Reindeer Cookies

The kids and I are in the midst of excitedly anticipating a very fun Christmas tradition.  Maybe it's something you've already seen or heard of and you may even already have the recipe that is involved in this.  But I had to share this today because if you haven't seen this you'll love how adorable it is!  

The reindeers with the brown eyes and red noses are what I am talking about.  The other random things are due to creativity not being stifled in the cookie makers.  Here are the cookie makers 11 years ago.

We started this tradition appropriately named "Reindeer Cookie Day" twelve years ago!  I didn't have a digital camera the first year so the picture isn't on my computer but it's hard to believe we've been doing this for so many years.  Always with our very good friends.  Here the kids are on the milestone 10th annual reindeer cookie day.

My friend and I always crack up because these two:

pretty much always stick to the task at hand and make reindeer.  They are both very responsible, follow the rules, oldest children.  And these three:

typically break off and make all kinds of non-Christmas craziness including this chihuahua and other assorted unidentifiable things in the background.  And the past few years have ended with the biggest reindeer cookie of all to be shared after all their hard work.

It is such a fun time and a tradition I hope is able to continue for many more years!  In fact, they'll be over next Monday for year number twelve and we are so excited.  And now for another Christmas tradition that is a non food tradition.  When we go away on vacation we leave our dog at the most wonderful kennel in the world.  They baby him and love on him and treat him like one of their own.  So he gets dressed up every year and sends his kennel owners a Christmas card.  Here is his picture for this year.

Look at that beautiful smile.  That is one happy shepherd.  I'm sure you are in the midst of celebrating many of your own family's Christmas traditions.  I send many wishes for wonderful memories as you enjoy each one.


Peanut Butter Reindeer


1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
mini pretzels
m&m's


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Beat butter, peanut butter, sugars and egg thoroughly.  Mix all dry ingredients together and blend into butter mixture.  To make a reindeer roll one ball of dough approximately 1-1/4" diameter and a second ball approximately 1" diameter.  Position the small ball under the large ball on a cookie sheet then lightly press down and together to form the shape of a reindeer.  Press two pretzels into the top for antlers.  Add m&m's for the eyes and nose.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.