Festive Reindeer Chocolate Bark
Tina BevkReindeer Chocolate Bark is one of my favorite Christmas treats to make! It’s festive, fun, and super easy to pull together in under an hour. With adorable little reindeer faces made from pretzels, M&M’s, and candy eyes, it’s also perfect for getting the whole family involved.
It makes a great homemade gift or a fun dessert to share at holiday parties! The combination of sweet milk chocolate and salty pretzels is always a hit, and the best part is how easily you can customize it with your favorite toppings.
📖Printable Recipe
Reindeer Chocolate Bark
This whimsical recipe combines the rich sweetness of milk chocolate with playful reindeer decorations, making it a perfect holiday treat. The bark is easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 12 mini pretzels
- 12 red M&M's (for the noses)
- Candy eyes
- 2 tablespoons green M&M's (for decoration)
- 1 teaspoon sprinkles (optional, for extra festive flair)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
- Melt the chocolate: Melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Create the chocolate base: Pour the melted milk chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Decorate with Reindeer Faces: Place the 12 mini pretzels onto the chocolate for the reindeer antlers.
- Add 12 red M&M's below the pretzels for the reindeer noses.
- Place candy eyes above the noses to complete the reindeer faces.
- Add Green M&M's and Sprinkles: Scatter the green M&M's and 1 teaspoon of sprinkles over the bark while the chocolate is still wet for added festive color and texture.
- Set the Chocolate: Let the bark sit at room temperature until fully set, or place it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to speed up the process.
- Break and Serve: Once the chocolate is completely set, break it into pieces with your hands. Enjoy your festive reindeer bark or package it up as a holiday treat for friends and family!
Notes
- Ensure the chocolate is well melted and smooth for easy spreading.
- Customize the decorations to your liking.
- Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 509Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 404mgCarbohydrates: 76gFiber: 3gSugar: 47gProtein: 7g
Ingredients
- Milk chocolate chips: The base for the bark, rich and sweet, perfect for holding all the festive toppings.
- Mini pretzels: These act as the reindeer antlers and add a salty crunch to balance the sweetness.
- Red M&M’s: Perfect for creating the cute red noses for each reindeer.
- Candy eyes: A fun touch to bring the reindeer faces to life.
- Green M&M’s: Adds a pop of festive color to the chocolate bark.
- Sprinkles (optional): For an extra dash of holiday flair and color.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Reindeer Chocolate Bark
Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
Melt the chocolate: Melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
Create the chocolate base: Pour the melted milk chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thick.
Decorate with Reindeer Faces: Place the 12 mini pretzels onto the chocolate for the reindeer antlers. Add 12 red M&M’s below the pretzels for the reindeer noses.
Place candy eyes above the noses to complete the reindeer faces.
Add Green M&M’s and Sprinkles: Scatter the green M&M’s and 1 teaspoon of sprinkles over the bark while the chocolate is still wet for added festive color and texture.
Set the Chocolate: Let the bark sit at room temperature until fully set, or place it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to speed up the process.
Break and Serve: Once the chocolate is completely set, break it into pieces with your hands. Enjoy your festive reindeer bark or package it up as a holiday treat for friends and family!
Hint: make sure the chocolate is fully melted and smooth before spreading it on the baking sheet. This makes it easier to create an even layer for your bark..
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is VERSATILE!
Here are just some ideas that come to mind:
- Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a richer taste, swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate. It will give the bark a deeper flavor and pair nicely with the salty pretzels.
- White Chocolate: For a festive, snowy look, use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate. You can even combine white and dark chocolate for a marbled effect.
- Add-ins: Get creative with your toppings! Crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries are great additions that bring extra flavor and texture to the bark.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and skip the candy eyes or use vegan-friendly alternatives. You can still get that fun, festive look with simple ingredients.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Drizzle a bit of melted peanut butter over the chocolate before it sets for a sweet and salty combo that everyone will love.
💭Crucial Success Tips
Decorate the bark quickly after spreading the chocolate. Once it starts to set, the toppings won’t stick as well, so make sure everything is ready to go!
FAQ
Yes! White chocolate works great and gives the bark a snowy, festive look.
If you let it sit at room temperature, it usually takes about 30 minutes. You can speed things up by refrigerating it for 20-30 minutes.
Definitely! Reindeer Chocolate Bark can be made a few days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
More Christmas Recipes
How To Store Reindeer Chocolate Bark
Store the chocolate bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate it to keep it fresher longer. It also makes a great treat to pack up and gift to friends or family during the holidays!
Author: Tina Bevk
Tina, from the blog “Stretch and Folds,” balances motherhood and a passion for sourdough baking. Based in Slovenia, she offers practical sourdough tips and recipes, bridging European and American baking styles. Her blog simplifies sourdough for busy families, focusing on easy, nutritious sourdough recipes.
