Reindeer Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Reindeer Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies are a festive and fun treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft peanut butter cookies with a sweet jam nose and pretzel antlers make them both delicious and adorable. They’re easy to bake and sure to bring smiles to any gathering.

Ingredients

• 100g smooth peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 100g golden caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 225g plain flour
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• ½ jar seedless raspberry or strawberry jam
• 22 small pretzels
• 22 pairs of edible eye decorations
• White icing pen or a little icing sugar mixed with a drop of water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4) and line two baking trays with baking parchment.
2. Step 2: In a food processor, blend the peanut butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, plain flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until a smooth dough forms that clumps together.
3. Step 3: Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them evenly on the prepared trays.
4. Step 4: Use your thumb to press an indent into the center of each ball. Fill each indent with about ½ teaspoon of jam to create the reindeer’s nose.
5. Step 5: Cut the pretzels in half and gently press two halves into the top of each cookie to form antlers.
6. Step 6: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they look dry and set. Then let them cool completely on the trays.
7. Step 7: Use the white icing pen or a simple icing mix to stick the edible eyes onto each cookie, completing the reindeer faces.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try using crunchy peanut butter and finely chopped peanuts in the dough for added texture.
• Use your favorite red jam like cherry if you prefer a different fruit taste for the noses.
• To make the antlers sturdier, press the pretzels firmly but carefully so they don’t break during baking.
• If you don’t have edible eyes, small dots of icing or chocolate chips can be a cute substitute.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To keep the pretzels crisp, avoid refrigerating. If needed, warm the cookies slightly before serving to soften the peanut butter dough.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Let it come to room temperature for easier rolling.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or spatula. It might take a bit more effort to get a smooth dough but it’s perfectly doable.