Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate are a festive delight that brings joy to any holiday gathering. These adorable treats are made from a chocolate cake mix base and decorated to resemble cute reindeer faces. The combination of chocolate frosting, mini Nilla Wafers, candy eyes, and colorful M&Ms makes these cookies not just delicious but visually appealing as well. Perfect for Christmas parties or cookie exchanges, let’s dive into how to make these whimsical and tasty treats!
Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate
These cookies are not just any holiday treat; they are a fun way to celebrate the festive season. First, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy holiday schedules. Secondly, the kids will love helping decorate these cute reindeer cookies with chocolate. You can also customize them with different toppings, making them a wonderful project for family gatherings. Additionally, they are ideal for cookie exchanges, adding a touch of whimsy to your dessert table. With their combination of flavors and textures, these holiday reindeer cookies with chocolate frosting are guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients for Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate
Gather these items:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can chocolate frosting (or 1-2 cups homemade chocolate frosting)
- 24-28 mini Nilla Wafers
- 24-28 red and brown M&M’s
- 1 package candy eyes (24-28 pairs)
- 48-56 mini pretzels
How to Make Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until a thick cookie batter forms.
- Step 3: Scoop 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all dough is used.
- Step 4: Place 12 cookie dough balls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Bake the cookies for approximately 8 minutes or until the tops start to crinkle.
- Step 6: Remove the cookies from the oven and cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Step 7: Once cooled, spread a layer of chocolate frosting over each cookie.
- Step 8: Place one mini Nilla Wafer onto the bottom half of each cookie.
- Step 9: Position two candy eyes above each Nilla Wafer.
- Step 10: Place two mini pretzels above the candy eyes to serve as antlers.
- Step 11: Use a dab of frosting to stick one red or brown M&M onto each Nilla Wafer.
- Step 12: Allow the frosting to set completely before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate
Keep these in mind:
- These cookies are perfect for Christmas celebrations and cookie exchanges.
- You can use homemade frosting for a personal touch.
- For added fun, let kids help in decorating them!
Best Ways to Serve Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate
Consider pairing these festive chocolate reindeer cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful treat. They also make excellent centerpieces for holiday cookie platters at parties. You can even package them in cute bags for a sweet gift!
How to Store and Reheat Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you need to reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy their gooey chocolate goodness again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate
What’s the secret to perfect Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate?
The secret is to not overbake them! Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake; you want them to be soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture. Also, using good quality chocolate frosting makes a difference!
Can I make Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies can be made a day in advance. Just bake and decorate them, then store them in an airtight container. They will still taste fresh and delicious!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate?
To avoid common mistakes, make sure to measure ingredients accurately and follow the steps closely. Don’t skip cooling the cookies before decorating; this prevents the frosting from melting off!
Variations of Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate You Can Try
If you’re feeling creative, consider adding different toppings like crushed peppermint or sprinkles for a festive flair. You can also try using different flavors of cake mix for unique twists. For a healthier option, swap some ingredients to fit vegetarian diets or use dark chocolate for a richer flavor!
For more festive recipes, check out our Frankenstein Cupcakes or Salted Caramel Cookies. If you’re interested in more cookie ideas, visit our recipe section for a variety of delicious options!
For additional tips on baking cookies, you can refer to this Food Network guide for expert advice.
Print
Delightful Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate for Christmas
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Reindeer Cookies are a festive and fun holiday treat made with a chocolate cake mix base, decorated with chocolate frosting, mini Nilla Wafers, candy eyes, pretzels, and colorful M&M’s to resemble adorable reindeer faces.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can chocolate frosting (or 1–2 cups homemade chocolate frosting)
- 24–28 mini Nilla Wafers
- 24–28 red and brown M&M’s
- 1 package candy eyes (24–28 pairs)
- 48–56 mini pretzels
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until a thick cookie batter forms.
- Scoop 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all dough is used.
- Place 12 cookie dough balls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies for approximately 8 minutes or until the tops start to crinkle.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Once cooled, spread a layer of chocolate frosting over each cookie.
- Place one mini Nilla Wafer onto the bottom half of each cookie.
- Position two candy eyes above each Nilla Wafer.
- Place two mini pretzels above the candy eyes to serve as antlers.
- Use a dab of frosting to stick one red or brown M&M onto each Nilla Wafer.
- Allow the frosting to set completely before serving.
Notes
- These cookies are perfect for Christmas celebrations and cookie exchanges.
- You can use homemade frosting for a personal touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg