Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies are a fun and festive treat that bring joy during the holiday season. These cookies are not just tasty, but they also look adorable. The combination of soft cookie dough, sweet icing, and colorful candies makes them a delight for kids and adults alike. Whether you are baking for a holiday party, treating your family, or sharing with friends, these cookies will surely brighten anyone’s day.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is simple and fun to make. The cookie dough is easy to mix, and rolling it out is a great activity for the whole family. Decorating these cookies offers a creative outlet, letting you design your reindeer however you like. Plus, the taste is delightful! With a buttery flavor and a sweet icing finish, every bite is delicious. You can share these cookies with loved ones or keep them for yourself. They truly capture the spirit of the holiday season!
HOW TO MAKE Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies
Making Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies is straightforward. Here is how to do it step-by-step.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer (or whisk)
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (3-inch round)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Plastic wrap
- Piping bags or plastic bags (for icing)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- Black royal icing (for decorating)
- Mini red and brown M&Ms (for the nose)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- In a medium-sized bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup white sugar, and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer for about 4 minutes. The mixture should look light and fluffy.
- Crack in 1 large egg and continue beating. Now, add in 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp. salt. Beat that until it forms a soft dough. It should not be sticky or too dry.
- Divide the dough into two disks and cover them in plastic wrap. Chill the disks in the fridge for 2 hours. This makes it easier to roll out.
- After chilling, roll the dough out to a 1/4 inch thick. With a round 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out your sugar cookies. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden. Let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
- To decorate, pipe on two small eyes with black royal icing and draw antlers. Then pipe on a tiny dot below the eyes and place a mini red M&M as Rudolph’s nose. Let the icing harden completely before serving. Enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies
These cookies can be served on a festive platter at holiday gatherings. You can also wrap them in clear bags tied with ribbon for a cute gift. They are great for cookie exchanges or as treats for school parties. Everyone loves a tasty and pretty cookie, especially during the holidays!
STORAGE & FREEZING: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies
To store your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper in between. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can serve these cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful treat. They are also great with a cup of coffee or tea. Add some other holiday treats alongside them, like peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies, to create a festive dessert table.
VARIATIONS
You can get creative with this recipe! Here are a few variations:
- Use different colored M&Ms for different holiday themes.
- Substitute the royal icing with colored buttercream icing.
- Add sprinkles for extra color and fun!
- Use cookie cutters in different shapes to create a whole festive cookie set.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough in advance and chill it in the fridge for a few days. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the wrapped disks of dough. Just thaw them in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
3. What can I use instead of royal icing?
You can use melted chocolate or store-bought frosting for decorating.
4. How do I make the royal icing?
To make royal icing, use powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice or water. Mix until it reaches a thick, pipeable consistency.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies
To make things easier, prepare the cookie dough a day before you plan to bake. Simply wrap the dough and chill it in the fridge. You can also decorate the cookies a day in advance. Just make sure to store them properly so they do not become soft. This way, when it’s time, you can quickly bake and enjoy your festive cookies without the last-minute rush!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium-sized bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup white sugar, and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Crack in 1 large egg and continue beating. Add in 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp. salt, and beat until it forms a soft dough.
- Divide the dough into two disks and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the disks in the fridge for 2 hours.
- After chilling, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thick. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 7-8 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Decorate cookies by piping two small eyes with black royal icing and drawing antlers.
- Pipe a tiny dot below the eyes and place a mini red M&M as Rudolph’s nose. Let the icing harden completely before serving.