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These Adorable Reindeer Oreos are a festive treat that bring loads of joy and holiday spirit. They are simple to assemble yet delightfully charming with their candy eyes, red noses, and pretzel antlers. Perfect for making with kids or adding a playful touch to holiday parties, they never fail to be a crowd favorite.
I first made these during a family gathering, and watching the kids’ faces light up while decorating them became a holiday highlight we all cherish. They have since become a staple in our seasonal festivities.
Ingredients
- Regular Oreo cookies: forty-five cookies in a bag provide a classic chocolate and cream base
- Chocolate candy melts: these melt smoothly and coat the Oreos evenly choose good-quality melts for a glossy finish
- Light brown candy melts: for making the reindeer snout look for ones that hold their shape well at room temperature
- Red M&M’s: these add festive bright red noses essential for the reindeer look
- Candy eyeballs: these give the Oreos a cute and whimsical expression choose ones that stick well or use melted chocolate to adhere
- Twisted pretzels: for antlers fresh crunchy pretzels work best so they don’t become soggy
Instructions
- Smoothing the Chocolate:
- Warm chocolate candy melts in a microwave safe bowl at half power for one minute. Stir well and continue heating in 30 second increments until completely smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent grainy texture.
- Coating the Oreos:
- Use a fork or candy dipper to fully coat each Oreo with melted chocolate. Gently tap off excess to avoid drips and ensure an even coating.
- Decorating the Reindeer Face:
- Place the coated Oreo on parchment paper. Quickly press a light brown candy melt onto the lower half of the cookie to form the snout. Above it, add two candy eyeballs. Attach a red M&M in the center of the snout with a small dab of melted chocolate as glue.
- Adding Pretzel Antlers:
- Break pretzels in half lengthwise and press one piece on each side of the Oreo to resemble antlers while the chocolate is still soft, so they adhere firmly.
- Setting the Cookies:
- Let the decorated Oreos sit at room temperature for about ten minutes until the chocolate hardens and decorations are secure before serving.
My favorite part is the tiny red M&M nose which always brings a smile. One year my youngest carefully placed all the eyes while humming Christmas carols proving how much fun these are to make as a family tradition.
Storage Tips
Store the Reindeer Oreos in a single layer inside an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together. Keep them at room temperature away from heat or humidity to help the chocolate hold its shape. They can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap for gifting or traveling.
Ingredient Substitutions
Pretzels can be swapped with thin chocolate sticks or cookie sticks for varied antler textures. Candy eyeballs could be replaced with small dots of white and dark chocolate piped on for a homemade look. Red M&M’s could be substituted with red gumdrops or small pieces of red licorice for those avoiding peanuts or M&M ingredients
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the Reindeer Oreos on a decorative holiday platter alongside other Christmas cookies or candies to create an inviting dessert table. Pair them with hot cocoa or eggnog for a festive treat that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
These Reindeer Oreos are more than just a treat they are part of the joyful memories that make the holiday season special. The simplicity and creativity keep me coming back to this recipe every year.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of cookies are best for this treat?
Standard sandwich cookies with a flat surface work best to hold decorations and chocolate coating firmly.
- → Can I use different candies for eyes and noses?
Absolutely! While candy eyeballs and red candies are traditional, small chocolate chips or colored sprinkles can also add a playful touch.
- → How do I melt the chocolate candy melts properly?
Heat in short intervals at half power in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth to avoid burning.
- → What’s the best way to attach pretzel antlers?
Twisting small pretzel pieces and pressing them gently into soft melted chocolate ensures they stay in place while setting.
- → Can this activity be done with children?
Yes, it’s simple and safe enough for kids to participate, making it a festive and fun hands-on holiday project.