No-Bake Peanut Butter Reindeer Treats for a Festive Bite

Is there anything better than a holiday recipe that’s equal parts adorable and absolutely effortless? I don’t think so. Between wrapping presents and wrangling kiddos (or just wrangling the holiday to-do list!), turning on the oven is the last thing any of us needs. That’s where these utterly charming No-Bake Peanut Butter Reindeer Treats swoop in to save the day. They’re the perfect project for little hands to help with and come together in minutes. Honestly, they’re almost too cute to eat. Almost.

Top Reasons To Make It

You’re going to fall head-over-hooves for this one. First, there’s zero baking involved. That means no heating up the house and no waiting for something to cool. You can whip up a whole herd of these reindeer in about 15 minutes flat. They’re the ultimate last-minute lifesaver for holiday parties, classroom treats, or a fun family activity. And the flavor? A classic, crowd-pleasing combo of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, absolutely adores. So good.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The rich, nutty base that holds everything together.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Helps create a smooth, pliable dough.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives the mixture its perfect fudge-like texture.
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the rich, chocolatey coating.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil: Thins the chocolate for a smooth, easy dip.
• 64 small pretzel twists: Broken in half to make the cute antlers.
• 32 red candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms): For that iconic Rudolph red nose.
• 64 edible candy eyes: Because the personality is all in the expression!

Instructions

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your landing pad for your finished reindeer.
2. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until they’re completely smooth and well-combined.
3. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar. The mixture will be thick and crumbly at first, but keep mixing until it comes together into a smooth, pliable dough that holds its shape when you squeeze it.
4. Roll the dough into 32 one-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Then, gently shape each ball into a slight cone shape to form the reindeer’s head. Pop the whole tray into the fridge for 15 minutes to let them firm up.
5. While the heads are chilling, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together. You can do this in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each until it’s completely smooth.
6. Take your chilled dough heads and dip the bottom two-thirds into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place them back on the parchment paper.
7. Immediately, while the chocolate is still wet, press two pretzel halves into the top for antlers. Add two candy eyes and one red candy for the nose. The chocolate acts as your edible glue.
8. Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature, which takes about an hour. You can pop them back in the fridge to speed things up if you’re in a hurry!

Variations & Substitutions

No peanut butter? No problem. You can easily swap it for sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version that’s just as tasty. For a different flavor, use butterscotch or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for the coating. And if you can’t find the small pretzel twists, break regular-sized ones into smaller pieces—they work just fine. Feel free to get creative with the decorations, too. A white chocolate chip turned upside down makes a cute little mouth!

Serving Ideas & Pairings

These little reindeer are the star of any holiday dessert platter. Arrange them on a festive plate alongside other simple Christmas desserts like sugar cookies or fudge. They’re the perfect finger food for your holiday party desserts table. For a fun Christmas party dessert idea, set up a DIY station with the dipped heads and bowls of decorations and let your guests create their own reindeer. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for the kids or a hot coffee for the adults.

Storage & Reheating

Store your completed No-Bake Peanut Butter Reindeer Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to keep them in the fridge to prevent the chocolate from softening. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months! Just place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze solid first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour. There’s no need to reheat these—they’re best enjoyed cool and crisp!

Pro Tips For Success

• Make sure your butter is truly softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the peanut butter without any lumps.
• If your dough seems too dry and crumbly, add another tablespoon of peanut butter. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar until it’s easy to handle.
• Chilling the shaped dough heads is a non-negotiable step. It makes them so much easier to dip without falling apart.
• Add the coconut oil to your chocolate! It makes it so much smoother and gives you a prettier, thinner coating.
• Work quickly when decorating! The chocolate sets as it cools, so you’ll want to get those antlers and eyes on there pronto.
• Have fun with it. If a reindeer looks a little goofy, that just gives him more character.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pretzels for the antlers and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. They’ll be just as delicious.
• What’s the best way to melt the chocolate? I’m a microwave girl for speed, but a double boiler works great if you’re worried about scorching. Just go low and slow, stirring often.
• My chocolate coating is too thick. What did I do wrong? You probably just need to add a touch more coconut oil to thin it out. Start with another half tablespoon and stir it in.
• Can I use natural peanut butter? I don’t recommend it. The oil separation can make your dough too greasy and it might not set properly. A standard creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy works best.
• Are these easy for kids to make? They are one of the best Christmas treats easy enough for kids! They’ll love rolling the balls and especially adding the decorations. It’s a fantastic holiday activity.