Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Reindeer
Imagine a treat that captures the essence of holiday joy and combines it with a burst of delightful flavors – that’s exactly what these chocolate-covered marshmallows Reindeer do! As someone who revels in the magic of holiday treats, I find these adorable reindeer simply enchanting.
Their whimsical design adds a sprinkle of festive fun to any gathering, sparking those cherished memories of childhood Christmases. Check out my other favorite desserts for this Christmas, like Teddy Bears Oreo Pop, Holiday Lofthouse Cookies or Eggnog Cookies.
Why I Love This Recipe
As a holiday treat enthusiast, I can’t get enough of these chocolate-covered marshmallow reindeer because their fun design brings a dash of festive cheer, and their sweet and salty flavor combo is simply irresistible.
The playful, edible décor certainly tugs at the heartstrings, evoking warm memories of childhood Christmases. Making them is also something special, a delightful holiday activity involving family and friends.
But what truly seals the deal for me is the sensation of biting into the soft marshmallow, the rich chocolate coating, and the crunch of the pretzels. It’s a symphony of flavors that makes my taste buds sing.
What you need to make those delicious treats
Let’s start by gathering all the ingredients we’ll need to make our chocolate covered marshmallow reindeer.
- You’ll need a bag of large marshmallows, certainly. These will serve as the bodies of our adorable reindeer.
- Next, grab a bag of small pretzels for the antlers. Make sure they’re the traditional loop shape – that’s crucial for authenticity!
- You’ll also need regular-sized sugar eyes and some red Smarties chocolates for the noses.
- Now, for the coating. I suggest milk chocolate, but you can go dark if you prefer. You’ll need a good amount, so grab a couple of bars.
- Lastly, don’t forget the lollipop sticks to hold our reindeer.
With all these in hand, we’re ready to start crafting!
Making Marshmallow Reindeer Treats
Embark on a sweet holiday adventure by creating charming marshmallow reindeer!
1. Skewering Marshmallows: Start with large marshmallows and carefully insert a skewer through each, forming the base of your reindeer.
2. Dipping in Chocolate: Melt chocolate and dip each skewered marshmallow, coating it completely. Let the chocolate dry, setting the stage for our reindeer’s features.
3. Adding Reindeer Faces: Once the chocolate has set, add sugary eyes and a bright Smarties nose to bring each reindeer to life.
4. Attaching Antlers: For the final touch, break pretzels into antler shapes and gently insert them at the top of each marshmallow.
Fun Variations to Try
Let’s shake things up a bit by exploring some fun, creative variations you can try with your chocolate-covered marshmallow reindeer.
- Peppermint Twist: Add a dash of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a refreshing holiday flavor.
- Frosty White Chocolate: Use white chocolate and sprinkle with edible glitter for a dazzling ‘frosty’ reindeer look.
- Creative Antlers: Swap traditional pretzel antlers for candy canes or licorice twists for a fun twist.
- Caramel Surprise: Opt for caramel-filled marshmallows for a gooey, sweet surprise inside each reindeer.
- Let Imagination Lead: Have fun with the process and experiment with different decorations to make each reindeer unique.
Storing Tips
To keep your chocolate-covered marshmallow reindeer treats perfect, let them dry completely before storing them in an airtight container, with layers separated by wax or parchment paper.
Store them in a cool, dry place, or in the fridge if it’s warm, to prevent melting. For the best flavor, serve them at room temperature.
Enjoy these festive delights within a week to savor their ideal taste and texture.
Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer
Equipment
- Lollipop sticks
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 bag of large marshmallows
- 1 bag of traditional loop-shaped pretzels (for antlers)
- 12 ounces Milk or dark chocolate bars (amount varies based on preference)
- Regular-sized sugar eyes
- Red Smarties chocolates (for noses)
Instructions
- Start by arranging your ingredients ,marshmallows, pretzels, sugar eyes, Smarties, and lollipop sticks ,on a clean working surface. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper for placing the dipped marshmallows.
- Then gently insert a lollipop stick into each marshmallow, pushing it halfway through. Ensure it's secure but doesn't poke through the other side.
- Next, break the chocolate bars into smaller pieces and melt them. You can use a double boiler or microwave them in intervals, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Dip each marshmallow into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Tap off any excess chocolate and place the marshmallow on the parchment paper.
- Allow the chocolate to cool and set slightly but not completely harden. This is the ideal time to add the facial features and antlers.
Creating The Marshmallow Reindeer
- Attach two sugar eyes and a Smarties nose to each marshmallow to create the reindeer's face.
- Break the pretzels into antler shapes and gently press them into the top of each marshmallow.
- Allow the chocolate to completely harden. This can be expedited by placing the marshmallows in the refrigerator for a few minutes.