Here’s one of the cutest holiday treats you can make in minutes: Reese’s Reindeer. These bite-sized candies combine the irresistible peanut butter-and-chocolate pairing with a salty-sweet crunch, making them perfect for holiday cookie trays, classroom parties, hostess gifts, or an easy after-school activity with the kids.
These simple Reese’s Reindeer are an ideal addition to any collection of easy Christmas treats. If you enjoy making themed holiday snacks, you’ll find this recipe fast, fun, and kid-friendly. The combination of mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, broken pretzel twists for antlers, and a dab of melted chocolate to secure candy noses and eyes creates a charming, edible decoration that tastes just as good as it looks.
Why you’ll love this Reese’s Reindeer recipe
This recipe is low-effort and high-impact. It requires just a few ingredients and basic kitchen tools, so it’s great for last-minute treats, classroom parties, and holiday platters. The recipe highlights the classic peanut-butter-and-chocolate flavor profile while adding texture from pretzels and a pop of color from cinnamon candies or mini M&Ms.
Ingredients
- 12 Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Approximately 30 Mini Pretzel Twists (to make antlers)
- 1/4 cup chocolate morsels (for “glue”)
- 12 small cinnamon candies, red hots, or mini M&Ms (for noses)
- 24 small googly candy eyes
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
- Small resealable sandwich bag (for piping melted chocolate)
- Small spatula or spoon
- Tray or plate for assembling
Directions
Step 1 — Prepare pretzel antlers
Break one side off each mini pretzel twist to create antler shapes. Pretzels don’t always break evenly, so expect a few snackable pieces. Plan on two pretzel pieces per reindeer.
Step 2 — Unwrap and melt
Unwrap the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate morsels for 20–30 seconds, then stir. If the chocolate isn’t smooth, heat in additional 5–10 second bursts until fully melted. Transfer the melted chocolate to a small sandwich bag and snip a tiny corner to create a piping tip.
Step 3 — Assemble antlers
Press a pair of pretzel antlers gently into the side of each Reese’s cup. Look for the spot along the edge where the factory seam left a slightly softer area — the pretzel usually slides in easily there and stays put.
Step 4 — Add face details
Use a small dot of melted chocolate as “glue” to attach a cinnamon candy or mini M&M for the nose. Add two small dots of melted chocolate to secure the candy eyes. Allow the chocolate to set for a few minutes before moving the treats.
Tips for success
- Avoid handling assembled reindeer too much—body heat from hands can soften the chocolate and make them lose their shape.
- For best flavor and texture, make and serve the treats the same day. Store briefly in a cool, dry place if needed.
- If you prefer, use candy eyes with edible glue already attached or apply chocolate with a toothpick for more precise placement.
- Keep a few extra pretzels and eyes on hand—some pieces may break or need replacing during assembly.
Recipe details
Servings: 12. Prep time: about 15 minutes. Total time: about 15 minutes. This quick Reese’s Reindeer recipe is an easy holiday snack that yields a dozen adorable treats—perfect for gifting, party platters, or classroom celebrations.
Nutrition estimate (per serving)
Approximate values: 114 kcal, 19 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein, 3 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 217 mg sodium, 6 g sugar. Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on brand and portion sizes.
More holiday ideas
If you enjoy making themed desserts and snacks, consider pairing these Reese’s Reindeer with other easy Christmas treats like marshmallow reindeer, decorated sugar cookies, reindeer brownies, or holiday snack mixes for a festive dessert table. These quick projects are also great for involving kids and making holiday memories together.
If you try this recipe, consider sharing a photo of your finished Reese’s Reindeer on social media and tagging the source account or using a dedicated hashtag so others can discover this fun, easy holiday treat.
Notes
- Tip: Don’t handle assembled reindeer too much to avoid melting the chocolate.
- Eat the day you make them for best texture and freshness.