Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies

Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread cookies have long been a beloved holiday tradition. While they typically take the form of “men,” a simple twist can transform them into delightful reindeer.

If gingerbread isn’t your favorite, feel free to use a sugar cookie base and decorate it in the same way!

If you have a gingerbread recipe you love, great! You can jump ahead to the baking instructions. If not, here’s a reliable recipe to try.

(Makes about 18 cookies)

Ingredients

Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/3 cup melted shortening
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 8 tsp water
• 1 egg
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 18 red M&M’s or Red Hot candies

Icing:

• 2 egg whites
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp corn syrup
• Brown food coloring
• Black food coloring

Directions

1. Sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the shortening, molasses, water, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until fully blended.
4. Divide the dough in half, flatten each portion, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
7. Flour your work surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
8. Cut out gingerbread men and arrange them at least 1 inch apart on the prepared sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies appear dry.
10. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Icing Instructions

1. Combine egg whites and corn syrup in a bowl and whip on high until frothy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to whip until the mixture is shiny and soft peaks form.
3. Add brown food coloring and mix until evenly incorporated.
4. Transfer 2/3 of the icing to a piping bag or ziplock bag.
5. Mix black food coloring into the remaining icing and whip until uniform in color.
6. Transfer this icing to another piping bag or ziplock bag.

Decorating the Cookies

1. Turn the gingerbread men upside down. Use the brown icing to pipe a face and ears as shown in the picture.
2. Place a red M&M or Red Hot candy in the center for the nose.
3. Pip two black dots for eyes.
4. Pip black icing for the inside of the ears and mouth.
5. Finish with black icing antlers.

Enjoy your festive treats!

What holiday cookies do you enjoy making? Share your favorites in the comments below!