The holiday season is here, and my kitchen is in a constant state of cheerful chaos. Between the decorating and the gift wrapping, sometimes I just need a recipe that is quick, festive, and doesn’t require a dozen bowls or a culinary degree. You know what I mean?
Well, let me introduce you to my favorite solution. These Rolo Pretzel Reindeer are some of the most Easy Christmas Sweets you can possibly make. They are adorable, delicious, and so simple that you can get the whole family involved. They are a true holiday staple in our house.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor combination is just wonderful. You get the salty crunch from the pretzel, the rich, creamy caramel from the Rolo, and the smooth milk chocolate. It is a classic pairing that always hits the spot. It is one of those Simple Christmas Treats that everyone loves.
Another reason is the pure simplicity. There is no complicated mixing or baking involved. With only four main ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time, you can create a whole herd of these cute reindeer. This makes them amazing for last minute parties or school events.
They are also incredibly fun to make. This is a great recipe for getting kids into the kitchen. They can help unwrap the candies, place the eyes, and give each reindeer its signature red nose. Making these Easy Christmas Sweets can become a cherished family tradition.
And let’s be honest, they look so cute! When you arrange them on a platter, they bring instant holiday cheer. They are the kind of Fun Christmas Desserts that get everyone talking and smiling. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or for packing into little bags as edible gifts for friends and neighbors.
Ingredients
Here is the short and sweet list of what you will need to make these yummy Christmas Sweet Snacks. It really is this simple!
- 40 small pretzels, divided for bodies and antlers
- 20 Rolo candies, unwrapped
- 40 small candy eyeballs
- 20 small round red candies (like M&M’s or Sixlets)
Step By Step Instructions
Making these Easy Christmas Sweets is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps and you will have a delightful treat in no time.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
First, preheat your oven to 250°F. A low temperature is key here because we just want to soften the chocolate, not melt it into a puddle. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. This is a step you will thank yourself for later!
Step 2: Create The Reindeer Bodies
Take 20 of your small pretzels and lay them flat on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each one. Then, place one unwrapped Rolo candy right in the center of each pretzel. This forms the head and body of our little reindeer.
Step 3: Prepare The Antlers
Now for the antlers. Take the remaining 20 pretzels. You will need to carefully cut them in half. I find the best way to do this is with a small serrated knife, like a steak knife. Gently saw back and forth at the middle of the pretzel until you have a small groove. Then, it should snap cleanly in half. Do not worry if a few break, it is always good to have extras!
Step 4: A Quick Trip To The Oven
Place the baking sheet with the pretzel and Rolo combinations into your preheated oven. Bake them for just 3 minutes. That is it! You are just looking for the Rolo candies to get soft and slightly glossy. They should still hold their shape.
Step 5: Decorate Your Reindeer
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Now you have to work fairly quickly before the chocolate sets again. Gently press two candy eyes and one red candy nose onto each softened Rolo. Then, take two of your pretzel halves and press them into the top of the Rolo to create the antlers. It is one of the most Fun Christmas Desserts to assemble!
Step 6: Let Them Cool
Once all your reindeer are decorated, let the baking sheet sit at room temperature until the chocolate has completely cooled and hardened. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can also pop them in the fridge for a few minutes to speed things up. And there you have it, the cutest Easy Christmas Sweets ever!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any of these Simple Christmas Treats leftover, storing them is very easy. Simply place them in an airtight container. I like to put a small piece of wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together or breaking.
Keep the container in a cool, dry place at room temperature. You do not want to put them somewhere warm, as the chocolate could melt. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. Honestly though, they rarely last that long in my house!
Tips
Want to make your experience with these Easy Christmas Sweets even better? Here are a few little tips and tricks I have learned along the way.
- Have all your decorations ready to go before you take the pretzels out of the oven. The chocolate cools fast, so being organized is a huge help. I like to have little bowls of eyes, noses, and antlers all set up.
- Feel free to get creative with the noses! While red is classic for Rudolph, you could use green, blue, or any other color of M&M to make a whole rainbow of reindeer.
- If you need a gluten free option, simply swap the regular pretzels for your favorite brand of gluten free pretzels. The recipe works just as well and everyone can enjoy these fantastic Christmas Sweet Snacks.
- Turn it into an assembly line! If you are making these with kids, give everyone a job. One person can place the eyes, another can do the noses, and someone else can be in charge of antlers. It makes the process smooth and fun.
- Do not press too hard when adding the decorations. A gentle touch is all you need to make them stick to the softened chocolate. Pressing too hard might squish the Rolo too much.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A wonderfully simple recipe for some of the most charming Easy Christmas Sweets you will find. These Rolo Pretzel Reindeer are more than just a treat. They are an activity, a decoration, and a memory waiting to be made.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or just looking for some Simple Christmas Treats to share, this recipe is a sure winner. I hope you and your family have as much fun making and eating them as we do. Happy holidays and happy baking!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Chocolate Candies?
Absolutely! While Rolos are great for the caramel center, you could also use chocolate kisses or even chocolate stars. The baking time might need a slight adjustment, so just keep an eye on them in the oven. The goal is soft, not melted.
What If My Pretzels Break Unevenly For The Antlers?
Don’t worry about it! Just like real reindeer, each one can have its own unique character. Some uneven antlers just add to the charm. I always buy a slightly larger bag of pretzels just in case a few break apart completely. Those extra bits are great for snacking on while you work.
How Far In Advance Can I Make These For A Party?
You can make these Fun Christmas Desserts up to three or four days ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in a cool place. They hold up really well, which makes them a great option for getting a head start on your holiday party prep.
My Chocolate Hardened Too Fast. What Can I Do?
If the chocolate sets before you are done decorating, you can pop the baking sheet back in the 250°F oven for just one minute to soften it up again. Just be careful not to leave it in for too long. This is why having all your decorations ready to go is so helpful!
Rolo Pretzel Reindeer
These Rolo Pretzel Reindeer are easy Christmas sweets that are adorable, delicious, and so simple you can get the whole family involved. They are a cherished holiday staple.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Lay 20 small pretzels flat on the prepared baking sheet. Place one unwrapped Rolo candy right in the center of each pretzel.
- Take the remaining 20 pretzels. Carefully cut them in half with a small serrated knife. Gently saw back and forth at the middle until it snaps cleanly in half. (Have extras ready!)
- Place the baking sheet with the pretzel and Rolo combinations into your preheated oven. Bake for just 3 minutes, until Rolos are soft and slightly glossy.
- Remove from oven. Quickly press two candy eyeballs and one red candy nose (like an M&M) onto each softened Rolo. Then, press two pretzel halves into the top of the Rolo for antlers.
- Let the baking sheet sit at room temperature until the chocolate has completely cooled and hardened (20-30 minutes), or refrigerate to speed things up.
Notes
If you happen to have any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container. Put a small piece of wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Keep in a cool, dry place at room temperature for up to a week.
Have all your decorations ready to go before you take the pretzels out of the oven. The chocolate cools fast, so being organized is a huge help.
Feel free to get creative with the noses! While red is classic for Rudolph, you could use green, blue, or any other color of M&M to make a whole rainbow of reindeer.
If you need a gluten free option, simply swap the regular pretzels for your favorite brand of gluten free pretzels.
Turn it into an assembly line! If you are making these with kids, give everyone a job. One person can place the eyes, another can do the noses, and someone else can be in charge of antlers.
Do not press too hard when adding the decorations. A gentle touch is all you need to make them stick to the softened chocolate. Pressing too hard might squish the Rolo too much.
You can use chocolate kisses or even chocolate stars instead of Rolos. The baking time might need a slight adjustment, so just keep an eye on them in the oven.
Don’t worry if your pretzels break unevenly for the antlers! Just like real reindeer, each one can have its own unique character. Some uneven antlers just add to the charm.
You can make these up to three or four days ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in a cool place.
If the chocolate sets before you are done decorating, you can pop the baking sheet back in the 250°F oven for just one minute to soften it up again. Just be careful not to leave it in for too long.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
