Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

(modified from Annie's Eats)

3 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1½ t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
½ t. salt
¼ c. vegetable shortening
4 Tb. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 c. creamy peanut butter
1 c. honey
2 large eggs

mini M&M's (pick out the brown ones)

red M&M's (regular, peanut, or pretzel variety)

chocolate covered pretzels

Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt; whisk together and set aside.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the shortening, butter, peanut butter and honey.  Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture and beat just until incorporated.

Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls, then place on cookie sheet and pinch one end so that the cookie is a more triangular shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350˚, or until slightly puffed and golden.  Remove from the oven and press in brown mini M&M's for the eyes, red M&M for the nose and two pretzels for antlers. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.