Name: Reindeer Pretzels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 23 min
Ingredients: 40 piece small pretzels (divided); 20 piece ROLO chocolate candies; 40 piece candy eyes; 20 piece small round red candies (any variety)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s something magical about creating festive treats, and that’s where my Reindeer Pretzels come into play. Each year, I love to whip up these adorable snacks that not only taste great but also add a whimsical touch to my gatherings. Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, the family is gathered around, and the laughter fills the air as we craft these delightful little reindeer together. The kids can hardly wait to eat them, and I can’t blame them! With their crunchy pretzel bodies and chocolatey goodness, they’re a hit every time. Plus, they make for a fantastic centerpiece on any holiday dessert table!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
23 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
3 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Silicone baking mat, Cutting board, Sharp knife

Why This Reindeer Pretzels Stands Out

They’re Fun and Festive

One of the best parts about making Reindeer Pretzels is how enjoyable they are to decorate. The cheerful presentation brightens any occasion! You can let your creativity shine when adding the candy eyes and red nose, making each one unique.

Quick and Easy to Make

Even if you’re short on time during the busy holiday season, these treats are a breeze to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch ready to impress your guests.

Perfect for All Ages

What I love most is that everyone can join in on the fun. Kids and adults alike can help assemble the Reindeer Pretzels, making it a memorable family activity during the holidays.

Delicious Holiday Flavors

The combination of crunchy pretzels, sweet chocolate, and bright candies creates a delightful contrast that pleases the palate. It’s a sweet and salty treat that’s hard to resist!

Great for Gifting

These festive snacks make for wonderful homemade gifts! Package them in cute boxes or bags, and you’ve got a heartfelt present ready to go.

Fun for Any Occasion

While they’re perfect for Christmas, Reindeer Pretzels can also be adapted for other celebrations. Just change up the decorations, and you have a treat for any festive event!

Recipe Ingredients for Reindeer Pretzels

The ingredients for Reindeer Pretzels are simple yet delicious. Each component plays a vital role in creating that delightful combination of flavors and textures. The key players here include crunchy pretzels, sweet chocolate, and colorful candies, all coming together to evoke the spirit of the season.

40 small pretzels – The backbone of this recipe, these pretzels provide the delightful crunch and salty flavor.
20 Rolo chocolate candies – These sweet morsels add a rich, gooey center that melts perfectly when baked.
40 candy eyes – These bring the reindeer to life, adding a fun and whimsical touch.
20 small round red candies – Use any variety you like; these serve as the cute little noses!

The Process for Making Reindeer Pretzels

Creating Reindeer Pretzels is an enjoyable process that brings everyone together. You’ll start by prepping your workspace and gathering your ingredients. The fun begins as you assemble the pretzels into adorable little reindeer!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure it’s nice and hot so the candies can melt perfectly.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. This keeps the pretzels from sticking!
Place 20 pretzels on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space between them. Add one Rolo chocolate candy to the center of each pretzel.
Using a cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut the remaining 20 pretzels in half. These halves will serve as the antlers!
Arrange the halved pretzels on the baking sheet, positioning them on top of the pretzels with the Rolos. This creates the perfect reindeer shape.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for around 3 minutes, or until the Rolos are softened and slightly melted.
After baking, quickly remove the sheet from the oven. Before the chocolate cools and hardens, add the candy eyes and a red candy for the nose!
Allow the Reindeer Pretzels to cool completely on the baking sheet. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling.
Once cooled, they’re ready to serve! Enjoy your festive treats with family and friends.

Things Worth Knowing

Work Quickly: Once the Rolos are softened, you need to act fast to add the eyes and nose before the chocolate hardens.
Uniform Size: Try to use pretzels of similar size for a more uniform look and easier assembly.
Alternative Candies: Feel free to experiment with different types of candies for eyes and noses to give your Reindeer Pretzels a unique twist.
Decorating Fun: Encourage kids to be creative while decorating with the candy eyes and red candies.

Tips for Success

Making Reindeer Pretzels can be a delightful experience, but having a few tips up your sleeve can ensure they turn out perfectly. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

Storage: Store any leftover Reindeer Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!
Freezing: You can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, place them in a freezer bag or container. Allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions: These treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or as a fun family activity.
Variations: Consider using different types of chocolate or even adding sprinkles for extra flair.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the pretzels in advance and decorate them right before serving.

What to Serve With Reindeer Pretzels

Hot Chocolate: Pair these treats with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy winter snack.
Holiday Parties: They make excellent party snacks, adding a festive touch to your dessert table.
Gift Giving: Package them in cute boxes or jars for a delightful homemade gift.
School Events: These Reindeer Pretzels are a hit at school holiday parties!
Family Gatherings: No holiday gathering is complete without these tasty treats to share with loved ones.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the Reindeer Pretzels ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container for up to a week. This makes them a great option for holiday gatherings. If you’re short on time, consider making them a day or two in advance and then decorating them right before serving. Just remember to store them properly to keep them fresh!

For the eyes, candy eyes are perfect, but if you can’t find them, you can also use chocolate chips or small round candies. For the nose, any small red candy works wonderfully, such as red M&Ms, Skittles, or even cherry sour candies. Feel free to get creative with different colors and shapes!

Definitely! The fun part about Reindeer Pretzels is how customizable they can be. You can use different types of chocolates, and the eyes and nose can vary based on your preference. To make them even more festive, consider using holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugars for an extra pop of color!

Yes, Reindeer Pretzels are fantastic for large gatherings! They’re easy to make in bulk and are always a hit with both kids and adults. You can easily double or triple the recipe depending on the size of your event. Plus, they add a cheerful touch to your dessert table!

To store any leftover Reindeer Pretzels, place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transferring them to a freezer bag.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Reindeer Pretzels are not just a treat; they’re a joyful activity that brings family and friends together during the holiday season. With their playful design and delicious taste, they create lasting memories as you craft and enjoy them. I encourage you to try making them this festive season. You’ll find they are as delightful to create as they are to eat!

Reindeer Pretzels

These Reindeer Pretzels are a delightful combination of crunchy pretzels and sweet chocolate, perfect for the holiday season! Easy to make and fun to decorate, they will bring joy to your gatherings. Try making them tonight for a festive treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 3

Total Time 23

Servings: 20 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

40 piece small pretzels divided
20 piece ROLO chocolate candies
40 piece candy eyes
20 piece small round red candies any variety

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Silicone baking mat
Cutting Board
Sharp knife

Method

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick pan liner.
Place 20 pretzels on prepared baking sheet and add one Rolo to the middle of each pretzel.
Using a cutting board and sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut the remaining 20 pretzels in half to form the antlers.
Place the baking sheet with pretzels and Rolos in the preheated oven and bake for 3 minutes or until the candies are softened.
Remove sheet pan from oven and add eyes, nose and antlers to each rolo. You will need to work quickly before the Rolo cools and hardens.
Allow the reindeer to cool completely before serving. If you want them to cool quicker, place the pan in the refrigerator.

Notes

Storage: Store reindeer pretzels in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before storing in a freezer bag or airtight container. Allow to thaw at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving.