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If you’re searching for a festive treat guaranteed to bring smiles and holiday cheer, look no further than the Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe. These adorable cookies combine the rich, comforting flavor of peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of pretzels and the playful pop of red M&Ms, perfectly capturing Rudolph’s charm in every bite. They’re simple to make yet impressive enough to wow friends and family during any seasonal gathering or cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these cookies will become a beloved holiday tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients you likely have on hand, each carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and visual delight. The creamy peanut butter offers that signature, nutty richness; soft butter ensures tenderness; sugar brings the perfect touch of sweetness; and the pretzels and M&Ms make the cookies festive and fun.
- Peanut butter (1 cup): creamy or chunky, this is the cookie’s star, providing moistness and a luscious peanut flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cookies.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): balances the peanut butter’s savoriness with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Large egg (1): binds the dough and adds structure so the cookies hold their shape well.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): lifts the flavors and adds a subtle warmth to the dough.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): forms the base of the dough, ensuring a soft yet sturdy cookie.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): helps the cookies rise just enough and keeps them light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Mini pretzels (24): provide crunchy antlers, giving these cookies their iconic Rudolph look.
- Red M&Ms (24): serve as Rudolph’s bright, cheerful nose, adding a fun pop of color and candy sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips (48): create cute, expressive eyes that bring these cookies to life.
How to Make Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple first step sets the stage for hassle-free baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. This process is where the magic begins, creating the base that will give your cookies that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to fully combine.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into your wet peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix here to keep your cookies tender and soft.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, ensuring about 2 inches of space between each ball. Slightly flatten each ball with the back of a fork, creating a classic peanut butter cookie crisscross pattern.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until their edges are a delicate golden hue. This precise timing ensures a tender center with just enough crispness at the edges. After baking, let your cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes—this makes them firmer and easier to handle.
Step 6: Decorate as Rudolph
Once your cookies have cooled completely, it’s time for the fun part. Press two mini chocolate chips into each cookie for eyes, arrange a red M&M in the center front for Rudolph’s nose, and carefully attach two mini pretzels at the top as antlers. Gently press each decoration so they stick and your Rudolph is instantly recognizable.
Step 7: Let Them Set
Allow the decorated cookies to rest for a few minutes so the toppings can firmly adhere. Once set, your Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe are ready to dazzle guests and delight taste buds.
How to Serve Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe
Garnishes
While the pretzel antlers and M&M noses are charming on their own, consider sprinkling a tiny dusting of powdered sugar around your serving plate to mimic a fresh snowfall. Adding a few fresh cranberries or mint sprigs can also elevate the festive look and add a splash of natural color.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a mug of rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. For adults, a cozy cup of spiced chai or a warm bourbon-spiked eggnog complements the peanut butter flavor perfectly and keeps the holiday spirit alive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, arrange the cookies standing in a circle on a rustic wooden platter with mini candy canes nestled between them. You can also gift these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon or place them inside a decorative tin for a fantastic homemade gift that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, though they rarely last that long!
Freezing
Want to enjoy these festive treats later? You can freeze the cookies after baking but before decorating. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then decorate as usual.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to just-baked warmth, pop them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or warm gently in a preheated 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This softens the peanut butter and makes the cookie extra comforting without melting your decoration.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful extra texture to your cookies, making each bite even more interesting. Just keep in mind it may slightly affect the smoothness of the dough.
What if I don’t have mini pretzels for the antlers?
You can substitute with small pretzel twists or even pretzel sticks broken into smaller pieces. The goal is to create that signature antler shape for the festive look, so get creative with what you have!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make these cookies gluten-free, but you may need to adjust baking times or add a binding agent.
Can I make these cookies without the M&M decoration?
Definitely! The red M&M just adds that cheerful Rudolph nose and a burst of color, but if you prefer, you could use a small red candy or even a dab of red icing to achieve a similar effect.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies will remain fresh and moist for about 5 to 7 days. Beyond that, they might start to dry out but will still taste good in a pinch!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about whipping up a batch of Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe—the way they look just as joyful as they taste, and the smiles they bring to all who enjoy them. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or indulging in a moment of holiday cheer yourself, these cookies make every bite a celebration. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and let the festive fun begin!
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Print
Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies with Pretzel Antlers and M&M Nose Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful holiday treat featuring classic peanut butter cookie dough decorated with pretzel antlers, red M&M noses, and mini chocolate chip eyes to resemble Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Perfect for Christmas parties or seasonal gift-giving, they combine rich peanut butter flavor with a fun and charming design.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decorations
- 24 mini pretzels (for antlers)
- 24 red M&Ms (for Rudolph’s nose)
- 48 mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Make Wet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined into a consistent dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press each ball down slightly with a fork to flatten the cookies.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges just begin to turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Cool and Decorate: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate each cookie by gently pressing two mini chocolate chips for eyes, a red M&M for the nose, and mini pretzels to resemble antlers.
- Set and Store: Let the decorations set for a few minutes before serving. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure smooth mixing.
- You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter, depending on your texture preference.
- If you don’t have mini pretzels, small pretzel sticks can be broken to size for antlers.
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before decorating to prevent melting the chocolate chips and M&Ms.
- These cookies can be stored airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
