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How to Decorate Reindeer Cookies for Christmas 🦌🍪

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Make Cute Reindeer Cookies with Nutella

feature how to decorate reindeer cookies

Kids and adults alike will love learning how to decorate these adorable Reindeer Cookies for the Christmas season!

This recipe uses a clever and simple technique, starting with pre-packaged or homemade oatmeal cookies and decorating them with delicious Nutella, candy eyes, and a bright red nose.

The key to this simple project is using chocolate hazelnut spread to pipe the antlers, giving Rudolph a fun, professional look that is easy to achieve.

These cookies are perfect for a festive family activity, a school party, or adding a charming touch to your holiday dessert platter.

Get ready to create the cutest (and tastiest!) reindeer treats around!

reindeer cookies

Choosing Your Cookie and Antler Spread 🌰

The foundation of the cookie is important, but the key to success lies in the creamy spread used for the antlers.

Cookie Base Recommendations

  • Oatmeal Cookies: These are highly recommended because their texture naturally resembles a reindeer’s face, adding to the charm.
  • Store-Bought vs. Homemade: This recipe is extra easy if you start with pre-packaged oatmeal cookies, but homemade cookies (like gingerbread or sugar cookies) also work well.
  • Note: Avoid lumpy cookies, like those with raisins, as they can make the piping process more difficult.

reindeer christmas cookies

Piping with Nutella

  • The Best Spread: Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread is recommended because its creamy consistency is ideal for piping through a narrow round tip without clogging.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: If you are new to piping, take a moment to test out the piping bag on a piece of parchment paper first. This helps you get a feel for the pressure needed to create smooth, delicate antler shapes. If you make a mistake on the cookie, simply wipe the Nutella off and try again! 👍

rudolph reindeer cookies

Rudolph’s Finishing Touches 🔴👀

The eyes and nose are what bring these reindeer to life, and the same Nutella used for the antlers acts as the perfect edible adhesive.

Candy Choices

  • The Red Nose: The preferred choice for Rudolph’s bright nose is a red peanut M&M candy for its size and color, but any small red candy, such as a Red Hot or a plain red M&M, works well.
  • The Eyes: Candy eyes are essential for giving your reindeer a friendly, cartoonish expression.

Storing Decorated Cookies

To keep your reindeer looking their best after decorating:

  • First, let the decorated cookies air dry for a little while so the Nutella antlers and “glue” can set slightly.
  • Then, store them carefully in an airtight container or on a plate covered with plastic wrap, being mindful not to bump the delicate antlers or nose.

decorated reindeer cookie

🦌🍪 How To Decorate Reindeer Cookies

Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: 5 Servings

🥣 Ingredients

🥄 Supplies

📝 Instructions

  1. Prep Piping Bag: Use a table knife or spatula to carefully add the Nutella to the piping bag fitted with the small, narrow round decorating tip.
  2. Pipe Antlers: Gently squeeze the piping bag to draw two antler shapes onto each cookie. If you are unhappy with the result, wipe it off and try again.
  3. Attach Features: Use a small dab of the Nutella as “glue” to stick the candy eyeballs and the red candy nose onto the cookie.
  4. Dry and Store: Leave the finished Rudolph cookies out to dry a bit before serving or storing them in an airtight container.

Ready to Decorate Your Reindeer Herd? ⬇️

This decorating method is simple, delicious, and a fun way to spend quality time in the kitchen during the holidays.

It’s a great way to showcase a little bit of holiday magic!

Will you use oatmeal cookies or something else?

What kind of candy will you choose for Rudolph’s nose? 

reindeer cookies for christmas

🍽️ More from Mama Likes To Cook 

Festive and Fun Christmas Recipes ☃️

Christmas Animal Recipes 🦌

Holiday Party Drinks without Alcohol 🥂

Holiday Cookie Recipes 🤶🏼

Cookie Recipes 🍪

Nutella Recipes 🤎

Are you ready to have some delicious fun in the kitchen?

how to decorate a christmas reindeer cookie