If you are looking for a fun, festive treat that’s both adorable and delicious, this Reindeer Brownies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These brownies combine the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with a playful holiday twist thanks to candy eyes, bright red noses, and crunchy pretzel antlers. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, school event, or just to bring some seasonal cheer to your kitchen, this recipe will have everyone smiling and reaching for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and turns simple ingredients into the cutest little reindeer faces you’ve ever seen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Reindeer Brownies Recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each contributing to the brownie’s perfect flavor, texture, or festive appearance. From the moist and tender crumb achieved by the vegetable oil and eggs to the rich chocolate depth from the cocoa powder, every item plays an essential role.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender without added butter flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetens the brownies, balancing the cocoa’s richness perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together for a chewy bite.
- Baking Powder: Gives a light lift to keep brownies from becoming too dense.
- Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and a lovely dark color.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness.
- Flour: The base that holds the brownies together, contributing to their soft chew.
- Edible Candy Eyes: Transform brownies into adorable reindeer faces.
- Red M&M’s: Perfect for the festive red noses.
- Chocolate Cookie Icing: Acts as glue to hold candy pieces in place.
- Pretzel Twists: Crunchy antlers that add both texture and charm.
How to Make Reindeer Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Blend Oil and Sugar
Start by mixing the vegetable oil and sugar together until they are well combined. This step helps ensure the sugar dissolves slightly into the oil, setting the stage for a smooth batter and wonderfully moist brownies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir just until blended to avoid overmixing. This keeps your brownies delightfully tender instead of cakey.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, cocoa powder, salt, and flour. This ensures your leavening and chocolate flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the oil and sugar mixture, being careful not to overwork the batter. The mixture should come together smoothly for that perfect fudgy texture.
Step 5: Pour Batter into Baking Dish
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, filling it about three-quarters full. This allows room for the brownies to rise slightly without spilling over.
Step 6: Bake Until Set
Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The brownies should be moist but fully cooked, with a slightly shiny, crackly top.
Step 7: Add Pretzel Antlers
Once the brownies have cooled slightly, break the pretzel twists into smaller pieces and poke them into the sides of the brownies to form antlers. Their salty crunch complements the sweet chocolate beautifully.
Step 8: Decorate Faces
Finish by placing edible candy eyes and a red M&M nose on each brownie. Use a small dot of chocolate cookie icing to secure the candies in place if needed. Your adorable reindeer faces are now ready to charm everyone!
How to Serve Reindeer Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the brownies to resemble snowfall. You can also add small sprigs of fresh mint around the plate to mimic holly or pine, enhancing the holiday vibe.
Side Dishes
These brownies are a standout on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes the experience to another level. A warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or mulled cider makes the perfect beverage companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the brownies on a rustic wooden board or a bright holiday platter for a warm, inviting look. For a party, try placing them in individual paper cups or cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for cute edible favors that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Reindeer Brownies Recipe treats covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and chewiness. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies unadorned (before adding candy eyes and pretzels) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen brownies, thaw them overnight at room temperature. Warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness before decorating with the eyes, noses, and pretzels.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter for the vegetable oil, but it will create a slightly richer flavor and a different texture. The brownies may be a bit denser but still delicious.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder on hand?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use melted chocolate instead, but adjust the sugar and fat amounts accordingly. Cocoa powder keeps things simple and delivers that classic brownie taste.
How do I store decorated brownies to keep pretzels crunchy?
To keep the pretzels crunchy, store the decorated brownies in a single layer at room temperature inside a container that is not airtight, allowing some air circulation to prevent sogginess.
Can I make mini reindeer brownies?
Definitely! Use a mini muffin tin or cut brownies into smaller squares after baking. Just be sure to scale your decorating items accordingly for the perfect tiny reindeer effect.
Is this recipe kid-friendly for baking together?
Absolutely! This Reindeer Brownies Recipe is a fun project for kids, especially the decorating part. Just supervise oven use and mixing, and enjoy the smiles that come with making these festive treats together.
Final Thoughts
This Reindeer Brownies Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen moments that brings everyone together. With its easy steps, simple ingredients, and charming presentation, it’s a guaranteed way to brighten up any gathering. I can’t wait for you to try baking and sharing these adorable reindeer treats that taste as good as they look—happy baking!
Print
Reindeer Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully festive Reindeer Brownies that combine rich, fudgy chocolate with whimsical decorations for a fun holiday treat. These easy-to-make brownies feature a moist texture baked to perfection and decorated with candy eyes, red M&M’s for the nose, pretzel twists as antlers, and chocolate cookie icing accents to create charming reindeer faces.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
Decorations
- Edible Candy Eyes
- Red M&M’s (for the nose)
- Chocolate Cookie Icing
- Pretzel Twists (broken into pieces for antlers)
Instructions
- Mix Oil and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1 cup sugar until well blended to create the brownie base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring just until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup flour until evenly mixed.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the oil and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, forming the brownie batter.
- Pour Batter into Dish: Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish filling it about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Brownies: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are done.
- Add Pretzel Antlers: While the brownies are still warm, poke broken pretzel twists gently into the top sides of each brownie to create the antlers.
- Decorate Faces: Place edible candy eyes on each brownie and add a red M&M for the nose. Use a small dot of chocolate cookie icing to secure the eyes and nose as needed and add any additional decorative touches.
Notes
- For best results, avoid overmixing the batter to keep brownies tender.
- Use fresh candy eyes and M&M’s for vivid colors and a fun presentation.
- You can substitute pretzels with small cookie sticks if desired.
- Chocolate cookie icing helps decorations stay securely in place, especially for gifting or transport.
- Allow brownies to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.
