Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate: 10 Festive Treats

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Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate are a festive and fun holiday treat that will bring smiles to everyone around. Made with a delicious chocolate cake mix base, these cookies are not only adorable but incredibly easy to prepare. Decorated with chocolate frosting, mini Nilla Wafers, candy eyes, pretzels, and colorful M&M’s, they resemble the cutest reindeer faces. Perfect for cookie exchanges and Christmas celebrations, these delightful treats will be a hit at your holiday gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate

There are several reasons why these Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate stand out:

They are incredibly easy to make, even for beginners, making them an Easy Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate option.
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties and cookie exchanges, ensuring everyone gets a festive treat.
The combination of chocolate cake mix and frosting creates a rich, delicious flavor that is irresistible.
They are customizable; you can use different candies for decorations, making each cookie unique.
Kids love helping decorate, which makes for a fun family activity during the holidays.
These cookies are suitable for various dietary preferences by adjusting the ingredients, like using a gluten-free cake mix.
They can be made ahead of time and stored, making them a great addition to your Christmas baking list.
Lastly, the playful reindeer design makes them a hit with children and adults alike!

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
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 and set.
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 generous layer of chocolate frosting over each cookie.
Step 8: Place one mini Nilla Wafer onto the bottom half of each frosted 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 chocolate frosting if preferred for a personal touch.
Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.
If you’re feeling creative, try adding other decorations like sprinkles or different candies.

Best Ways to Serve Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate

Here are some fun ideas:

Serve them alongside hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.
Use them as festive decorations on your dessert table during Christmas gatherings.
Pair with milk for a delightful snack that will please both kids and adults.

How to Store and Reheat Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate

To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the cookies before frosting them. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and frost. The total time for making these cookies is just 23 minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate

What’s the secret to perfect Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate?

The secret lies in not overbaking them; pull them out when the tops are just crinkling. This will ensure a soft and chewy texture, which is key for Chocolate-Dipped Reindeer Cookies.

Can I make Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate ahead of time?

Yes, these cookies can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and decorate them the same day you plan to serve them for the best presentation.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate?

Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Also, ensure your oven is preheated to achieve the best results for these Christmas Reindeer Cookies.

Variations of Reindeer Cookies with Chocolate You Can Try

Here are some creative ideas:

For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
Create a no-bake version by using chocolate-covered graham crackers as the base.
Add peppermint extract to the frosting for a festive twist.
Try using white chocolate for the frosting and decorations for a different flavor profile.