Description
“Reindeer Delight Cookies” is a charming and delightful recipe that brings the festive joy of the holiday season directly to your dessert table. These cookies, resembling adorable reindeers, are perfect for holiday gatherings and are designed to captivate both children and adults alike. Featuring a soft, sweet base topped with creative and colorful decorations, these cookies are not only a treat to the palate but also a feast for the eyes.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons milk
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 ½ tablespoons meringue powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of brown liquid food coloring
- A few green M&M’s (for noses)
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat using an electric mixer until the mixture achieves a smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 2: Adding Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Subsequently, add the milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough is fully formed.
Step 3: Chilling the Dough
Encase the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to firm up.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, and use a large circle cookie cutter to shape the cookies. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 9-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Allow them to cool completely after baking.
Step 5: Creating Royal Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla extract, and gradually add warm water until stiff peaks form. Divide the icing for use in both base and decorative details.
Step 6: Decorating
Dip or pipe the white icing onto the cooled cookies to create the face and eyes of the reindeer. Once set, add antlers and a nose using brown icing and a green M&M respectively.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Total preparation and cooking time is about 2 hours, including the chilling and decorating process.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- Humidity Note: In very humid climates, store in a container with a loose lid to avoid the icing from becoming runny.
Conclusion
Reindeer Delight Cookies are not just cookies; they’re a festive experience. Whether serving them at a holiday party or simply baking a batch to enjoy at home, their delightful appearance and delicious taste will surely make them a seasonal favorite. This recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity and charm, ensuring that their preparation is as enjoyable as their consumption.
PrintReindeer Delight Cookies
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
“Reindeer Delight Cookies” is a charming and delightful recipe that brings the festive joy of the holiday season directly to your dessert table. These cookies, resembling adorable reindeers, are perfect for holiday gatherings and are designed to captivate both children and adults alike. Featuring a soft, sweet base topped with creative and colorful decorations, these cookies are not only a treat to the palate but also a feast for the eyes.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 ½ tablespoons meringue powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of brown liquid food coloring
- A few green M&M’s (for noses)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat using an electric mixer until the mixture achieves a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Step 2: Adding Dry Ingredients Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Subsequently, add the milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough is fully formed.
- Step 3: Chilling the Dough Encase the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to firm up.
- Step 4: Baking Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, and use a large circle cookie cutter to shape the cookies. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 9-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Allow them to cool completely after baking.
- Step 5: Creating Royal Icing Whisk together powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla extract, and gradually add warm water until stiff peaks form. Divide the icing for use in both base and decorative details.
- Step 6: Decorating Dip or pipe the white icing onto the cooled cookies to create the face and eyes of the reindeer. Once set, add antlers and a nose using brown icing and a green M&M respectively.