Reindeer Brownie Bites: Amazing Easy Holiday Treat

Reindeer Brownie Bites have officially stolen my heart this holiday season! There’s something magical about transforming a simple fudgy brownie into a cute little reindeer character. I remember my first attempt at these Christmas reindeer brownies years ago; my kitchen was covered in chocolate icing and pretzel crumbs, but the smiles on my nieces’ faces made every bit of mess worth it. The rich, chocolatey scent filling the house, the slightly chewy brownie base, the sweet peanut butter cup body, and those perfectly placed pretzel antlers – it’s pure holiday joy in every bite. These festive brownie bites are so easy to whip up, even with little helpers. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Reindeer Brownie Bites

These aren’t just any brownies; they’re a little bit of holiday magic! Here’s why you’ll be making these year after year:

  • So incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
  • They are one of the most easy holiday brownie desserts you can whip up in under an hour.
  • Kid-friendly decorating makes them a fun activity for the whole family.
  • The combination of fudgy brownie, peanut butter cup, and pretzel is simply irresistible.
  • They look absolutely adorable, making them a showstopper for any Christmas party platter.
  • These easy holiday brownie desserts are guaranteed to bring smiles and festive cheer.
  • You can customize the decorations to make each reindeer unique and fun.
  • They are the perfect handheld treat for festive gatherings and cookie exchanges.

Ingredients for Reindeer Brownie Bites

Gather these goodies to create your festive reindeer antlers brownie bites. The magic happens with simple pantry staples and a few fun decorative elements!

  • 1 box (16.3 oz) brownie mix, plus the water, oil, and eggs called for on the box – this is our fudgy base!
  • 22 Reese’s Miniature Cups, unwrapped – these become the adorable bodies of our reindeer.
  • 40 pretzels, broken into antler shapes – twist them gently to get those perfect reindeer antlers for your brownie bites.
  • 44 candy eyeballs – essential for bringing our reindeer to life!
  • 22 red or brown M&Ms – for that iconic Rudolph nose!
  • Black cookie icing – our edible glue to hold all the decorations in place.

Reindeer Brownie Bites: Amazing Easy Holiday Treat - Reindeer Brownie Bites - main visual representation

How to Make Reindeer Brownie Bites

Ready to create some holiday magic? Following these simple steps will guide you through how to make reindeer brownie bites that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. The aroma of warm brownies filling your kitchen is just the beginning of this fun process!

  1. Step 1: First, let’s get your oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your brownie mix according to the package directions, usually involving water, oil, and eggs. Once mixed, spoon the batter evenly into a 24-cup mini muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
  2. Step 2: Bake these little brownie bites for 13-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges look set. The smell of freshly baked chocolate will be amazing!
  3. Step 3: Let the brownie bites cool in the tin for just a few minutes. This is crucial! While still warm, gently press an unwrapped Reese’s Miniature Cup into the center of each brownie bite. The warmth helps them stick without completely melting into a gooey mess.
  4. Step 4: Carefully remove the brownie bites from the mini muffin pan. Now for the fun part: the reindeer antlers! Gently press two broken pretzel twists into the top of each brownie, positioning them like antlers. This is where your creativity shines in how to make reindeer brownie bites look truly unique.
  5. Step 5: Time to bring our little reindeer to life! Using black cookie icing as your edible glue, carefully attach two candy eyeballs above the peanut butter cup body. Then, add a red or brown M&M right below the eyes for Rudolph’s bright nose.
  6. Step 6: Let your adorable reindeer brownie bites cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the icing to set properly, ensuring all the decorations stay put. Once they’re fully cooled, your festive creations are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Pro Tips for the Best Reindeer Brownie Bites

Making these festive treats even more special is easy with a few insider tricks. These tips will help ensure your homemade reindeer brownie bites are a hit every time!

  • Gently twist your pretzels to create natural-looking antler shapes. It’s always a good idea to have a few extra pretzels on hand in case some break during the process.
  • Press the Reese’s cups into the warm brownies when they’re fresh out of the oven. This helps them adhere beautifully without melting too much, keeping the shape perfect for your reindeer brownie cookie recipe.
  • If you don’t have black cookie icing, melted chocolate or even a dab of peanut butter works wonderfully as edible glue for attaching the eyes and nose.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brownie bases! Using your favorite fudge or dark chocolate brownie mix can enhance the flavor of these reindeer themed brownie bites.

Close-up of Reindeer Brownie Bites with candy eyes and pretzel antlers

What’s the secret to perfect Reindeer Brownie Bites?

The key to the best reindeer brownie recipe lies in pressing the peanut butter cups into the brownies while they’re still warm. This ensures they stick perfectly, preventing them from falling off and keeping your little reindeer intact.

Can I make Reindeer Brownie Bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and fully decorate these homemade reindeer brownie bites up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll be ready to impress when you need them.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Reindeer Brownie Bites?

A common pitfall is letting the brownies cool too much before adding the peanut butter cups, causing them to detach. Also, be gentle when breaking pretzels for antlers; snapping them too forcefully can result in unusable pieces.

Best Ways to Serve Reindeer Brownie Bites

These adorable reindeer brownie bites are perfect for so many occasions! They add a touch of whimsy and deliciousness to any holiday spread. Consider arranging them on a platter dusted with powdered sugar “snow” for an extra festive touch, making them truly stand out as festive brownie bites.

Pair these sweet treats with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk – both are fantastic complements to the rich chocolate flavor. They’re also a wonderful addition to a holiday cookie exchange or as a fun, edible gift tied up with a festive ribbon. Kids especially love them as a special holiday dessert!

Nutrition Facts for Reindeer Brownie Bites

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful reindeer themed brownie bites. Remember, these are estimates and can vary slightly based on the specific brownie mix and peanut butter cups you use. For more information on general nutrition, you can check out resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie bite
  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Reindeer Brownie Bites

Once your adorable homemade reindeer brownie bites are fully cooled, it’s time to think about storing them. Proper storage ensures they stay fresh and delicious for your holiday gatherings. After they’ve completely cooled on a wire rack, carefully place them in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if you’ve used a lot of icing.

These festive brownie bites will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for making ahead. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let frozen reindeer themed brownie bites thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or warm them gently in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes until just warmed through. This is a great tip for any holiday baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reindeer Brownie Bites

What are reindeer brownie bites?

Reindeer brownie bites are a fun and festive holiday treat. They’re essentially bite-sized brownies that are decorated to look like reindeer! We take fudgy brownie bites, add a peanut butter cup for the body, pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a M&M nose. They’re a playful and delicious way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Why are they called reindeer brownies?

They’re called reindeer brownies because of their adorable decorations! The peanut butter cup forms the main body, pretzels are arranged like antlers, candy eyes give them a face, and a red or brown M&M serves as the iconic Rudolph nose. It’s a clever and cute way to make a simple brownie fit a holiday theme.

Can I use different candies for the decorations?

Absolutely! While M&Ms and candy eyeballs are classic for these cute reindeer brownie ideas, feel free to get creative. Small chocolate chips can work for eyes, and any small red candy can be a nose. For antlers, you could even try broken pieces of wafer cookies or chocolate sticks if pretzels aren’t available. The goal is to have fun with these homemade reindeer brownie bites!

What’s the best way to store these festive brownie bites?

Once completely cooled, store your festive brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you need them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months by wrapping them individually and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They are perfect for making ahead for any holiday gathering!

Variations of Reindeer Brownie Bites You Can Try

Looking for some cute reindeer brownie ideas to switch things up? These simple variations can transform your basic reindeer brownie recipe into something even more special, catering to different tastes and needs!

  • Gluten-Free Reindeer Brownies: Use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix. You might find the texture is a bit different, but the decorating fun remains the same. Just ensure your mix is prepared according to its instructions.
  • Peanut Butter-Free Reindeer Treats: Swap the Reese’s Miniature Cups for a peanut butter-free chocolate candy alternative, like a caramel-filled chocolate or a plain chocolate mini cup. This makes these festive brownie bites accessible for more people.
  • No-Bake Reindeer Brownie Cookie Recipe: For an even quicker option, use pre-made mini brownie cookies or even large chocolate cookies as your base. Decorate them as usual with peanut butter cups, pretzels, and candy for instant reindeer themed brownie bites without baking.
  • White Chocolate Drizzle: After the main decorations are set, drizzle melted white chocolate over the reindeer brownie bites. This adds a beautiful snowy effect and an extra layer of sweetness to these homemade reindeer brownie bites.
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Reindeer Brownie Bites

Reindeer Brownie Bites: Amazing Easy Holiday Treat


  • Author: basmer1517
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 22 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These reindeer brownie bites are a fun and festive holiday treat. They are made with fudgy brownie mix, peanut butter cups, pretzel antlers, and candy decorations. They are easy to make with kids and perfect for Christmas parties.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (16.3 oz) brownie mix, plus ingredients listed on the box (water, oil, eggs)
  • 22 Reese’s Miniature Cups, unwrapped
  • 40 pretzels, broken into antler shapes
  • 44 candy eyeballs
  • 22 red or brown M&Ms
  • Black cookie icing

Instructions

  1. Prepare brownie mix according to box directions. Spoon batter evenly into a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
  2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 13-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  3. Let brownie bites cool for a few minutes. Gently press an unwrapped Reese’s Miniature Cup into the center of each warm brownie bite.
  4. Carefully remove brownie bites from the pan. Press two pretzel twists into each one to create antlers.
  5. Use cookie icing to attach two candy eyeballs and a red or brown M&M nose to each reindeer brownie bite.
  6. Let cool completely for decorations to set. Serve your reindeer brownie bites.

Notes

  • Twist pretzels gently to create natural antler shapes. Keep extra pretzels for breakage.
  • Press Reese’s cups into warm brownies for better adhesion without melting.
  • Melted chocolate or peanut butter can substitute for cookie icing.
  • Use your favorite brownie base, such as fudge or dark chocolate.
  • Arrange on a platter with powdered sugar “snow” for a festive centerpiece.
  • Package in cellophane bags with red ribbon for edible gifts.
  • Set up a decorating station for kids to make their own reindeer brownie bites.
  • Add to dessert trays with other holiday treats for a playful touch.
  • Serve warm with hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie bite
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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