Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
The Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie is pure edible holiday cheer, bringing together the irresistible richness of peanut butter and the delightful whimsy of a classic Christmas character. These festive cookies are tender and nutty, perfectly accented with candy noses, pretzel antlers, and playful eyes that never fail to bring a smile. Whether you’re baking with little helpers or prepping for a holiday cookie exchange, these charming treats add instant sparkle to any gathering and deliver a much-loved peanut butter flavor wrapped up in seasonal fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for a reason: to create that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth bite, a touch of holiday magic, and truly memorable decoration.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Softened butter contributes to a light, tender cookie texture while letting the peanut butter flavor shine.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, creamy peanut butter delivers a rich, nutty taste and luscious mouthfeel.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances flavors and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough for a tender but structured cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A dash of vanilla deepens the flavor and adds a sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides just enough structure without weighing the cookies down.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies lift and a light, golden color.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Red candy-coated chocolates (for noses): These little guys give each Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie its signature bright nose.
- Mini pretzels (for antlers): Salty, crisp pretzels add personality and the perfect festive crunch.
- Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes (for eyes): For that adorable expression that kids (and adults!) love.
How to Make Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lining the sheet not only prevents sticking but makes cleanup a breeze, especially handy when baking with little ones eager to decorate their very own Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie masterpieces.
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and visibly lighter. This step is key: a good creaming gives your cookies that signature chewy texture and buttery flavor.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined. The eggs bring the dough together, while the vanilla adds a warm, sweet undertone to every cookie.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick extra step ensures the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed, so each Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie bakes up soft with a hint of lift.
Step 5: Make the Dough
Gradually add the flour mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix just until a soft dough forms—don’t overwork it! This keeps your cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and slightly flatten and shape each one into an oval “face.” Place them spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers still look a tad soft.
Step 7: Decorate Your Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie
While cookies are still warm, gently press two mini pretzels into the top for antlers, two mini chocolate chips or candy eyes for the eyes, and a red candy-coated chocolate front and center for the signature Rudolph nose. If needed, press everything lightly again after a minute of cooling so the decorations really stick.
Step 8: Let Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool right on the baking sheet so the decorations set in place. This helps keep every Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie looking picture-perfect and ready for sharing.
How to Serve Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie
Garnishes
You can dress up your cookie platter by dusting a little powdered sugar “snow” around each cookie, or by sprinkling a pinch of edible glitter over your finished Rudolphs for an extra touch of magic. A drizzle of melted white chocolate is also fantastic if you want to make these cookies sparkle even more on your holiday table.
Side Dishes
A Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie pairs beautifully with a frosty glass of milk, hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, or a steamy mug of chai. For a festive dessert spread, serve alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread men, chocolate crinkle cookies, or a bowl of spiced candied nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie into an edible gift by stacking a few in clear treat bags tied with red ribbon. Or start a decorating contest at your holiday party and let everyone make their own festive reindeer faces. Kids can personalize each cookie with different expressions, using assorted candies or sprinkles in place of eyes and noses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To maintain their soft texture and keep the pretzel antlers crisp, place a sheet of wax paper between layers and store in a cool area of your kitchen.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cookies—either before or after baking! To freeze dough, shape into balls (skip the decorations), then pop in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to three months. If freezing finished cookies, decorate as usual and freeze, then thaw at room temperature for a quick holiday treat.
Reheating
If your cookies feel a bit too crisp after storage, a quick 8-second zap in the microwave will revive their tenderness. For best results, warm in short bursts and enjoy right away, as the decorations can soften up too much if overheated.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture and a pleasant nutty bite to each Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie. Just be aware that the cookies might not spread as smoothly thanks to the peanut pieces, but the flavor is well worth it.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes—swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just double-check that your pretzels are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have perfectly festive, allergy-friendly Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie treats for everyone to enjoy.
How do I keep the decorations from falling off?
Press the pretzels, eyes, and nose into the cookies while they’re still warm, then gently press again after a minute or two of cooling. This helps the decorations anchor securely as the cookies set up, so your reindeer faces stay looking adorable.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Definitely! Make the dough, shape it into balls, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. When ready, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping and baking as directed.
Is this recipe kid-friendly for decorating?
Yes—Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie is a blast to decorate with kids of all ages! Just supervise little ones with the pretzels to keep antlers from breaking, and let everyone have fun making their own silly or classic reindeer faces.
Final Thoughts
Nothing spreads holiday joy quite like a homemade Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie straight from the oven. These cookies are irresistibly cute, perfectly peanut-buttery, and an absolute highlight of any seasonal baking day. Gather your friends or family, give this recipe a try, and watch as your kitchen fills with laughter, warm memories, and the best kind of holiday magic.
Print
Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rudolph Peanut Butter Cookies are a festive and fun treat perfect for the holiday season. They are deliciously peanut buttery with adorable reindeer decorations that kids will love.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Decorating:
- Red candy-coated chocolates (for noses)
- Mini pretzels (for antlers)
- Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes (for eyes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: Cream together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Shape Cookies: Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and shape into ovals. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Decorate: While warm, press pretzels for antlers, chocolate chips for eyes, and red candy for noses. Cool to set decorations.
Notes
- To help pretzels and candies stay in place, lightly press again after a minute of cooling.
- These festive cookies are great for holiday cookie exchanges or decorating with kids.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
