Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer: An Easy & Adorable Christmas Treat

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Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer bring pure magic to any holiday gathering, transforming simple marshmallows into adorable festive characters that make both kids and adults smile. Last December, I watched my niece’s eyes light up when she saw these charming reindeer treats on our dessert table – she squealed with delight and insisted on making them herself the very next day.

These delightful chocolate marshmallow reindeer recipe creations have become my go-to solution whenever I need impressive-looking but effortlessly simple festive Christmas treats. The beauty lies in their simplicity: with just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of holiday party desserts that look professionally crafted. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, contributing to a school bake sale, or simply want to create memorable moments with your family, these DIY reindeer marshmallows deliver every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Picture this: it’s Christmas Eve, unexpected guests are arriving in an hour, and you need something special for dessert. That’s exactly what happened to me three years ago, and these chocolate covered treats saved the day completely. The prep time is minimal, the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, and the results look like you spent hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it brings families together. My own children now request these easy holiday snacks every December, and we’ve turned the assembly process into our cherished family tradition. The kids love positioning the pretzel antlers just right, while adults appreciate how these Christmas dessert ideas require zero baking and minimal cleanup.

Explore more quick & easy dinner recipes here to complete your holiday menu planning.

Ingredients List

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Large Marshmallows	12	Main reindeer body
Chocolate Melting Wafers (or chocolate chips)	1 bag	Coating and adhesive
Mini Pretzel Twists	30	Reindeer antlers
Candy Eyeballs	24	Reindeer eyes
Red Candies (like M&Ms or mini M&Ms)	12	Rudolph’s nose

Find more delicious lunch ideas here for your complete meal planning needs.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and gather all your ingredients. This ensures smooth assembly once you start working with the melted chocolate.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Place chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth. This typically takes 1-2 minutes total.

Step 3: Dip the Marshmallows
Using a fork or toothpick, dip each marshmallow into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on the prepared parchment paper.

Step 4: Add the Antlers
Immediately break pretzel twists in half and insert two pieces into the top of each chocolate-covered marshmallow while the chocolate is still wet. This creates the iconic reindeer antler shape.

Step 5: Attach Eyes and Nose
Gently press two candy eyeballs onto the front of each marshmallow, then add a red candy below the eyes for the nose. Work quickly before the chocolate sets.

Step 6: Final Setting
Allow your Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer to set at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is completely firm.

Exact Timing to make Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Assembly Time: 15 minutes
Setting Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 12 reindeer treats

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Reindeer)	Daily Value %
Calories	165	8%
Total Fat	6.2g	8%
Saturated Fat	3.8g	19%
Cholesterol	2mg	1%
Sodium	85mg	4%
Total Carbohydrates	28g	10%
Dietary Fiber	0.5g	2%
Total Sugars	24g	–
Added Sugars	22g	44%
Protein	1.8g	4%
Vitamin A	15mcg	2%
Iron	0.8mg	4%

Nutritional data based on USDA food composition database and manufacturer specifications for standard ingredients used in this recipe.

Healthier Alternatives

Original Ingredient	Healthier Swap	Benefits	Flavor Impact
Chocolate Melting Wafers	Dark Chocolate (70% cacao)	Higher antioxidants, less sugar	Richer, slightly less sweet
Large Marshmallows	Mini Marshmallows (use 2-3 per treat)	Smaller portion size, lower calories	Same sweetness, bite-sized portions
Regular Pretzels	Whole Wheat Pretzels	Added fiber and nutrients	Nuttier flavor, same crunch
Red M&Ms	Dried Cranberries or Red Grapes	Natural fruit sugars, antioxidants	Tartness balances sweetness
Full Chocolate Coating	Light Chocolate Drizzle	Reduces calories and sugar by 40%	Less intense chocolate flavor

These modifications make Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer more suitable for health-conscious families while maintaining the festive appeal kids love. For diabetic-friendly versions, consider sugar-free chocolate chips and marshmallows made with natural sweeteners.

Explore more delicious Desserts here for additional healthy holiday treat inspiration.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Party Presentation: Arrange your Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer on a festive platter surrounded by fresh cranberries and pine sprigs for an Instagram-worthy display. These treats pair beautifully with hot cocoa, eggnog, or warm spiced cider, creating a complete winter wonderland experience that guests will remember long after the party ends.

Gift-Giving Ideas: Package individual reindeer in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons to create charming party favors or teacher gifts. You can also arrange them in decorative tins lined with holiday tissue paper – they make perfect neighbors’ gifts or bake sale contributions.

Interactive Family Activity: Set up a “reindeer decorating station” where kids can customize their own treats with additional toppings like mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or coconut flakes. This transforms snack time into an engaging craft activity that builds precious holiday memories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Working Too Slowly with Melted Chocolate: The biggest mistake I see people make is taking too long to attach the pretzel antlers and candy decorations. Chocolate sets quickly at room temperature, so have all your decorating supplies within arm’s reach and work on one marshmallow at a time. If the chocolate starts hardening, briefly re-warm it in 15-second microwave intervals.

Using the Wrong Type of Chocolate: Not all chocolate is created equal for this recipe. Avoid using chocolate bars or baking chocolate, which can seize or become too thick. Melting wafers or high-quality chocolate chips designed for dipping provide the smoothest coating and easiest handling for your reindeer treats.

Overcrowding the Workspace: Trying to assembly-line too many Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer at once leads to smudged decorations and frustrated crafters. Work in batches of 4-6 marshmallows to maintain quality and reduce stress, especially when making these with children.

Storing Tips

Short-Term Storage: Keep your finished Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and avoid storing in warm areas where the chocolate might soften or lose its shape.

Refrigeration Guidelines: While not necessary, refrigeration extends freshness up to two weeks and creates a firmer chocolate shell that many people prefer. However, condensation can form when bringing cold treats to room temperature, so remove them from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing for Future Use: These treats freeze beautifully for up to two months when properly wrapped. Place completed reindeer in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. This method prevents crushing and allows you to grab individual treats as needed throughout the holiday season.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer ahead of time?

Absolutely! These treats actually improve in flavor when made 1-2 days ahead, allowing the chocolate to fully set and flavors to meld. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll maintain their adorable appearance and delicious taste for up to a week.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate for Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer?

I recommend using chocolate melting wafers in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each heating. This prevents burning and ensures smooth, dippable consistency. Alternatively, use a double boiler method if you prefer stovetop melting, keeping water at a gentle simmer.

How do I prevent the decorations from falling off my Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer?

The key is working quickly while the chocolate coating is still wet and tacky. Press decorations gently but firmly into the chocolate, and avoid moving the treats until the chocolate has completely set (about 20 minutes). If decorations keep sliding, your chocolate may be too warm.

Can I use different candy decorations for my Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer?

Definitely! While candy eyeballs and red M&Ms are traditional, you can customize with mini chocolate chips for eyes, dried cranberries for noses, or even small white chocolate chips. The key is choosing decorations that stick well to melted chocolate and maintain the reindeer’s charming appearance.