Reindeer Cookies – Simple Christmas Cookies Decorated With M&Ms And Pretzels

This Christmas cookie recipe turns plain sandwich cookies into shiny, chocolate-coated reindeer faces with candy eyes, mini pretzel antlers, and that bright red Rudolph nose.

You won’t need an oven or a stand mixer. You’ll just need a bowl of melted chocolate, a parchment-lined tray, and a little decorating rhythm. If you’ve searched for no bake Christmas cookies, cute holiday cookies, or edible Christmas crafts, this method fits the moment.

I return to these Reindeer Cookies every December when my hands are full, but my trays still need something festive. These cookies set without baking, travel well, and always bring smiles. Even a beginner can make them look polished. That’s the real trick here—easy, store-bought ingredients dressed up with care.

Let’s take a closer look at how this works.

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The Cookie Base Makes the Whole Structure Work

I use plain, double-stuffed sandwich cookies, not coated. That extra filling helps them hold their shape when dipped in warm chocolate. I’ve tested with single-stuffed and they tend to break under the pretzels or when dipped.

The neutral outer shell takes on the chocolate coating smoothly. If you’ve ever made Stained Glass Cookies, this recipe follows a similar idea. We start simple, then build something charming.

Cookies with flavoring, like mint or peanut butter, add a twist, but for a classic Rudolph look and taste, plain chocolate or vanilla works best.

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Why the Chocolate Coating Matters

The milk chocolate coating gives structure, shine, and flavor. It holds the decorations in place and firms up just enough to protect the cookie underneath.

I melt 1½ cups of chocolate chips with a spoonful of coconut oil. That oil helps the chocolate melt more evenly and gives the dipped cookie a smoother finish. You can skip it, but the results are less glossy.

If you’re comparing coating methods, here’s what I’ve found:

I’ve tested dipping with both melting wafers and real chocolate chips. The wafers are easier and more consistent. Chips taste richer but may seize up faster without the oil. If kids are helping, use wafers. If you want a richer bite, go with chips and keep a close eye on temperature.

This step reminds me of making Holiday Pinwheel Cookies. Precision in the middle makes the end product look polished.

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Decorate While the Chocolate Is Wet No Waiting

Timing matters here. Dip, then decorate quickly while the chocolate is still soft.

Set out your decorations ahead of time. Use two mini pretzels for antlers, two candy eyes below that, and one red M&M centered near the bottom. These go fast once you find your rhythm.

Broken pretzels often make better antlers than whole ones. They look more natural and playful. I usually sort the bag first and pick out the best ones, then let the rest go into holiday snack mix.

You’ll find a similar playful precision in my Snowflake Cookies. Both recipes start with a basic shape and build character through simple details.

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Setting Time Makes or Breaks the Finish

Once decorated, the cookies need to set. If you rush this part, the chocolate may smear or smudge.

Leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Or place the tray in the fridge for 15 minutes if you’re short on time. I’ve done both. For parties, I use the fridge to move fast. For gifting, I let them set slowly for a smoother finish.

Don’t stack them directly. Layer them with parchment if you need to pack them in tins. That way, the antlers and eyes stay in place.

If you’ve made Snowman Cupcakes, you’ll know how decorations can shift if not handled gently. These cookies behave the same way once coated.

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Storing and Serving Reindeer Cookies the Right Way

These cookies hold best at cool room temperature for 2 to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm, store them in the fridge, but let them come to room temp before serving.

Avoid stacking unless you use parchment between layers. The pretzels are fragile and shift under pressure.

For trays or holiday cookie boxes, I recommend placing each cookie in a small paper cupcake liner. It cushions the base and adds polish.

They go well with other decorative cookies like Stained Glass Cookies or Snowflake Cookies. If you’re building a mixed tray, alternate these with plain cookies to make them pop visually.

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What to Expect From Each Bite

You’ll get a soft crunch from the pretzel. A creamy bite from the sandwich cookie. A smooth coat of chocolate and a tiny snap from the red candy nose.

That combination of texture and color makes these stand out on any table. Even after a dozen other cookies, this one pulls focus. It looks cheerful, but it’s not just for show. Every piece contributes to the experience.

I’ve served these at classroom parties, winter bake sales, and family cookie exchanges. They hold up in transport, spark conversation, and bring a nostalgic charm. Especially for those who remember crafting as kids with marshmallows and candy canes.

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Save and Share Your Reindeer Cookie Creations

If you make these Reindeer Cookies, save this post to your Christmas Cookies or Holiday Baking Pinterest board.

These treats come together quickly, but leave a lasting impression.

Let me know in the comments how they turned out or if you added your own twist. I’d love to hear what your kids, friends, or guests thought of them.

These little reindeer never last long on my holiday trays—and I don’t expect them to last on yours either.

These cookies are part of the delights you’ll find in my ‘24 Days of Christmas Desserts‘ selection or recipes.