Description
These Quick and Easy Air Fryer Reindeer Cookies are a festive holiday treat made with a simple sugar cookie dough, air-fried to perfection, then decorated with white chocolate, pretzels, and colorful candy pencils to resemble cute reindeer. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a fun baking activity with kids, these cookies combine a crispy exterior with a tender, buttery interior and delightful festive decorations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Decorations
- 1 cup white chocolate
- ¼ cup mini-pretzels
- Red and black candy pencils
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (180ºC) to warm up while you prepare the cookie dough.
- Mix the Cookie Dough: Using an electric mixer, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt with a spoon just until the dough comes together.
- Shape the Cookies: Transfer the dough onto a work surface and flatten it into a ½ inch thick rectangle. Cut this rectangle into smaller rectangles approximately 2 inches by ½ inch each.
- Form Reindeer Shapes: Using your fingers, gently shape each rectangle into a reindeer shape. Arrange the shaped cookies on the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Air Fry the Cookies: Cook the cookies in the preheated air fryer at 180ºC (350°F) for 7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and cooked through. Remove them carefully and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler (bain marie) or in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring after each until smooth.
- Prepare Pretzels and Assemble: Cut the mini-pretzels in half to create antlers. Make two holes on each cooled cookie where the antlers will go. Dip each pretzel half into the melted white chocolate and insert into the holes on the cookies. Allow the chocolate to set.
- Decorate the Reindeer: Once the chocolate has dried and set, dip each reindeer cookie partially into the melted chocolate for a glossy finish. Using red and black candy pencils, draw eyes and a nose to complete the festive look. Let the decorations set before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your adorable air fryer reindeer cookies are now ready to be enjoyed or gifted during the holiday season.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better dough consistency.
- If your air fryer basket is small, bake cookies in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating to prevent melting or smudging of the white chocolate and candy pencils.
- Store baked and decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For an extra festive touch, add sprinkles or edible glitter along with the decorations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer cookies, reindeer cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive desserts
