These Reindeer Pretzel Bites are a fun holiday treat! Made with pretzels, chocolate, and candies, they’re cute and easy to make.
Who wouldn’t want a tasty reindeer snack? My family loves making these together, and we all get a giggle out of how silly they look! Perfect for sharing or simply enjoying! 🦌❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzel Twists: The large pretzel twists form the reindeer’s face. If you’re short on these, you can use regular round pretzels as a fun alternative, but they’ll shape differently.
Peanut Butter Candies: For the nose, peanut butter-filled candies are perfect. If you need a nut-free option, try using chocolate-covered raisins or even fruit-flavored gummies for a colorful twist!
Red M&M’s: These are classic for noses, but if you want to keep it simple and colorful, any red candy will work. You could even use a chocolate-covered cherry for something different.
Candy Eyeballs: These can be hard to find. For a quick fix, use mini marshmallows with a dot of melted chocolate or even mini chocolate chips for the eyes.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate is the go-to, but don’t shy away from dark or milk chocolate chips. You can even use white chocolate for a fun variation!
How Do I Get the Chocolate to Set Smoothly?
Getting a nice smooth chocolate coating can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by melting the chocolate slowly, stirring every 15-20 seconds to avoid burning.
- If you find the chocolate too thick, adding a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil helps thin it out for easier application.
- Don’t rush the setting process—allow the chocolate to sit at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge for just 10 minutes.
Taking your time with the melting and setting will ensure that your reindeer look adorable and delicious!
Reindeer Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Reindeer Faces:
- 24 pretzel twists (for reindeer heads)
- 24 small pretzel sticks or mini pretzel twists (for antlers)
For the Reindeer Noses:
- 24 peanut butter-filled candies or peanut butter balls (for noses)
- 24 red M&M’s or red candy-coated chocolates (for the nose)
For the Eyes:
- 48 candy eyeballs
For Melting:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Optional:
- Crushed graham crackers or finely crushed nuts (to dust the peanut butter balls for a textured snout)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 5-10 minutes for baking and decorating. Total time is around 20-30 minutes, making it a quick and festive snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Set Up the Faces:
Arrange the pretzel twists on the prepared baking sheet. These will serve as the reindeer faces. Make sure they’re spaced out to give them enough room!
3. Add the Noses:
Place one peanut butter ball in the center of each large pretzel twist. If you’re feeling creative, you can roll the peanut butter ball in crushed graham crackers or finely crushed nuts for extra texture before placing it!
4. Create the Antlers:
Next, add two small pretzel sticks at the top of each large pretzel twist to act like the reindeer’s antlers. This is where it gets fun!
5. Warming Time:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven for just 2-3 minutes. This step warms the pretzels and softens the peanut butter candies slightly, making them easier to stick.
6. Melt the Chocolate:
While the pretzels warm, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring each time until it’s nice and smooth. If the chocolate seems thick, feel free to add a tablespoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to help it melt evenly.
7. Assemble the Faces:
Now, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Use a small spoon or piping bag to pipe a bit of melted chocolate around the peanut butter ball. This will help “glue” on the candy eyeballs and the red nose. But work quickly so the chocolate stays melty!
8. Add the Eyes:
Immediately press two candy eyeballs onto each pretzel above the peanut butter ball using the melted chocolate as glue. Get creative with eye placement for some character!
9. Finish with the Noses:
Then, press a red M&M or candy-coated chocolate onto the tip of each peanut butter ball to give your reindeer a bright red little nose. So cute!
10. Set & Enjoy:
Let the chocolate set at room temperature or chill the pretzel bites in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to speed up the process. Once set, they’re ready to serve!
11. Storing:
Store your adorable Reindeer Pretzel Bites in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They make a wonderful treat for holiday gatherings!
Enjoy these festive, crunchy-sweet little treats perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season!
Can I Use Different Types of Pretzels?
Absolutely! If you can’t find pretzel twists, you can use any pretzel shape you like. Round pretzels can work too, though they might change the reindeer look slightly!
How Can I Make This Recipe Nut-Free?
To make these delightful bites nut-free, you can substitute the peanut butter candies with chocolate-covered raisins or yogurt-covered treats. Also, ensure any additional ingredients are nut-free!
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Reindeer Pretzel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. They can also be refrigerated, but keep in mind they might lose some crunch!
Can I Prepare Them Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble and decorate the Reindeer Pretzel Bites a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve for a festive treat that’s ready to go!
