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These adorable Oreo Reindeer Cookies are such a fun treat to make for Christmas! Made with Oreo cookies dipped in melted chocolate, mini pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and colorful candy noses, they’re almost too cute to eat. They’re perfect for Christmas parties, holiday cookie trays, or a fun afternoon of decorating with the kids.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of my favorite things about these Oreo reindeer is that you can make a whole batch without ever turning on the oven. You only need a handful of ingredients, and there’s no dough to mix, roll, or bake. They’re also a great Christmas activity to do with the kids because everyone can decorate their own little reindeer. Plus, you can make them ahead of time, which is always helpful when you’re busy getting everything ready for the holidays.
If you love making fun Christmas treats, be sure to try my Meringue Snowmen, Grinch Fudge, Christmas Tree Cupcakes, and Hot Cocoa Bombs!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Regular Oreos work perfectly, but you can use Double Stuf or your favorite Oreo flavor.
- Milk chocolate or dark chocolate both work. Choose a good-quality melting chocolate for a smooth coating.
- mini pretzels: These make the cutest little reindeer antlers. You’ll need two for each cookie.
- candy eyeballs: Give each reindeer its own adorable expression with two candy eyes.
- red or brown M&M’s: Use these for the noses. Make some with red noses for Rudolph and others with brown noses for the rest of the reindeer.
You’ll find the complete ingredients and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
Variations
- Make a whole reindeer family: Use a combination of red and brown M&M’s to make Rudolph and all his friends!
- Try different Oreo flavors. Chocolate, Golden, Double Stuf, and other Oreo varieties can all be used for this recipe.
- Change the chocolate coating. Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or almond bark. You could even make a few with white chocolate for a different look.
- Make smaller antlers. Carefully break or cut the mini pretzels in half if you prefer shorter antlers.
- Use different candies for the noses. Red Hots, large red sugar pearls, or a little red cookie icing can work in place of the M&M’s.
- Skip the full chocolate coating. If you want a quicker version, leave the Oreos uncovered and use a small amount of melted chocolate to attach the eyes, noses, and pretzels.
How to Make Oreo Reindeer Cookies
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set out the mini pretzels, candy eyes, and M&M’s so everything is ready before you start dipping the cookies.
- Place the chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each Oreo cookie into the melted chocolate until completely coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate and place the cookie on the prepared baking sheet.
- While the chocolate is still wet, place two candy eyes near the top of each Oreo and a red or brown M&M underneath for the nose.
- Dip the bottom edge of two mini pretzels into melted chocolate and carefully attach them to the upper back of each cookie, allowing the pretzels to stick up like antlers. Add a little extra melted chocolate if needed to hold them in place.
- Allow the cookies to sit undisturbed until the chocolate has completely hardened and the antlers are secure. Once set, they’re ready to serve and enjoy!
Tips
- Have everything ready before dipping. The chocolate can start to harden quickly, so make sure your pretzels, candy eyes, and M&M’s are ready before you melt the chocolate.
- Work with one cookie at a time. I recommend dipping and decorating each Oreo before moving on to the next. This gives you plenty of time to attach the decorations before the chocolate sets.
- Use melting wafers for the best results. Chocolate melting wafers melt smoothly and harden nicely, making them perfect for dipping and decorating cookies.
- Try a different way to attach the antlers. You can also carefully separate the Oreo cookies, place the bottom edges of the pretzels into the cream filling, and put the cookies back together before dipping them in chocolate. This can help keep the antlers in place.
- Keep extra pretzels nearby. Mini pretzels can break easily, so it’s always a good idea to have a few extras when making the antlers.
- Don’t move the cookies too soon. Make sure the chocolate has completely hardened before transferring the reindeer to a serving tray or storage container.
FAQ’s
Absolutely! These are a great make-ahead Christmas treat. You can prepare them a few days before your holiday party and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
The easiest way is to use a little melted chocolate to attach the pretzels to the back of the cookies. You can also carefully insert the pretzels into the Oreo cream filling before dipping the cookies. Just make sure the chocolate has completely hardened before moving them.
Yes, but chocolate chips can be a little thicker when melted and may not set as firmly without tempering. I recommend using chocolate melting wafers because they’re easier to work with and give the cookies a smoother coating.
Yes! Double Stuf Oreos work great for this recipe. The extra cream filling can also make it easier to insert the pretzel antlers if you choose that method.
Definitely! Kids will love adding the candy eyes, noses, and pretzel antlers. An adult should handle melting the chocolate, but decorating the reindeer is a fun activity for everyone.
How to Store Oreo Reindeer Cookies
Store the finished Oreo Reindeer Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days. If you need to stack the cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to help protect the decorations. Keep them away from heat or direct sunlight so the chocolate doesn’t soften or melt.
More Easy Christmas Treats
Desserts
White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Recipes
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Desserts
Rice Krispie Treats
Christmas Recipes
Peppermint Cookies
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Oreo Reindeer Cookies
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 24 Oreo cookies, regular or double filling
- 10 ounces chocolate melting wafers, milk or dark chocolate
- 48 mini pretzels
- 48 candy eyeballs
- 24 M&M's, red or brown
Instructions
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set out the Oreos, mini pretzels, candy eyes, and M&M's so everything is ready to go.
- Place the chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. You can also use a double boiler.
- Using a fork, carefully lower an Oreo into the melted chocolate, turning it until completely coated. Lift it out and gently tap off any extra chocolate. Transfer the cookie to the prepared baking sheet, using a second fork or spoon to help slide it off. Leave about 2 inches between cookies.
- While the chocolate is still soft, place an M&M near the bottom center of the cookie for the nose. Add two candy eyes just above it, then position two mini pretzels above the eyes to create the antlers. Gently hold the pretzels in place for a few seconds if needed so they don’t slide off.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies, working one at a time. Allow the finished reindeer to set at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or refrigerate for about 15 minutes to speed things up.
Notes
- Work with one cookie at a time. Don’t dip all the Oreos before decorating them. The chocolate can start setting before you have a chance to attach the candy faces and antlers.
- Keep your chocolate smooth. Microwave at half power and stir frequently. Overheating can make the chocolate thick and difficult to work with.
- Have extra pretzels handy. Mini pretzels can break easily, so it’s helpful to have a few extras nearby when you’re making the antlers.
- Use a fork for dipping. A fork makes it easier to lift the cookies out of the chocolate without leaving a thick puddle of coating underneath.
- Let the antlers set. The pretzels may slide if the chocolate is very warm. Hold them gently in position for a few seconds until they stay in place.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are great and a wonderful idea for the holidays
These are so easy to make! And the kids love helping!