Chocolate Reindeer Cookies

Description
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Makes 36 cookies

Ingredients

 * 1 cup butter, softened
 * 1½ cups sugar
 * ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
 * 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
 * 1 teaspoon baking soda
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * 3 eggs
 * 1 teaspoon vanilla
 * 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
 * 72 small pretzel twists
 * 72 candy-coated milk chocolate pieces
 * 36 small red gum drops

Directions

 * 1) In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
 * 2) Add sugar, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
 * 3) Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally.
 * 4) Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.
 * 5) Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer.
 * 6) Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.
 * 7) Divide dough into 6 equal portions.
 * 8) Wrap portions in waxed paper or plastic wrap.
 * 9) Chill for 3 hours or until dough is easy to handle.
 * 10) On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into a circle 6 inches in diameter.
 * 11) Using a knife, cut each circle into 6 wedges.
 * 12) Place wedges 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
 * 13) For antlers, on each triangle lightly press a pretzel into the upper corners.
 * 14) Press in chocolate pieces for eyes.
 * 15) For a nose, press a red gumdrop into the dough triangle about ½ inch from the point.
 * 16) Bake in a 375°F oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are firm.
 * 17) Do not over bake.
 * 18) Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute.
 * 19) Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool.