Reindeer Pretzel Rods

Name: Reindeer Pretzel Rods
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Mini pretzels; 12 oz White chocolate melting wafers; 1 cup Red M&Ms; 1 cup Brown M&Ms; 24 count Pretzel sticks

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By: Maria
Posted: 07/27/2025

Okay, picture this: it’s Christmas Eve, the kids are practically bouncing off the walls with excitement, and you need a little something magical to tide them over until Santa arrives. That’s where these Reindeer Pretzel Rods come in! They’re seriously the easiest (and cutest!) festive treat you can whip up, and they always disappear in minutes. Think of them as the holiday cousin of chocolate-covered strawberries, but way more fun and, dare I say, addictive. Seriously, I dare you to eat just one!

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What are Reindeer Pretzel Rods?

Reindeer Pretzel Rods are basically edible Christmas cheer on a stick! They’re pretzel rods dipped in melted chocolate or candy melts, decorated with pretzels for antlers, candy eyes, and a red nose (usually an M&M or a red candy melt). Think of it as a super easy and festive candy bark, but in individual, easily-grabbable portions. It’s essentially taking something already delicious (chocolate covered pretzels) and giving it a holiday makeover that’s both adorable and tasty. My kids love helping me decorate them, and it’s become a real Christmas tradition in our house.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Honestly, where do I even start? What I love most about these Reindeer Pretzel Rods is how ridiculously simple they are to make. We’re talking minimal ingredients and almost zero baking skill required!

Flavor:The salty crunch of the pretzel perfectly complements the sweet, creamy chocolate. Is chocolate a party in your mouth? What are the possibilities?
Simplicity:If you can melt chocolate, you could make these. What’s the best recipe to get the kids involved in?
Cost-You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. What are some good pretzels, chocolate chips, and candies?
Versatility: You can adapt these for any holiday, really! Change the colors and decorations and you’ve got festive treats for Valentine’s Day, Easter, or even Halloween. But, let’s be honest, the reindeer are just the cutest, aren’t they?

If you’re a fan of easy, no-bake treats like chocolate bark or rice krispie treats, you are going to love this one. I absolutely adore these Reindeer Pretzel Rods. What are some of the best Christmas decorations? What are some great little gifts for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who needs a little extra help? Christmas cheer!

How do you make Reindeer Pretzel Rods?

Quick Overview

How do you make Reindeer Pretzel Rods? What is the best way to melt chocolate, dip pretzels, stick on the decorations and let them set? Is it possible to keep the kids from eating candy eyes before you get a treat? What is the chance to use them? Don’t worry if they look imperfect – that’s part of their charm. Is it true that imperfectly decorated reindeer just have more character?

Ingredients

For the Reindeer:

1 bag (10-12 oz) pretzel rods: I prefer the thicker ones – they’re less likely to break!
1 bag (10-12 oz) of chocolate candy melts (milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate): 1 pack of 10 ounces. I like to use candy melts because they set up nicely and don’t require tempering, but chocolate. Does shortening work?
What are your antlers? Make sure they are not broken into pieces.
Candy eyes: Find these in the baking aisle of your grocery store. The smaller the better to maintain the cuteness factor.
Red M&Ms or red candy melts: For Rudolph’s iconic nose!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Place your chocolate melts in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Do not overheat chocolate, or it will seize up! If you prefer, you can melt chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water.

Step 2: Dip the Pretzels

How do you dip a pretzel rod in chocolate? How do you remove chocolate from a pretzel? I like to use a fork to help me with this – it gets into all the nooks and crannies!

Step 3: Add the Antlers

When the chocolate is still wet, gently press two small pretzel twists into the top of the Chocolate. What chocolate is used to make antlers? How do you make sure your pretzels are secure?

Step 4: Add the Eyes and Nose

Add two candy eyes and one red M&M (or red candy melt) to the chocolate to create the candy eye effect. What is a rein I find it easiest to use a toothpick to help position the eyes and nose.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Place the decorated pretzel rods on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. If it is too hot you can place in a freezer for a few minutes

Step 6: Enjoy!

Once the chocolate is set, your Reindeer Pretzel Rods are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Though, honestly, they never last that long at my house!

What should I serve it with?

What are some great Reindeer Pretzel Rods? What are some good ways to serve them as a sweet treat?

What are some ideas for a Christmas party? Arrange them in a festive jar or on a platter alongside other holiday goodies like cookies, fudge, and peppermint bark. They make a great addition to any dessert table!

As a Gift:What’s a good homemade gift for friends? How can I find my family, or I always include a little tag that says “Merry Christmas from our herd to yours!”

What is hot chocolate?What are the best Reindeer Pretzel Rods? The salty-sweet combination is simply divine!

For Santa:Don’t forget to leave a few out for Santa on Christmas Eve! How do I get the extra energy to do a long delivery?

I always serve them with a smile, knowing that they are bringing joy to everyone who eats them.

How do you make a perfect Reindeer Pretzel Rod?

I’ve learned a few tricks that make these Reindeer Pretzel Rods even better.

What is your favorite chocolateExperiment with different types of chocolate! Milk chocolate is classic, but dark chocolate adds a touch of sophistication. Is white chocolate with peppermint extract really good?

What is Melting ChocolateWhat is the secret of patience? Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning. If the chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable shortening at the same time until it reaches the bottom of the pan. What is the desired consistency

Antler Placement:Make sure the antlers are securely attached before the chocolate sets. If they are loose, they’ll fall off easily. I sometimes use a dab of melted chocolate as glue to keep them in place.

Nose Alternatives If you don’t have red M&Ms, you can use red sprinkles, red Sixlets, or even a small piece of red licorice. Get creative!

Storage: Store the finished pretzel rods in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for several days, but they’re best enjoyed within the first few days.

Customization: You can add sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, or other decorations to make your Reindeer Pretzel Rods even more festive! Let your imagination run wild!

I really enjoy the creation part and the look on everyones face after I finish, I swear it will never get old.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to keep your Reindeer Pretzel Rods fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are completely cool and dry before storing to prevent the chocolate from melting or getting sticky.

Refrigerator Storage: If you live in a warm climate, you can store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting. Just be aware that the pretzels may become slightly softer.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing these, as the chocolate can become discolored and the pretzels can become soggy. But if you must freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: No glaze is needed, but be sure to put the “glue” before it all dries

Storing food sometimes can be difficult, but this one is easy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! White chocolate is a great option for these Reindeer Pretzel Rods. You can even tint it with a little food coloring to make them extra festive! Just make sure to use oil-based food coloring if you’re using white chocolate candy melts.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make these ahead of time! They’ll stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

My chocolate is too thick. What should I do?

Add a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate and stir until smooth. This will help thin it out and make it easier to dip the pretzels.

My antlers keep falling off. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure the chocolate is still wet when you attach the antlers. If the chocolate has already started to set, they won’t stick properly. You can also use a dab of melted chocolate as “glue” to keep them in place.

What if I don’t have candy eyes?

You can use small chocolate chips or even dots of melted chocolate to create the eyes. Get creative!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My super simple, totally adorable, and incredibly delicious Reindeer Pretzel Rods recipe. I promise, these little guys will be a hit with everyone, young and old! They’re the perfect way to add a touch of Christmas magic to your holiday celebrations. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy holiday treat ideas! And I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out – leave a comment below and let me know! Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!