Reindeer Chocolate Bark is a festive and fun holiday treat that kids absolutely love making and eating. This recipe takes just 10 minutes of hands-on time and creates adorable chocolate bark decorated with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and red M&M noses that look like little reindeer faces.
Reindeer Chocolate Bark
What makes this recipe so perfect for Christmas is how easy it is to get the kids involved. They can help place the pretzel antlers and candy decorations while you handle the melted chocolate. It’s perfect for holiday parties, classroom treats, or wrapping up as homemade gifts that will make everyone smile.
Ingredients & Equipment
- Milk chocolate chips
- Mini pretzels
- Red M&M’s
- Candy eyes
- Green M&M’s
- Sprinkles (optional)
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Microwave safe bowl for melting chocolate
- Spatula for spreading
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 12 servings. It takes 10 minutes of prep time and 5 minutes of cook time.
Step 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
Step 2. Melt the milk chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
Step 3. Pour the melted milk chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 4. Place the 12 mini pretzels onto the chocolate for the reindeer antlers.
Step 5. Add 12 red M&M’s below the pretzels for the reindeer noses.
Step 6. Place candy eyes above the noses to complete the reindeer faces.
Step 7. Scatter the green M&M’s and 1 teaspoon of sprinkles over the bark while the chocolate is still wet for added festive color and texture.
Step 8. Let the bark sit at room temperature until fully set, or place it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to speed up the process.
Step 9. Once the chocolate is completely set, break it into pieces with your hands.
Variations
- Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a less sweet version
- Add crushed candy canes sprinkled over the bark for peppermint flavor
- Try white chocolate and use brown M&M’s for a different color scheme
- Add chopped nuts like almonds or peanuts for extra crunch
- Use different colored M&M’s to match other holidays or themes
- Make Rudolph bark by using only red-nosed reindeer without the green M&M’s
- Drizzle white chocolate over the top for a snowy effect
Leftovers & Storage
Store Reindeer Chocolate Bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Layer pieces between parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also refrigerate it for up to a month if you prefer firmer bark, or freeze it for up to three months.
Tips & Tricks
- Ensure the chocolate is well melted and smooth for easy spreading
- Work quickly to add decorations while the chocolate is still wet so everything sticks
- Press the pretzels and candies gently into the chocolate so they don’t fall off when you break the bark
- Let kids help with the decorating – this is a great activity for little hands
- Space out the reindeer faces evenly so each piece of bark has at least one face
- If the chocolate starts to set before you finish decorating, warm it slightly with a hair dryer
Recipe FAQs
Where can I find candy eyes? Candy eyes are usually in the baking aisle near the sprinkles and cake decorating supplies. You can also order them online or use mini chocolate chips as a substitute.
Can I use a different type of chocolate? Yes! Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate work great if you prefer less sweetness. White chocolate is also fun for a different look, though the reindeer faces show up best on darker chocolate.
What if I don’t have mini pretzels? You can break regular pretzels into antler shapes, or skip them entirely and just make the faces with candy. You could also use sliced almonds arranged like antlers.
How do I melt chocolate without burning it? Use low heat if using a double boiler, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each one. Never let water get in the chocolate or it will seize up.
Can kids make this by themselves? Kids can definitely help with the decorating part! An adult should handle melting and spreading the chocolate, then kids can place all the pretzel antlers and candy decorations.
How far ahead can I make this? You can make Reindeer Chocolate Bark up to two weeks ahead if stored at room temperature, or up to a month if refrigerated. It’s a great make-ahead treat for busy holiday schedules.
More Bark Recipes
- Oreo Cookie Bark
- Cranberry Pistachio Bark
- Turtle Candy Bark
- Chocolate Hazelnut Bark
- Chocolate Candy Bark (can use different colored candy for different holidays)
- Pecan Pie Bark
- Ritz Cracker Candy
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cracker Candy
- Christmas Crack (Saltine Toffee)
- Graham Cracker Toffee
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 12 mini pretzels
- 12 red M&M's for the noses
- Candy eyes
- 2 tablespoons green M&M's for decoration
- 1 teaspoon sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
- Melt the milk chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Pour the melted milk chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to about ¼ inch thick.
- Place the 12 mini pretzels onto the chocolate for the reindeer antlers.
- Add 12 red M&M's below the pretzels for the reindeer noses.
- Place candy eyes above the noses to complete the reindeer faces.
- Scatter the green M&M's and 1 teaspoon of sprinkles over the bark while the chocolate is still wet for added festive color and texture.
- Let the bark sit at room temperature until fully set, or place it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to speed up the process.
- Once the chocolate is completely set, break it into pieces with your hands.
Notes
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