These Easy Reindeer Pretzel Treats are one of those holiday snacks that feel almost too simple for how cute they turn out. They’re sweet, salty, festive, and perfect for making with kids—no mixer, no mess, and no stress. If you need a last-minute Christmas treat for school parties, holiday platters, or cozy afternoons at home, this recipe checks every box.
They also happen to be budget-friendly (especially if you grab everything from a bulk store) and endlessly customizable. Think of this as a creative activity and a snack rolled into one.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need. Quantities are flexible, but this makes about 28 reindeer pretzels.
- 1 bag regular pretzels (at least 60 pretzels)
Use standard-sized pretzels, not the jumbo ones. Extras are helpful for antlers. - 28 Rolo candies
Substitution: dark chocolate squares or dairy-free chocolate if needed - 28 red and green M&Ms
Plus extra for snacking, obviously - 56 mini candy eyes
Optional swaps and ideas
- Use vegan chocolate and plant-based candy eyes to make them dairy-free
- Try red mini chocolate candies instead of M&Ms
- Skip eyes entirely and keep them minimalist
Helpful Tools
You don’t need much, which is part of the charm:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife (for cutting pretzels)
- Oven
How to Make This Reindeer Pretzel Treats Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay pretzels flat in a single layer on the tray.
- Place one Rolo in the center of each pretzel.
- Bake for 2–4 minutes, just until the Rolos are soft but not melted.
- While they warm, cut extra pretzels in half to make antlers. Some will break—this is normal and why extras help.
- Remove the tray from the oven.
- Working quickly, decorate each pretzel:
- Press two pretzel halves into the softened chocolate for antlers
- Add one M&M for the nose
- Add two candy eyes
- Let cool completely until the chocolate sets.
- Enjoy immediately or store for later.
Tips & Tricks
- Keep a close eye on the oven—Rolos soften fast
- Decorate immediately after baking before the chocolate firms up
- Kids love choosing nose colors and “faces,” so let them get creative
- If the chocolate hardens too quickly, pop the tray back in the oven for 30 seconds
Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Pretzel Treats Recipe
- No baking skills required
- Kid-friendly and interactive
- Perfect sweet-salty balance
- Great for holiday parties, gifting, or classroom treats
- Ready in under 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Once the chocolate has fully set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
No. Any softening chocolate square works well, including dark chocolate or dairy-free alternatives.
Absolutely. Adults should handle the oven and pretzel cutting, but decorating is perfect for kids.
Yes. Use vegan pretzels, dairy-free chocolate, and plant-based candy decorations.
No. Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Easy Reindeer Pretzel Treats
Ingredients
- 1 bag pretzels at least 60 pretzels (I got all my ingredients from the bulk store! just get regular sized pretzels – not the big ones. I didn't count but the numbers are included just in case.)
- 28 rolo candies sub dark chocolate cut into squares
- 28 red and green M&Ms plus more for snacking 😉
- 56 mini candy eyes
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the pretzels flat in a single layer.
- Place one Rolo on top of each pretzel.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for a few minutes, just until the Rolos are soft (watch closely).
- While they warm, carefully cut extra pretzels in half to make antlers. Don’t worry if some break—extras help.
- Remove from the oven and quickly decorate while the rolo chocolate is still soft. Press two pretzel halves in for antlers, one M&M for the nose and two candy eyes. (or get creative and do whatever you like!)
- Let cool until the chocolate sets, then enjoy your Christmas treat!
Notes
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional nutritional advice.
Nutrition
Conclusion: Reindeer Pretzel Treats
These Easy Reindeer Pretzel Treats are the definition of festive simplicity. They’re quick, adorable, and bring a little holiday magic into the kitchen—especially when kids are involved. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting, or a cozy afternoon activity, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
