If you’re searching for a simple, festive dessert to make with family, try these Easy Christmas Reindeer Pretzels. With just a few ingredients and no baking required, they’re a delightful holiday treat that kids and adults will enjoy making and eating.
Easy Reindeer Pretzels
These Reindeer Pretzel Rods are charming, quick to assemble, and perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or edible gifts. The bright red nose and candy eyes give each pretzel rod plenty of personality, and the no-bake process makes this a great project to do with children.
Reindeer Pretzels Ingredients:
- Pretzel sticks – Use long pretzel sticks so they resemble antlers.
- Chocolate almond bark – You can swap in other melting chocolate if preferred.
- Red M&Ms – These make the iconic red nose.
- Candy eyeballs – Small candy eyes finish the reindeer look.
How To Make Reindeer Pretzels
Step One: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the pretzels won’t stick.
Step Two: Melt the almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then continue in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Hold two pretzel sticks together and dip the ends into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
Easy Tips for Dipping Pretzels in Chocolate
- Hold two pretzels together for even coverage.
- Hold the dipped end above the bowl for a few seconds to let excess chocolate drip off.
- If needed, redip for more coverage or a thicker coating.
Step Three: Place the dipped pretzels on the lined baking sheet with the chocolate ends close together so they look like antlers.
Step Four: Press a red M&M onto the tip of the chocolate end to form the nose.
That red nose really makes these reindeer adorable.
Step Five: Add two candy eyeballs above the M&M to create eyes. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving.
Tip: Candy eyeballs are usually available in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
What is the most efficient way to melt chocolate?
The microwave method works well: place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heat for 30 seconds, then continue in 15-second bursts, stirring after each burst until smooth. This helps prevent overheating and burning.
How to keep melted chocolate from solidifying?
Keep the chocolate warm and stir frequently. Melting smaller batches can also help if you’re working slowly, especially with kids. Adding a small amount of vegetable oil before melting can keep the chocolate softer as it cools.
Why has my chocolate seized?
Chocolate seizes when it’s overheated or burnt. If this happens, it’s best to start over with fresh chocolate. To avoid seizing, use short microwave intervals and stir often; chocolate can appear unmelted until you stir, at which point it will smooth out.
Tips For The Easiest Reindeer Pretzels
Melt chocolate slowly – Short microwave intervals give a smooth, glossy result.
Use parchment paper – Set dipped pretzels on parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Variations
- Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for different flavors and looks.
- If you don’t like M&Ms, use red hot candies or other small red candies for noses.
- Try pretzel twists or mini pretzels as a variation—mini pretzels with a Rolo or Hershey’s Kiss can make a cute smaller reindeer.
- Experiment with sprinkles, colored melts, or different eye styles to customize the look.
How long do these last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these reindeer pretzels will keep up to a week. For best texture, refrigerate until just before serving.
How to store Reindeer Pretzels
Place the pretzels in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper in an airtight container. Refrigerate to keep the chocolate firm, and bring them to room temperature just before serving if desired.
EASY Christmas Reindeer Pretzels
30 mins
Ingredients
- 96 pretzel sticks
- 2 cups chocolate almond bark
- 48 red M&Ms
- 96 candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the pretzels won’t stick.
- Melt the almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl: 30 seconds, then 15-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Hold two pretzel sticks together and dip the ends into the melted chocolate. Let excess drip off.
- Place dipped pretzels on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them.
- Press a red M&M onto the chocolate tip to form the nose.
- Attach two candy eyeballs above the nose. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving.
