When it comes to nostalgic, fun, and irresistibly delicious treats, moose cookies hold a special place in many hearts. These whimsical cookies, shaped like charming moose, are perfect for holiday celebrations, cozy family gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth with a smile.
The combination of a soft, buttery cookie base and the delightful chocolate and candy decorations makes them a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
In this post, we’ll guide you through a simple yet delightful recipe to make your own moose cookies from scratch. Whether you want to craft a batch for Christmas or just enjoy a cozy afternoon baking session, these cookies will bring joy and warmth to your kitchen.
Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving ideas to make your moose cookies truly unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, these moose cookies are incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. The dough is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to succeed without stress.
The decorating process is a fun creative activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
Secondly, the cookies have a perfect balance of buttery richness and sweet toppings, making them both soft and flavorful. The chocolate antlers and candy eyes bring a whimsical touch that’s sure to impress guests or delight children.
Lastly, these cookies are versatile. You can customize the decorations to suit any occasion or flavor preference.
Plus, they store well, so you can prepare them ahead of time for parties or holiday gifting.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for antlers)
- Mini candy eyes or edible googly eyes
- Red candy pieces (like red M&Ms or red hots for the nose)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Moose-shaped cookie cutter (or a sturdy moose template and knife)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or hand whisk.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll.
- Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut out moose shapes using your cookie cutter or template. Transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just slightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully pipe the melted chocolate onto the cookies to form the moose’s antlers.
- Press mini candy eyes and a red candy nose onto each cookie while the chocolate is still wet to secure them in place.
- Let the chocolate set completely before serving or storing your cookies.
Tips & Variations
“Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth consistency when piping the antlers.”
For a festive twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spicy note. You can also dip the finished cookies halfway in melted white chocolate for a snowy effect.
If you don’t have a moose-shaped cookie cutter, print a moose silhouette, cut it out, and use it as a guide to cut the dough with a sharp knife. This DIY approach works just as well and adds a personal touch.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum for texture.
Want to make these vegan? Replace butter with a plant-based margarine and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) in place of the egg.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Sugar | 10g |
Protein | 2g |
Fiber | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
Moose cookies are perfect served alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk, making them a cozy treat on chilly days. They also make an adorable addition to holiday dessert platters and cookie exchanges.
For parties, arrange the moose cookies on a festive serving tray with other holiday-themed treats like gingerbread men or peppermint bark. You can even tie a small ribbon around a stack of them as a charming homemade gift.
Looking for more delicious recipes to try? Check out our Coffee Cookies Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy for another delightful cookie idea.
For a wholesome, savory dish to balance your sweet tooth, try our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide. And if you want a refreshing complement to your treats, the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas is a fantastic choice.
Conclusion
Making moose cookies is a delightful baking adventure that brings a touch of whimsy and warmth to any occasion. The recipe is approachable and rewarding, perfect for creating memories with family or delighting friends with a unique treat.
From mixing the dough to decorating the charming moose faces, each step invites creativity and joy.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies offer a delicious way to celebrate the seasons and share smiles. Keep this recipe handy for your next holiday baking session or whenever you want to add a little fun to your cookie jar.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Moose Cookies
Description: Delicious and chewy cookies shaped like moose, perfect for a fun treat. These cookies combine classic flavors with a festive twist.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually blend into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, and oats.
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 24 g
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