Rolo Pretzel Reindeer Treats
Rolo pretzel reindeer have crisp, salty pretzel bases and chocolate-caramel faces, with two whole pretzel twists forming the loop-shaped antlers. Candy eyes and a round red nose complete each face. The oven softens the Rolos just enough to hold the decorations; they should not melt into puddles. Set out the antlers, eyes, and noses before warming the candy so you can assemble the treats while it is still soft.
Ingredients for Rolo Pretzel Reindeer Treats
- About 72 mini pretzel twists (about 180g), plus a few extra for breakage: 24 bases and 48 intact antlers
- 24 Rolo candies, unwrapped (about 240g)
- 48 candy eyes (about 20g)
- 24 red M&Ms or other small, round red candies, such as red hots (about 35g)
How to Make Rolo Pretzel Reindeer Treats
- Prepare the tray: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Set the eyes and noses within reach, and choose 48 intact pretzel twists for the antlers.
- Arrange the bases: Place 24 pretzel twists on the sheet in a single layer, leaving room for the antlers to extend beyond each one. Set an unwrapped Rolo near the center of each base.
- Soften the Rolos: Bake uncovered for about 2 minutes, then check. Continue briefly if needed, up to about 3 minutes total. The Rolos should yield to gentle pressure while holding their shape, not spread into puddles.
- Decorate promptly: Gently press two whole pretzel twists into the upper sides of each Rolo, keeping their loops visible. Add two candy eyes and one red nose to each face. Press only hard enough to secure the pieces without squeezing out caramel. Replace broken antlers with intact twists; if a Rolo firms before it is decorated, briefly return the tray to the warm oven.
- Let the treats set: Leave them undisturbed on the sheet for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the candy is firm and the decorations stay in place. For faster setting, chill briefly once the tray is no longer hot. Move or pack the treats only after they have set.
How Soft Should the Rolos Be?
Use the candy’s texture rather than the clock alone: oven conditions and candy temperature can affect the short warming time. Start checking at about 2 minutes, and remove the tray as soon as the Rolos are soft enough to hold the decorations. If they begin to spread, take them out immediately.
How to Store Rolo Pretzel Reindeer Treats
Store completely cooled treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week. Place parchment between layers if stacking. Refrigeration is an option in a warm room; freezing is not preferred if you want the decorations to keep their appearance.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per treat, based on 24 treats: 90 calories, 1g protein, 3g fat, and 14g carbohydrates. Per 100g: 435 calories, 7g protein, 15g fat, and 69g carbohydrates. Values vary by brand and ingredient size.
Rolo Pretzel Reindeer Treats
Equipment
- Oven
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- About 72 mini pretzel twists (about 180 g), plus a few extra for breakage: 24 bases and 48 intact antlers
- 24 unwrapped Rolo candies (about 240 g)
- 48 candy eyes (about 20 g)
- 24 red M&Ms or other small, round red candies, such as red hots (about 35 g)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
- Set the candy eyes and red candies within reach. Choose 48 intact pretzel twists for the antlers.
- Arrange 24 pretzel twists on the baking sheet in a single layer, leaving room for the antlers to extend beyond each base.
- Place an unwrapped Rolo near the center of each pretzel base.
- Bake uncovered for about 2 minutes. Check whether the Rolos yield to gentle pressure while still holding their shape; continue briefly if needed, up to about 3 minutes total.
- Gently press two whole pretzel twists into the upper sides of each softened Rolo, keeping their loops visible.
- Add two candy eyes and one red candy nose to each treat. Press gently to secure the decorations without squeezing out caramel.
- Leave the treats undisturbed on the baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes, until firm. For faster setting, briefly chill the tray once it is no longer hot.
Tips
- Set out the antlers, eyes, and noses before warming the Rolos so you can decorate while the candy is soft.
- Start checking the Rolos at about 2 minutes; oven conditions and candy temperature can affect the warming time.
- Remove the tray immediately if the Rolos begin to spread.
- If a Rolo firms before it is decorated, briefly return the tray to the warm oven.
- Replace broken antlers with intact pretzel twists.
Variations
- Red Hot Noses: Use small, round red candies such as red hots instead of red M&Ms for the noses.