Reindeer Chocolate Bark
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My favorite part of Reindeer Chocolate Bark is breaking it apart and seeing those reindeer faces with pretzel antlers and red M&M noses on every piece. The smooth chocolate hits first, then you get that salty pretzel crunch that balances the sweetness. It’s the treat that makes everyone smile before they take a bite.
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I make this dessert for classroom holiday parties and Christmas gatherings because it’s quick, festive, and perfect for gifting. Kids love helping arrange the reindeer faces with pretzels, M&Ms, and candy eyes. Everything can be prepped ahead, and it stays fresh at room temperature for 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Reindeer Chocolate Bark with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
You’ll have this festive reindeer chocolate bark recipe ready with just a few simple steps.
Prep Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the chocolate from sticking. I like using this silicone baking mat because it’s reusable and the bark peels off effortlessly once it’s set.
Melt the Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, melt the milk chocolate using either the double boiler method over simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and creamy.
I usually go with the microwave method because it’s faster, and as long as you stir between intervals, you won’t scorch the chocolate. Just make sure to use a microwave-safe bowl.
Spread the Chocolate
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and use a spatula to spread it to a thickness of about ¼ inch. You want it thick enough that it won’t crack too easily when you break it later, but thin enough that it sets relatively quickly.
Arrange the Reindeer Faces
While the chocolate is still warm and soft, arrange 12 mini pretzel pieces in pairs to form reindeer pretzel antlers, pressing them gently into the chocolate. Place a red M&M below each pretzel set to make a red nose, then add edible candy eyes above each reindeer’s nose to complete little reindeer faces.
Scatter them across the top of the chocolate for pops of color. Work quickly here because the chocolate starts to set as it cools, and you want the toppings to stick properly.
I always grab my kitchen tweezers when placing the tiny candy eyes precisely, without getting chocolate all over my fingers.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Key Lime Bars
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ No-Bake Chocolate Lasagna
∙ Raspberry Cheesecake
...and much more!
Add Festive Decorations
Sprinkle the green M&Ms and optional sprinkles across the remaining chocolate space for a pop of holiday color. I like using red and green sprinkles to keep it festive, and the extra color makes the bark look even more cheerful when you break it into pieces.
Let It Set
Allow the bark to set at room temperature for about an hour, or place it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes until fully firm. The fridge speeds things up if you’re in a hurry, but room temp works fine if you’ve got time.
If you’re making multiple batches, a wire cooling rack is ideal for stacking baking sheets, allowing you to prep the next batch while the first one sets.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate is set, break it into pieces by hand, ensuring each piece features at least one reindeer face or some festive decorations. Enjoy!
Serve immediately, package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for the cutest homemade holiday gifts, or transport it to parties in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep pieces from sticking together.
The bark travels beautifully since it stays firm at room temperature, and an insulated casserole carrier works great for keeping it cool during longer trips or warm weather. Just avoid leaving it in a hot car or direct sunlight.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 12 mini pretzels for antlers
- 12 red M&M’s for noses
- Candy eyes
- 2 tablespoons green M&M’s for decoration
- 1 teaspoon sprinkles optional, for extra festive flair
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep the chocolate from sticking.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the milk chocolate using either the double boiler method (over simmering water) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and creamy.2 cups milk chocolate chips
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it evenly to about ¼ inch thick.
- While the chocolate is still warm, arrange 12 mini pretzels in pairs to form reindeer antlers. Place a red M&M below each pretzel set to make the nose. Add candy eyes above each nose to complete the reindeer face.12 mini pretzels, 12 red M&M’s, Candy eyes
- Sprinkle the green M&M’s and optional sprinkles across the remaining chocolate space for a pop of holiday color.2 tablespoons green M&M’s, 1 teaspoon sprinkles
- Allow the bark to set at room temperature, or place it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until fully firm.
- Once the chocolate is set, break it into pieces by hand. Serve immediately or package as a cheerful homemade holiday treat!
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate: Better chocolate melts smoothly and tastes richer, so opt for Ghirardelli or Guittard chips if you can find them, rather than generic brands, for this fun treat.
- Work fast with toppings: The chocolate starts to set within a few minutes, so have all your mini pretzel twists, red candy noses, and edible candy eyes laid out and ready before you start arranging them.
- Press toppings gently: Push the antlers of gluten-free pretzels and candy eyeballs into the chocolate just enough that they stick, but not so hard that they sink completely, or the reindeer eyes and reindeer noses won’t show up clearly on top of the chocolate.
- Customize the faces: You can use white chocolate chips for variety, swap the red candy noses for mini pom-poms, or use different colored candies to create a whole reindeer family with unique looks during the holiday season.
- Flash-freeze for clean breaks: If you want perfectly shaped pieces instead of random shards, freeze the bark on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then use a sharp knife to score lines before breaking along those marks.
- Storage pro tip: Freeze individual pieces on a parchment-lined tray for 1 hour before transferring them to a container, so they don’t stick together. This way, you can grab just a few pieces at a time without having to thaw the whole batch.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Key Lime Bars
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ No-Bake Chocolate Lasagna
∙ Raspberry Cheesecake
...and much more!
How to Store Leftovers
Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag with parchment between layers for up to 2 months. I love using reusable freezer bags because they keep the bark fresh without occupying a lot of freezer space.
When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes, and it’ll taste just as fresh and festive as the day you made it.
What to Serve With Reindeer Chocolate Bark
I usually serve it on a holiday dessert platter alongside sugar cookies, gingerbread, and fudge because the variety makes the spread look more festive. It also pairs beautifully with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or coffee at casual Christmas gatherings.
For gifting, I package it with homemade shortbread or caramels in a festive tin. The combination of cute reindeer bark with other treats makes a thoughtful gift everyone loves receiving.
More Easy Dessert Recipes for You to Try at Home
Check out these other festive Christmas treats that are just as fun to make and decorate.
