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Reindeer Cookies

These adorable reindeer cookies are perfect for Christmas! Soft chocolate cookies topped with chocolate frosting and decorated with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a red nose.
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Prep Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 28 minutes
Servings: 14 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookies
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Frosting
  • 1/2 cup Ghirardelli 60% cacao chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 heavy cream
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
Decorations
  • 14 red chocolate candies
  • 28 eye sprinkles
  • 28 mini pretzels

Method
 

Prepare the cookie dough
  1. In a mixer or bowl with an electric mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar and sugar together.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until blended.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cornstarch and salt.
  4. By hand, stir in the dry ingredients.
  5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
Bake the cookies
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. Roll your dough into 2 tablespoon balls. Place 2 inches apart on parchment covered baking sheets.
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are just light brown and the tops are sort of cracked looking.
  4. Allow to cool before refrigerating (faster in the refrigerator).
Prepare the chocolate frosting
  1. In a microwavable bowl, microwave the chocolate chips in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl (or your stand mixer), beat the butter until creamy (20 seconds).
  3. Beat in the vanilla and heavy cream.
  4. Beat in the powdered sugar (1 cup at a time) until incorporated.
  5. Pour in the melted chocolate and beat until mixed.
Decorate the cookies
  1. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate frosting on each cookie.
  2. Place two eye sprinkles in the center, a red chocolate candy right below and two pretzels at the top.
  3. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Notes

Makes 14-15 large cookies. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.