No-Bake Reindeer Chocolate Bark
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This adorable reindeer chocolate bark will make kids and kids at heart smile this holiday season! It’s so much fun creating cute reindeer faces using festive candies and chocolates. It’s an easy, no-bake recipe that makes a fun snack, gift, or party treat. Make this with your kids and get ready for some serious Christmas cuteness!
We love seasonal treats in this household. As soon as the Christmas season begins, you can expect me to be in my kitchen making all sorts of holiday-themed delights, from Xmas crack for the kids to an eggnog martini for the adults. Needless to say, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that I can add to my line up. The newest addition? Reindeer chocolate bark!
I love how easy this recipe comes together – only 4 main ingredients are needed, plus extras if you want to decorate more – and it frees up your stove and oven to make other recipes. Super cute, super fun, and super delicious! These chocolate reindeers are always a hit at Christmas parties, plus they make an adorable gift for family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, fuss-free recipe: An indulgent treat that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. No baking or cooking required!
- Oh-so-cute!: The reindeer design adds a charming, playful touch to your holiday dessert table.
- Oh-so-good!: Chocolate, candy, and pretzels create a delicious sweet and salty treat that both kids and adults will love.
- Party-perfect: A fun and whimsical treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any party.
- Great for gifting: Pack it in festive boxes or bags for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.
- Customizable: This recipe is versatile, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins and decorations. Make it your own by experimenting with different flavors, textures, and colors!
How to Make Reindeer Chocolate Bark
Looking for the easiest Christmas treat? Reindeer chocolate bark is the perfect recipe! Simply melt the chocolate, make the reindeer faces, decorate, and set! The whole process takes just 45 minutes. It’s the perfect treat to make when you don’t have time to bake, or simply need a quick festive snack to serve or enjoy.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Milk chocolate chips: The base layer of the bark, creating the creamy, sweet chocolate canvas for the decorations.
- Mini pretzels: Form the adorable reindeer antlers, adding crunch and a salty contrast to the sweet chocolate.
- Red M&M’s: Serve as Rudolph’s iconic red nose, adding a pop of color and sweetness.
- Candy eyes: For the reindeers’ eyes.
- Green M&M’s: Optional, but add a festive touch to the bark, complementing the holiday theme.
- Sprinkles: Optional, for added visual appeal.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make adorable reindeers out of chocolate? Gather your supplies and ingredients and let’s get to it. Follow the 5 simple steps below and you can’t go wrong!
Step 1: Prep your baking sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate
Next, melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or 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 1/4 inch thick.
Step 3: Make the reindeer faces and decorate
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.
Step 4: Set the chocolate
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 5: Break and serve
Once the chocolate is completely set, break it into pieces with your hands. Enjoy your festive reindeer bark or package it up as a holiday treat for friends and family!
Substitutions
This recipe only requires a few simple, easy-to-find ingredients, but there are endless ways to customize! Use what you prefer or have on hand. Here are my suggested ingredient substitutions:
- Milk chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chocolate chips if that’s what’s available. If you don’t have chocolate chips, substitute with chopped chocolate of your choice.
- Mini pretzels: Substitute with pretzel sticks for a different antler shape.
- Red M&Ms: No M&Ms? Use red candy-coated chocolates, jellybeans, or even small dried cranberries for the reindeer’s nose.
- Candy eyes: If you can’t find candy eyes, substitute with small white candy pearls, mini marshmallows, or you can draw the eyes using melted white and dark chocolate.
- Decorations: Replace green M&Ms and sprinkles with holiday-themed nonpareils, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter for extra sparkle.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate: For the best taste and texture, opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chocolate bars. Cheaper chocolate may not melt as smoothly or set as nicely.
- Line your baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make removing the bark easy once it sets.
- Have everything ready: Have all the decorations – pretzels, M&M’s, candy eyes, and sprinkles – ready before melting the chocolate, so you can quickly add them before the chocolate hardens.
- Don’t freeze to set: Avoid freezing when setting the chocolate, as it can cause the chocolate to develop a white, streaky appearance called “bloom.”
- Cut the bark properly: Use a sharp knife or simply break it into pieces with your hands for a fun, rustic look. If creating even squares, score the chocolate slightly before it fully hardens.
How to Store This Recipe
Cool reindeer chocolate bark completely and place in an airtight container, preferably layered in parchment paper. Store at room temperature in a cool area for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
What to Serve with Reindeer Chocolate Bark
Reindeer chocolate bark makes a great stand-alone snack or dessert. It’s great paired with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, spiced tea, or seasonal drinks like peppermint hot chocolate or slow cooker mulled wine. Serve it alongside a fruit platter, cheese board, and other holiday treats on a holiday cookie tray.
More Christmas Treats To Try
If you make this reindeer chocolate bark, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Adorable Reindeer Chocolate Bark Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 12 mini pretzels
- 12 individual M&M's red, for the noses
- 24 individual candy eyes
- 2 tablespoons M&M's green, for decoration
- 1 teaspoon sprinkles optional, for extra festive flair
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
- Melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or 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 1/4 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. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best taste and texture, opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chocolate bars. Cheaper chocolate may not melt as smoothly or set as nicely.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make removing the bark easy once it sets.
- Have all the decorations – pretzels, M&M’s, candy eyes, and sprinkles – ready before melting the chocolate, so you can quickly add them before the chocolate hardens.
- Avoid freezing when setting the chocolate, as it can cause the chocolate to develop a white, streaky appearance called “bloom.”
- Use a sharp knife or simply break it into pieces with your hands for a fun, rustic look. If creating even squares, score the chocolate slightly before it fully hardens.
