Reindeer Cookie Cake – A fun and whimsical dessert perfect for the holidays! A giant chocolate chip cookie cake that is decorated with a homemade buttercream frosting, candy, and pretzels that make each slice look like a reindeer.
Reindeer Cookie Cake
This might just be the cutest Christmas dessert! I’ve always been a big fan of cookie cakes so making a holiday version sounded like a lot of fun. I decided to make each and every slice look like reindeer because all you have to do is use mini pretzels for the antlers, candy eyes for the eyes, and M&Ms for the nose. For an extra fun twist, use a red M&M for just one of the noses so that someone gets Rudolph!
Common Questions About Making Reindeer Cookie Cake
What is a reindeer cookie cake?
Reindeer cookie cake is a giant chocolate chip cookie that is baked and then topped with a homemade buttercream frosting piped around the edge before M&Ms, candy eyes, and pretzels are placed to make each slice look like a reindeer.
Can I use different mix-ins than chocolate chips?
Of course! I’ve found that candy chips work best in this recipe but you can use just about any flavor such as white chocolate, butterscotch, etc.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How should I store this cookie cake?
I suggest sealing it up and refrigerating it so that the buttercream doesn’t melt.
Ingredient Notes –
- Butter creates a rich and chewy cookie. Make sure it’s fully softened so all of the ingredients incorporate smoothly.
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar sweetens the cookie.
- Eggs binds the cookie together so they don’t become too crumbly.
- Vanilla enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
- Flour gives the cookie structure so it doesn’t spread too much. Make sure to measure using the spoon and level technique.
- Baking soda helps the cookie rise in the oven so it stays soft and chewy.
- I’m using semi-sweet chocolate chocolate chips but you could use any kind you like.
- Butter is the base of our frosting. Make sure it’s fully softened or it won’t incorporate smoothly (and you don’t want chunks of butter in your frosting).
- Powdered sugar gives the frosting structure and helps it become sweet and fluffy.
- M&Ms, pretzels, and candy eyes all are used to decorate the cookie cake so that it looks like a reindeer.
Looking for more holiday recipes? Check these out!
Reindeer Cookie Cake
Reindeer Cookie Cake - A fun and whimsical dessert perfect for the holidays! A giant chocolate chip cookie cake that is decorated with a homemade buttercream frosting, candy, and pretzels that make each slice look like a reindeer.
Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Toppings
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 mini pretzels
- 16 candy eyes
- 7 brown M&Ms
- 1 red M&M
- Sprinkles (if desired)
Instructions
For the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray the bottom and sides of a 9" springform pan.
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Next, add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low until just combined.
- Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
- Press the cookie dough into an even layer in the prepared pan.
- Bake until the cookie is golden, about 35-40 minutes. You want the cookie to just be set in the middle.
- Let cool in pan for 15 minutes then remove the rim and transfer cake to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Buttercream
- Whip the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla and powdered sugar slowly. Beat until fluffy. If the buttercream is too thick, add a small splash of milk in to thin it out a little.
Assembly
- Once the cookie cake is completely cooled, slice it into 8 pieces
- Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe frosting around the edge of the cooled cookie cake.
- Stick 2 pretzels into each slice as antlers.
- Using a touch of frosting, place the eyes and nose on each cookie wedge.
- Serve and enjoy.
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