Looking for the cutest, easiest, and most addictive treat for your holiday platter? These adorable Reindeer Pretzel Treats are the ultimate no-bake Christmas reindeer treats!
They are the perfect, easy-to-make sweet and salty snack for holiday parties, cookie trays, or just a fun snow-day activity with the kids.
We’ve all seen these cute little faces, and the best part is they taste even better than they look. That perfect combination of a crunchy, salty pretzel with a gooey, rich caramel-filled chocolate is completely irresistible. This guide will make you an expert on the classic Rolo Reindeer Pretzels version.
Plus, I’ll share how to make the popular reindeer pretzels with Hershey Kisses and even how to use pretzels to make adorable reindeer cookies!
These are always the first thing to disappear from a holiday spread. They’re so simple, they’re a perfect recipe for kids to help with, just like our Halloween Class Party Treats.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Reindeer Pretzels
- Sweet & Salty: This is the perfect flavor combination.
- No-Bake Recipe: This is a “no-bake” dream! The oven is on for just 3-5 minutes at a low temp, only to soften the chocolate.
- The Best Kid-Friendly Activity: This is the best holiday activity. Kids love being in charge of “building” the reindeer faces.
- Super Festive: Nothing looks cuter on a Christmas cookie platter. They are the definition of fun reindeer snacks with pretzels.
Easy Rolo Reindeer Pretzel Treats
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 20 reindeer 1x
Description
The cutest, easiest no-bake holiday treat! These Rolo Reindeer Pretzel Treats are the perfect sweet and salty Christmas snack. Made in 15 minutes with just 5 ingredients.
Ingredients
- 20 Mini Pretzel Twists (for the face)
- 20 Rolo Candies, unwrapped
- 20 Red M&M’s Minis (or red sixlets)
- 40 Candy Eyeballs
- 10–15 Mini Pretzel Twists (for the antlers, cut in half)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange Faces: Place the 20 whole pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Top with Rolos: Place one unwrapped Rolo candy in the center of each whole pretzel.
- Bake (Melt): Bake for 3-5 minutes. The Rolos should be soft and shiny, but not melting everywhere.
- Decorate (Quickly!): Remove from the oven. While the chocolate is hot and soft, gently press one red M&M “nose” into the center of each Rolo.
- Add Eyes & Antlers: Immediately add two candy eyes above the nose and press two pretzel-half “antlers” into the top of the Rolo.
- Cool: Let the reindeer cool completely on the baking sheet until the chocolate is firm. To speed this up, place the tray in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
Notes
- Cutting Antlers: The easiest way to cut pretzels for antlers is to use a small serrated knife (like a steak knife) and gently “saw” the top center of the pretzel. Once you have a groove, it should snap cleanly in half. Do this before you start.
- Work Fast: The Rolo chocolate hardens quickly! Have all your eyes, noses, and antlers in small bowls and ready to go before the tray comes out of the oven.
- Hershey Kiss Variation: You can swap the Rolos for Hershey’s Kisses. The method is identic
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 reindeer
- Calories: 40kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 29mg
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: < 1g
- Protein: < 1g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part? You only need 5 simple ingredients to make these pretzel reindeers.
- Small Pretzels: You’ll need mini pretzel twists. You’ll use whole ones for the “face” and cut others in half for the “antlers.”
- Rolo Candies: These are the star of the show! The combination of milk chocolate and gooey caramel is unbeatable.
- Candy Eyes: These are available in the baking aisle of most craft or grocery stores and make the reindeer come to life!
- Red Candies: Red M&M’s Minis are the perfect size for “Rudolph’s nose.” You could also use regular red M&Ms or red Sixlets.
- Parchment Paper: This is essential! It prevents the treats from sticking to your baking sheet.
How to Make Rolo Reindeer Pretzels (Step-by-Step)
This process is so fast and fun. The key is to have all your “face” pieces ready to go before the Rolos come out of the oven.
- Preheat & Arrange Pretzel ‘Faces’: Preheat your oven to a low 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your whole mini pretzels in a single layer on the sheet.
- Top with Rolo Candies: Unwrap your Rolo candies and place one in the center of each whole pretzel.
- Prep Your ‘Antlers’: While the oven heats, prep your antlers. Take your remaining pretzels and carefully cut them in half. (See my pro-tip below on how to do this!)
- Bake for 3-5 Minutes: Place the baking sheet in the oven. You are not cooking them—you just want to soften the Rolos. After 3-5 minutes, they should be shiny and soft to the touch, but not a melted puddle.
- Decorate (Work Fast!): This is the fun part! Remove the sheet from the oven. Working quickly while the chocolate is melted, gently press one red candy “nose” into the center of the Rolo. Then, add two candy eyes right above it.
- Add Antlers & Cool: Finish your reindeer by pressing two “antler” pretzel pieces into the top of the Rolo. Let the Reindeer Pretzel Treats cool completely on the baking sheet until the chocolate has hardened. To speed this up, pop the whole tray in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Pretzel Reindeer
- The Best Way to Cut Pretzel Antlers: This is the #1 question! Don’t try to snap them with your fingers. The easiest way to make pretzel reindeer antlers is to use a small serrated knife (like a steak knife) and gently “saw” the top, curved center of the pretzel. Once you have a small groove, it should snap cleanly in half.
- Have an Assembly Line: The melted chocolate hardens in minutes. Before you even bake the Rolos, put your candy eyes, red noses, and pretzel antlers in separate small bowls, ready to go.
- Don’t Overbake! If you bake the Rolos for too long, the caramel will ooze out and make a sticky mess. You want them just soft, not liquid. 3 minutes is usually perfect.
3 Fun Variations (Hershey Kisses & More!)
1. Reindeer Pretzels with Hershey Kisses
This is another super popular variation! The method for reindeer pretzels with Hershey Kisses is almost identical.
- Place your whole pretzels on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Top each with an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss.
- Bake at 250°F for 2-4 minutes.
- Remove and gently press the red M&M nose into the center. This will flatten the “peak” of the Kiss and create the perfect flat “face” for adding eyes and antlers.
2. Reindeer Cookies with Pretzel Antlers
Want to make reindeer cookies with pretzel antlers? This is a great way to decorate your favorite simple cookies.
- Bake your favorite simple cookies (like this classic sugar cookie recipe) or even just buy store-bought round cookies.
- While the cookies are still warm (or after you add a layer of frosting), gently press two pretzel “antlers” into the top of each cookie.
- Use a dot of frosting to “glue” on a red M&M nose and two candy eyes.
3. White Chocolate Reindeer Pretzels
For a “snow-covered” reindeer, try this. This is very similar to our White Chocolate Pretzel Rods.
- Melt white chocolate or almond bark.
- Dip a whole pretzel into the chocolate, covering it completely.
- Place it on parchment paper and, while the chocolate is still wet, add the eyes, nose, and antlers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest way to make an edible reindeer?
You found it! This reindeer pretzel treats recipe is by far the easiest. With just 5 ingredients and 3 minutes of baking, you can make a whole batch of adorable, edible reindeer.
How do you cut the pretzel antlers without them breaking?
This is the trickiest part! The best way is to use a small serrated knife (like a steak knife). Don’t try to chop it; just gently saw a small groove in the top center of the pretzel, and it should snap cleanly. Make a few extras, as some breakage is normal!
What can I use besides Rolos ?
The Hershey Kisses variation is just as popular! You can also use any small, soft chocolate candy, like a mini peanut butter cup, though Rolos work best for that perfect caramel and chocolate combo.
Why aren’t my Rolos melting?
That’s a common issue! It usually means your oven temperature is a bit low, or you’re not leaving them in long enough. They won’t look “melted” like a puddle. They will just get soft and shiny. If 3 minutes isn’t enough, try 4-5 minutes, but watch them closely!
How do I store these Christmas pretzels?
These reindeer pretzels store beautifully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. (They’ll get a bit soft, but still be delicious). You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
The Perfect No-Bake Holiday Treat
These Rolo reindeer pretzels are truly one of the easiest and most-loved Christmas reindeer treats you can make. They are the perfect addition to any party or cookie exchange, and they’re so much fun to build.
If you loved how simple these are, be sure to check out our other festive no-bake recipes, like our No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts or our stunning Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread!
We can’t wait to see your creations! If you make these reindeer pretzels, leave a comment below or tag us in your photos!