Chocolate Reindeer Cookies

Chocolate Reindeer Cookies Recipe - Make Delicious Homemade Cookies

Preparation time: 3 hours | Cooking time: 7-9 minutes | Servings: 36 cookies

Introduction

Chocolate Reindeer Cookies are a fun and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These adorable cookies are not only delicious, but they also make a great addition to any Christmas cookie platter.

History

The recipe for Chocolate Reindeer Cookies is a modern twist on the classic sugar cookie recipe. The idea of creating reindeer-shaped cookies for Christmas likely originated from the popular Christmas song, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." These cookies have become a favorite among both children and adults during the holiday season.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1.5 cups sugar
0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3.25 cups all-purpose flour
72 small pretzel twists
72 candy-coated milk chocolate pieces
36 small red gumdrops

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
Add sugar, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
Beat until combined, scraping sides of the bowl occasionally.
Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.
Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer.
Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions.
Wrap each portion in waxed paper or plastic wrap.
Chill for 3 hours or until the dough is easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into a 6-inch diameter circle.
Using a knife, cut each circle into 6 wedges.
Place the wedges 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
For antlers, lightly press a pretzel into the upper corners of each triangle.
Press chocolate pieces into the dough for eyes.
For a nose, press a red gumdrop into the dough triangle about 0.5 inch from the point.
Bake in a 375°F (191°C) oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until the edges are firm.
Do not overbake.
Cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool.

Variations

Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty twist.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough for at least 3 hours before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and cut into shapes.

- Do not overbake the cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

- Press the pretzels and candy pieces firmly into the dough to ensure they stay in place while baking.

- Get creative with the decorations! You can use different colored candies for the eyes and nose to give each reindeer its own unique look.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Reindeer Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a delicious holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy will help create a tender cookie.

- Rolling the dough out on a lightly floured surface will prevent it from sticking and make it easier to cut into shapes.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter in this recipe.

- If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Chocolate Reindeer Cookies ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply roll out the dough and bake the cookies when you're ready to enjoy them.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Chocolate Reindeer Cookies on a festive platter and garnish with sprigs of holly or edible glitter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Reindeer Cookies with a cup of peppermint tea or a glass of eggnog for a delightful holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Reindeer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 5 minutes to warm them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Reindeer Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Reindeer Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Reindeer Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Reindeer Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Reindeer Cookies do not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Reindeer Cookies contain dairy, eggs, wheat, and soy. They may also contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Chocolate Reindeer Cookies are a sweet treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Chocolate Reindeer Cookies are a fun and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season. These adorable cookies are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a delicious holiday treat!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a cold winter day, and I was rummaging through some old cookbooks that belonged to my grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a small piece of paper fell out from between the pages of a well-loved recipe book.

Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Chocolate Reindeer Cookies. The paper was stained and wrinkled, clearly a well-loved recipe that had been passed down through generations. I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

I carefully studied the recipe, taking in every detail. The ingredients were simple - butter, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and a few others. But what caught my eye was the intricate instructions on how to shape the cookies into adorable reindeer shapes. It was a labor of love, but I knew I had to try it.

As I gathered the ingredients and began to mix them together, I could feel the connection to my grandmother and all the other bakers who had made these cookies before me. I could almost hear their laughter and chatter as they worked together in the kitchen, passing on their knowledge and expertise.

The dough came together beautifully, rich and chocolatey with just the right amount of sweetness. I rolled it out and began to cut out the shapes, carefully shaping each one into a tiny reindeer. It was a meticulous process, but I could feel the love and care that went into each cookie.

As I placed them in the oven to bake, the sweet aroma of chocolate filled the kitchen. I couldn't wait to see how they would turn out. When I pulled them out of the oven, they were perfect - crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, with a rich chocolate flavor that melted in your mouth.

I knew I had found a treasure in that old recipe book. These Chocolate Reindeer Cookies were more than just a sweet treat - they were a connection to the past, a reminder of the love and care that went into each batch. They became a staple in my holiday baking, a tradition that I passed down to my own children and grandchildren.

Now, as I sit here baking a fresh batch of Chocolate Reindeer Cookies, I can't help but smile as I think back on that cold winter day when I first discovered this recipe. It's a memory that I will always hold dear, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories. And as I take a bite of one of these delicious cookies, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that will live on for generations to come.