicious at room temperature, if you crave that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5–8 seconds (just enough to take the chill off). This brings out the peanut butter aroma and softens the pretzel antlers ever so slightly.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter for Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add bits of peanut for extra texture, though your cookies may spread a bit less. Both creamy and chunky versions are delicious, so use whichever you and your taste testers prefer.

What if I can’t find mini pretzels for the antlers?

No worries! Small broken pieces of regular pretzels work well, or you can get creative and use chocolate-covered pretzel sticks or even thin licorice strips for whimsical antlers. The key is that signature shape and a bit of crunch.

Do Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies hold up for shipping or mailing?

They sure do! Just make sure the decorations are firmly pressed in and the cookies are layered between wax or parchment paper in a sturdy tin. Pack them snugly to prevent movement and those cheery cookie faces will travel beautifully.

Can I double the Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie recipe?

Definitely! These cookies disappear fast, so feel free to double or even triple the ingredients. Just make sure to mix the dough in a large enough bowl and bake in batches for best results.

Is it okay to skip the candy decorations and make these as classic peanut butter cookies?

Of course! The base recipe yields a classic, craveable peanut butter cookie on its own. But if you’re craving that holiday cheer, the little touches truly transform them into magical, memory-making Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s simply nothing like baking a batch of Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie treats to fill the kitchen with cheer and bring smiles to every face. Whether you’re celebrating with little ones or just want to create a festive mood, these cookies are pure joy from start to finish—give them a try and see for yourself just how much fun holiday baking can be!

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