Description
These festive Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining creamy peanut butter flavor with fun decorations that transform each cookie into Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. With a soft texture and a perfect balance of sweetness, they’re easy to make and perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a fun baking activity with kids.
Ingredients
Scale
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). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and enable easy cleanup.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined without overworking the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Press each ball down slightly with a fork to flatten the tops and create a classic peanut butter cookie texture.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once the cookies have cooled, decorate each one by gently pressing two mini chocolate chips for eyes, one red M&M for Rudolph’s iconic nose, and two mini pretzels positioned as antlers. Ensure the decorations stick well to the cookie surface.
- Serve: Allow the decorated cookies to set for a few minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use creamy or chunky peanut butter based on your preference; either works well.
- If you prefer a sweeter or less sweet cookie, adjust the granulated sugar slightly to taste.
- Press decorations gently so they don’t break the cookie surface.
- For a more pronounced peanut flavor, consider using natural peanut butter without added sugars.
- These cookies freeze well; store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months and decorate after thawing.
