These fun Reindeer Pretzel Bites are the perfect holiday treat! Made with pretzels, melted chocolate, and candy eyes, they look adorable and taste yummy.
If you’re like me, you’ll love how quick and easy they are to make. Plus, they make great gifts or festive snacks for parties. Just try not to eat them all at once! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: Square pretzels work best for the reindeer faces. They’re sturdy and provide a good base. If you can’t find them, regular pretzels can be used but might not hold the peanut butter cups as well.
Peanut Butter Cups: Mini peanut butter cups are key for the reindeer heads. If you’re nut-free, consider using chocolate-covered caramel candies or another chocolate treat that fits that shape.
Candy Eyeballs: I use candy eyeballs for a cute touch. If you don’t have those, you could use mini chocolate chips or even small white marshmallows with a dot of chocolate or icing for pupils.
Red Candy-Coated Chocolates: For the reindeer’s nose, red M&Ms are perfect. You can substitute with any red candy available, like cherry gummies or a red Skittle.
How Do You Melt Chocolate Smoothly?
Melted chocolate adds a delightful finish to these treats, but it can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl for melting your chocolate chips.
- Add one tablespoon of vegetable shortening to help the chocolate melt smoothly and give it a nice sheen.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. This prevents burning!
- Once melted, the chocolate should be smooth. If it’s too thick, a little more shortening or oil can help.
With these tips, your chocolate will turn out great every time! Enjoy making these fun and festive treats!
Reindeer Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Faces:
- 24 square pretzels (for the reindeer faces)
- 24 mini pretzels (for the antlers)
- 24 mini peanut butter cups
For the Facial Features:
- 24 red candy-coated chocolates (e.g., red M&Ms for noses)
- 48 candy eyeballs
For Coating:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or melting chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (optional, for smooth melting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 5 minutes of baking. Depending on how quickly your chocolate sets, you may want to allow a little extra chill time in the refrigerator if needed, making it ready for serving in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. This simple step sets you up for success!
2. Assemble the Faces:
Now, take your mini peanut butter cups and place them flat-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Each one will become the base for a cute reindeer face!
3. Add the Antlers:
Next, gently place a square pretzel on top of each peanut butter cup. This will form the reindeer’s face, so make sure it’s centered. Then, add a mini pretzel on top of each square pretzel to create the antlers. Make them look as whimsical as you like!
4. Bake the Bites:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Let the bites bake for about 4–5 minutes – just enough to soften the peanut butter cups slightly so they stick well to the pretzels. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want them to melt too much!
5. Add the Facial Features:
When you take your bites out of the oven, quickly press a red candy on one edge of the square pretzel to create the reindeer’s adorable nose. Then, place two candy eyeballs above the nose to give your reindeer a playful look!
6. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and optional vegetable shortening. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted. This chocolate will be used for the reindeer’s mouth and muzzle.
7. Coat the Bottom:
Dip the lower area of each reindeer’s face (the part below the eyes and nose) in the melted chocolate, or use a spoon to carefully spread the chocolate on. This adds a delightful touch and extra sweetness!
8. Let Set and Enjoy:
Place the completed reindeer bites back onto the parchment paper. Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature, or pop them in the refrigerator for quicker results. Once they’re ready, they’re good to go!
Enjoy these fun Reindeer Pretzel Bites at your next holiday gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself. They’re not only cute but wonderfully tasty too!
Can I Use Different Candy for the Eyes?
Absolutely! If you can’t find candy eyeballs, mini chocolate chips or small white marshmallows with a dot of chocolate will work perfectly as substitutes. Get creative!
How Should I Store Leftover Reindeer Pretzel Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay tasty and cute, perfect for snacking later!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble and bake them in advance, then store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. Just add the chocolate coating at the time of serving for the freshest taste.
What If I Don’t Have Mini Pretzels?
If you can’t find mini pretzels, that’s okay! You can simply shape some dough into antlers or use larger pretzels, breaking them apart as needed to fit on the reindeer faces. Have fun with it!
