Let cream cheese frosting sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before decorating to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency that adheres better to the gingersnap cookies.

Transfer cream cheese frosting into a piping bag for better control when creating antlers and facial features, resulting in cleaner, more professional-looking reindeer designs.

Press sugar eyes and red M&M's into the frosting while it's still wet to ensure they stay firmly in place; waiting too long will cause them to slip or fall off.

Insert small pretzel sticks or thin cookie pieces into the frosting before it sets to create durable, structurally sound antlers that won't break or droop during handling and gifting.

Refrigerate decorated cookies for 20-30 minutes to allow frosting to fully set, making the treats easier to handle and ensuring decorations stay perfectly in place during storage or transport.