Chocolate Chip Reindeer Cookies -

Easy Chocolate Chip Reindeer Cookies (Made with Store-Bought Dough)

If you’re looking for a festive holiday treat that doesn’t require baking from scratch, these chocolate chip reindeer cookies are the perfect solution.

They’re adorable, incredibly easy to make, and come together using store-bought chocolate chip cookie dough, which means less prep and more fun.

This is one of those recipes that’s ideal for baking with kids, classroom parties, or last-minute holiday treats when time is short but you still want something special.

Why You’ll Love These Reindeer Cookies

No mixer required – store-bought dough keeps things simple
Kid-friendly – little hands can help decorate
Perfect for Christmas parties – cute, festive, and crowd-pleasing
Customizable – easy to adjust to what you already have

Ingredients You’ll Need

Premade chocolate chip cookie dough (any brand works)
Pretzels (broken in half for antlers)
Brown M&M’s (for the reindeer’s nose)
Red M&M’s (for Rudolph’s nose)
Candy eyes
Optional but recommended: a small amount of frosting (for attaching decorations)

How to Make Chocolate Chip Reindeer Cookies

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven according to the directions on the cookie dough package. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll the cookie dough into evenly sized balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

2. Bake the Cookies

Bake according to the package directions until the cookies are just set. You want them baked through but still soft in the center.

Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool slightly. They should be warm but not hot before decorating.

3. Add the Reindeer Decorations

This is where the magic happens!

Gently press two pretzel halves into the top of each cookie to create antlers.
Use a brown M&M for the nose.
Add a red M&M for the nose to make Rudolph.
Place candy eyes above the nose.

If the cookies have cooled too much, use a tiny dab of frosting to help the decorations stick.

This step is optional but highly recommended to keep everything in place, especially if kids are helping.

4. Let Them Set

Allow the cookies to cool completely so the decorations stay secure before serving or packaging.

Tips for Cookie Success

If your pretzels break unevenly, that adds character; no two reindeer need to look the same.
Frosting works best when applied with a toothpick, so you only use a tiny amount.
If baking with kids, let the cookies cool a bit more to avoid melting the candy.