These adorable Pretzel Reindeer are the perfect mix of sweet and salty and come together so quickly with just 5 ingredients! Easy to make and irresistibly cute, these no bake treats are perfect for holiday parties, cookie trays and festive dessert tables!
Looking for more easy pretzel holiday treats? Check out these Reese’s Holiday Pretzel Bites, Rolo Pretzel Buttons and these yummy Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Balls!
Reindeer Pretzels
These charming Pretzel Reindeer are almost too cute to eat! Each cheerful reindeer is made with chocolate-dipped pretzels, crunchy pretzel antlers, a shiny red nose and playful candy eyes. A festive and fun treat that’s sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer to your table!
These adorable treats are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with crunchy pretzels and smooth rich chocolate. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these easy no bake pretzel treats are sure to become a new family favorite holiday tradition!
Serve these reindeer pretzels treats as part of a holiday dessert platter, package them in cellophane bags for a cute party favor, or use them as decorations on a Christmas cake or cupcakes!
What You’ll Need
This simple recipe is a wonderful way to add a touch of whimsy to your holiday spread. The combination of chocolate and pretzels provides a satisfying crunch and sweetness, while the cute reindeer design brings a smile to everyone’s face. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and, as always, you can find the fill printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- pretzels – The pretzels are the base of the reindeer and form both the body and antlers of the reindeer. You will need mini twists and snaps (the square pretzels).
- semi-sweet chocolate chips – You can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips. Melt in the microwave with a little coconut oil to create a smooth, rich chocolate coating for the pretzels.
- red M&Ms – For the nose of the reindeer. You can use any other small red candy here too. Make sure to place the printed side of the candy down.
- candy eyeballs – I think the eyeballs are so cute but you could use mini marshmallows cut in half, mini chocolate chips or other small candy for the eyes if you prefer.
How To Make Pretzel Reindeer
These reindeer pretzels come together so quickly! Easy to make and even more fun to eat, these Pretzel Reindeer are the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled as needed for larger gatherings. Here’s a quick look at how to make the reindeer and, as always, you can find the fill printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Place chocolate chips in a shallow, microwave safe bowl.
- Melt the chocolate (and coconut oil, if using )in the microwave in 30 second increments at 50% power, stirring until smooth.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to dip a square pretzels into the melted chocolate. Gently tap the fork against the bowl to shake off any excess chocolate. Transfer the chocolate covered pretzel to the prepared baking sheet.
- Attach two pretzel twist halves to the top of the square for the antlers.
- Add a red M&M to the bottom to make the nose.
- And finally add two candy eyes right above the red M&M.
Repeat with the remaining pretzels until all reindeer have been assembled. Let the reindeers set up for at least an hour before serving.
Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 10 days. Do not refrigerate.
I do not recommend freezing these treats. The chocolate will discolor, the eyeballs will bleed and the pretzels will soften when thawed.
Variations To Try
Not only are these reindeer pretzels a delightful addition to any festive gathering, but they’re also fun and easy to create, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike! Here are some tasty variations to try:
- Try using white, milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor.
- Melting wafers like Ghirardelli Melting Wafers add a gourmet touch to these adorable treats. Almond bark can also be used in this recipe.
- Use different colored M&Ms for a fun and colorful twist.
- Add sprinkles for a festive finish or consider dipping the antlers in chocolate as well.
Trish’s Tips
- Melt the chocolate slowly and at a low temperature to avoid burning. Adding the coconut oil will help and keep the chocolate nice and smooth.
- Use a fork or dipping tool to easily dip the pretzels in the melted chocolate.
- Work quickly when assembling the pretzel reindeer – you don’t want the chocolate to harden before everything is attached.
- If the chocolate begins to harden before you have dipped all of the pretzels, microwave in 30 second increments at 50% power until smooth and dippable again. Be careful not to over heat the chocolate as it will seize.
- Double or triple this recipe as needed. The chocolate will likely need to be reheated at some point to keeps it’s dippable consistency.
- These adorable Pretzel Reindeer make excellent holiday gifts! Place in a cello bag and tie it with a festive ribbon for a delicious homemade gift.
Remember, the most important part of this recipe is to have fun! Whether they turn out perfectly or a little quirky, these Pretzel Reindeer treats will surely bring joy and laughter to your holiday!
Love Reindeer Treats? Make sure to check out our Reindeer Cookie Bars and Candy Cane Reindeer!
More No Bake Christmas Treats
Pretzel Reindeer
Ingredients
- 30 mini pretzel twists
- 1¼ cups semi sweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil optional
- 30 square pretzels snaps
- 30 M&Ms red
- 60 candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat and set aside.
- To create the reindeer antlers, cut each pretzel twist in half lengthwise using a serrated knife.30 mini pretzel twists
- Place chocolate chips in a shallow, microwave safe bowl. Melt the chocolate (and coconut oil, if using )in the microwave in 30 second increments at 50% power, stirring until smooth.1¼ cups semi sweet chocolate chips, ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Assembly
- Use a fork or dipping tool to dip a square pretzel into the melted chocolate. Gently tap the fork against the bowl to shake off any excess chocolate. Transfer the chocolate covered pretzel to the prepared baking sheet.30 square pretzels
- For the antlers, quickly attach two pretzel twist halves to the top of the square.
- Add a red M&M to the bottom to make the nose. And finally add two candy eyes right above the red M&M.30 M&Ms, 60 candy eyeballs
- Repeat with the remaining pretzels until all reindeer have been assembled.
- Let the reindeers set up for at least an hour before serving.
AJ says
I made these with my 3 boys, we did it assembly line style and they had so much fun. I’m curious how you broke the pretzels so evenly for the ears?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I used a serrated knife and then broke as many as needed – they weren’t all perfect lol!
Jackie Moore says
I’m looking forward to making these with my kids, we might just make a little too much 😉 can they be put in the freezer?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Awesome! I don’t recommend it because the eyes and color in the M&Ms will likely bleed…