Name: Reindeer Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 12 mini pretzel twists (for antlers); 24 candy eyes; 12 red M&M’s (for noses)

Ready for the cutest holiday treat ever? These Reindeer Brownies are absolutely irresistible-rich, fudgy brownies topped with charming reindeer faces! The combination of decadent chocolate and playful candy decorations makes these not only delicious but also a blast to make with friends or little ones.

What I love most about this recipe is that it's practically foolproof and perfect for any festive gathering. The brownies are chewy on the inside, with a crackly top, and decorating them is pure joy. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, in need of a classroom treat, or just want to make December feel extra special, these brownies have your back.

Inspired by the timeless tradition of leaving treats out for Santa's reindeer, this recipe brings smiles and sweet memories to any occasion. Trust me-everyone will ask for seconds!

Reindeer Brownies decorated with candy faces and pretzel antlers

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Super fun to make with kids or for parties-everyone gets in on the decorating action!
Rich, fudgy brownies that taste as good as they look.
Customizable toppings to suit every taste and dietary preference.
Perfect for gifting, potlucks, or adding festivity to your holiday dessert table.

Key Ingredients for Reindeer Brownies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is the foundation for rich, moist brownies. Melting the butter before mixing helps create a chewy, fudgy texture. For best results, use high-quality unsalted butter, but if you only have salted, just reduce the added salt slightly.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder delivers deep, chocolaty flavor and gives the brownies their classic dark color. Unsweetened natural cocoa is perfect here, but Dutch-processed also works if you want an even more intense flavor.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

A generous handful of chocolate chips melts into the batter, making every bite extra gooey. You can swap in milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, or even chopped chocolate bars for variety.

Mini Pretzels

These form the adorable reindeer antlers. Choose mini twists for best results. If you prefer, try gluten-free pretzels or even thin chocolate wafer cookies as a unique twist on antlers.

Candy Eyes and Red M&Ms

Candy eyes and bright red M&Ms or other red candies turn brownies into the cutest reindeer faces. If you can't find candy eyes, use mini chocolate chips or white icing dots. For the classic Rudolph look, use red candies, but brown or other colors work, too.

Instructions for Reindeer Brownies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so everything's ready to go when your batter is mixed.

Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth and glossy. Crack in your eggs and add vanilla extract, whisking again until well combined. Then, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold until just mixed-don't overwork it for extra fudgy brownies.

Add Chocolate Chips

Stir in the chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter. This adds gooey pops of chocolate in every bite.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely in the pan before lifting them out by the parchment.

Slice and Decorate

Once cooled, slice the brownies into 12 rectangles (or triangles for a fun "reindeer head" shape). Press mini pretzel twists into the top corners of each piece for antlers, add two candy eyes, and place a red M&M at the tip for the nose. Gently press down to secure.

Let Set and Serve

Allow the decorated brownies to set for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the decorations stick. Share with family, friends, or at your next holiday gathering!

Recipe Variations

Make Them Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend, and use gluten-free pretzels for antlers. The results are just as fudgy and delicious!

Dairy-Free Option

Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Decorate with allergy-friendly candies for an inclusive treat.

Add Peppermint Flair

Mix in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a cool, minty twist.

Peanut Butter Lovers

Swirl in ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter before baking, or press in peanut butter candies as the nose for a nutty upgrade!

Double Chocolate Delight

Use dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet chips and drizzle melted chocolate on top of cooled brownies for extra decadence.

Serving Suggestions

Pair Reindeer Brownies with mugs of hot cocoa or mulled cider for a warming winter treat. They also look adorable on a festive dessert platter next to gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark. Top each brownie with a light dusting of powdered sugar "snow" for the perfect holiday touch!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days-they'll stay soft and chewy. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze undecorated brownies for up to 2 months (thaw and decorate after). To reheat, microwave individual brownies for about 10 seconds for fresh-out-of-the-oven gooeyness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reindeer Brownies (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead of homemade?

A: Absolutely! Just prepare the mix according to package instructions and decorate as directed for an easy shortcut.

Q: How do I make the brownies in advance?

A: Bake the brownies up to 2 days ahead and store them, undecorated, airtight. Decorate just before serving for best freshness and presentation.

Q: What can I use for the eyes if I can't find candy eyes?

A: You can use mini chocolate chips, small dots of white icing, or even cut mini marshmallows into circles and add a chocolate dot for the pupils.

These Reindeer Brownies are the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser-cute, decadent, and impossible to resist! I can't wait for you to try them at your next festive gathering. Don't forget to leave a comment or a rating and share your magical creations with me!