Robby's Baking Therapy

Robby’s Winterfest Baking #13

  The “baking therapy” discussed on this blog refers to my personal experience using baking as a self-help and relaxation tool.”

Hey, Everybirdy! Welcome back to the nest.

Today, we are whipping up a batch of Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies, a holiday classic that is as budget-friendly as it is adorable. These soft, chewy cookies hold a special place in my heart. Growing up, my mom made them every year for class parties, and sitting at the kitchen table helping her press on those pretzel antlers was my ultimate safe space.

In the middle of holiday hustle and bustle, bringing this nostalgic recipe back into my kitchen has been a comforting way to reconnect with that childhood peace. Taking a moment to slow down, feel the grain of the sugar, and focus on decorating each little face is what baking therapy is all about.

Before we look at the essentials, you can read my personal updates, deep dives, and exclusive sneak peeks of my upcoming book over on Substack.

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The Essentials

This budget-friendly classic uses pantry staples to yield 30 cute holiday cookies:

• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar: Adds crispness and sweetness.
• 1/2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar: Keeps the cookie centers soft and chewy.
• 1/2 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter: Brings that rich, nutty base.
• 1/4 Cup Shortening & 1/4 Cup Softened Butter: The combination gives the best texture and flavor.
• 1 Large Egg: Binds the dough together.
• 1 1/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough.
• 3/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda & 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a light lift.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Salt: Balances out the sweetness.
• For Decorating: Mini pretzel twists (antlers), chocolate chips (eyes), and M&Ms or Red Hots (noses).

*Visit my Patreon for a free post featuring the full Walmart price breakdown for this budget-friendly bake!*

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Let’s Get Baking

1. Cream the Base: In a large bowl, cream together both sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter, and the egg until completely smooth and fluffy.
2. Whisk Dry Essentials: In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine: Gradually stir the flour mixture into your peanut butter base until a soft dough forms.
4. Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate the dough for about 2 hours. Therapy Tip: Don’t skip this step! Chilling gives you a quiet break and keeps the cookies from spreading too flat in the oven so your reindeer hold their shape.
5. Shape & Decorate: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls and place them 3 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Gently flatten each ball, then firmly press on two pretzel antlers, two chocolate chip eyes, and a candy nose before baking.
6. Bake to Set: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the edges are light golden brown. Let them rest on the warm pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

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Questions & Answers

Why do I need to chill the dough for 2 hours?

Chilling gives the butter and shortening time to firm up. Beyond giving you time to breathe and relax, it prevents the cookies from spreading too quickly in the oven so the reindeer faces stay intact.

How do I keep the pretzel antlers and candy noses from falling off?

Press the decorations firmly into the dough right after shaping, before the cookies go into the oven. As the dough bakes and expands slightly around them, it locks the decorations in place.

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Join the Flock!

If you want to grab the same budget-friendly tools and ingredients I used today, check them out on my Benable.

Recreating comforting recipes from childhood is a gentle reminder that the kitchen can always be a place of calm and comfort, no matter how busy life gets.

Your support helps keep this mission flying! If you want to dive deeper into the community, you can read my personal updates and deep dives on Substack, get exclusive Budget Breakdowns of my recipes over on Patreon, or find pay-what-you-want recipes and direct services on my Ko-fi.

I’d love to hear from you. Do you have a nostalgic holiday recipe that brings back comforting memories for you? Drop a comment below and let me know!*

Be sure to fly on back for the next recipe! Until then, remember: you aren’t alone in the kitchen, and there’s always a little peace to be found in the oven.

Happy baking, everybirdy!