If you’re searching for that perfect festive treat to wow your friends and family, look no further than the delightful OREO Reindeer. This playful and adorable snack turns simple fudge-covered OREO cookies into charming little reindeer, full of holiday spirit and irresistible charm. The combination of creamy chocolate, crunchy cookies, and colorful candy accents makes these OREO Reindeer a joyful centerpiece for any Christmas party or winter gathering. Trust me, once you see how easy and fun these treats are to make, they’ll quickly become a beloved holiday tradition!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for the OREO Reindeer, yet each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and festive appearance. From the fudgy cookies themselves to the delicate candy details, every component has its place in making these treats truly magical.
- 12 Fudge-Covered OREO Cookies: The foundation of your reindeer; their rich chocolate coating adds an extra dose of decadence and smoothness.
- 2 ounces light cocoa candy melts or almond bark: These melts are essential for adhesion and adding that silky chocolate touch perfect for “gluing” the antlers and nose in place.
- 24 candy antlers: The whimsical detail that transforms OREOs into reindeer, making each cookie uniquely festive.
- 12 red or brown M&M’s: The noses, either Rudolph red or a more traditional brown, bring an irresistible pop of color.
- 24 candy eyes (⅜-inch): Adorable little eyes that give each OREO Reindeer personality and charm.
How to Make OREO Reindeer
Step 1: Prepare the Cookies
Start by neatly shaving off any excess chocolate around the edges of your fudge-covered OREO cookies with a sharp knife. This step cleans the cookie edges so the candies stick more smoothly and look flawless. Set these trimmed OREOs aside for the next steps.
Step 2: Melt the Candy Coating
Place your candy melts, chopped almond bark, or chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in increments of 15 seconds, stirring in between each burst until everything is fully melted and silky smooth. This melted chocolate is the secret glue that holds your reindeer’s candy parts together.
Step 3: Attach the Antlers
Dip a paintbrush, toothpick, or skewer into the melted candy mixture, then dab a small amount on the back of each candy antler. Gently press one antler along the edge of your OREO cookie, allowing about half of it to hang over the side—a perfect size for realistic reindeer antlers. Repeat this with the second antler on the opposite side so your OREO Reindeer has a charming pair.
Step 4: Add the Nose
Pick either red or brown M&M, then use a bit of melted candy on the back to stick it firmly on the opposite side of the antlers. This colorful “nose” creates that instantly recognizable reindeer face and anchors the festive look.
Step 5: Place the Eyes
Carefully affix two candy eyes just above the M&M nose using a dab of melted candy. Pay close attention to spacing for the most endearing expression. Your OREO Reindeer are starting to come alive now!
Step 6: Let Them Set
Set each decorated OREO Reindeer aside on parchment paper or a clean surface to dry for about 15 minutes. This pause allows the candy glue to harden so your reindeer stay perfectly intact.
Step 7: Repeat to Complete
Continue decorating all 12 OREO cookies following these same steps, creating a merry little herd of OREO Reindeer ready to charm everyone at your holiday table.
How to Serve OREO Reindeer
Garnishes
Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over your OREO Reindeer for a snowy effect, or add a dusting of edible glitter to give these treats a magical shimmer. You can even place a sprig of holly or a mini candy cane nearby for an added festive touch.
Side Dishes
These delightful OREO Reindeer pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows. Consider serving alongside gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for an irresistible holiday dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, arrange your OREO Reindeer on a wooden platter nestled in a bed of green shredded paper to mimic a forest floor. Alternatively, place each cookie inside mini cupcake liners decorated with festive cupcake wrappers for an extra-special gift or party favor idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers — though with these tempting treats, it’s hard to imagine! — store your OREO Reindeer in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and crunchy for up to 3 days, preserving the candy melts’ shine and crunchiness.
Freezing
You can freeze OREO Reindeer if you want to prepare them well in advance. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid refreezing for best texture.
Reheating
There’s no real need to reheat OREO Reindeer since they are best served at room temperature. If the candy melts feel a bit firm after chilling, just let the treats sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving so they soften slightly without melting.
FAQs
Can I use regular OREO cookies instead of fudge-covered ones?
While regular OREOs work, fudge-covered OREOs add a gorgeous chocolate richness and smooth texture that really makes your OREO Reindeer stand out. The extra coating also helps the candy melts stick better.
Are candy antlers easy to find?
Yes! Candy antlers are often available at specialty baking stores or online around the holiday season. If you have trouble finding them, pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate make a fantastic homemade alternative.
Can I make OREO Reindeer without candy melts?
Candy melts make assembling the OREO Reindeer much easier by acting as glue. If unavailable, melted white chocolate or even peanut butter can work, but the look and ease might vary slightly.
How long do OREO Reindeer stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your OREO Reindeer stay fresh and delicious for about 3 days, perfect for making ahead just before your holiday gathering.
Can kids help make OREO Reindeer?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic family-friendly holiday activity. Children love decorating and assembling the reindeer, just be sure to supervise when using melted chocolate for safety.
Final Thoughts
Making OREO Reindeer is such a joyful way to add whimsy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. Their playful design combined with easy preparation makes them a fantastic treat that everyone from kids to adults will adore. Trust me, once you start creating these festive reindeer, you’ll find yourself reaching for the candy melts again and again. So pull out those fudge-covered OREOs and craft your very own merry herd!
Print
OREO Reindeer Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create festive and adorable OREO Reindeer treats perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings. These easy-to-make snacks feature fudge-covered OREO cookies decorated with candy antlers, eyes, and a cute M&M nose, all held together with melted candy coating for a delightful and playful dessert.
Ingredients
Reindeer Base
- 12 Fudge-Covered OREO Cookies
Decorations
- 2 ounces light cocoa candy melts or almond bark
- 24 candy antlers
- 12 red or brown M&M’s
- 24 candy eyes (⅜-inch)
Instructions
- Prepare the OREO Cookies: Shave the excess chocolate off around the edge of each fudge-covered OREO cookie using a sharp knife, then set aside to ensure smooth edges for decoration.
- Melt the Candy Coating: Place the candy melts, chopped almond bark, or chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high power in 15-second increments, stirring thoroughly after each interval until completely melted and smooth.
- Attach Candy Antlers: Dip a paintbrush, toothpick, or skewer into the melted candy coating and dab a small amount onto the back of a candy antler. Press the antler onto one edge of an OREO cookie so that about half of the antler extends beyond the cookie’s edge. Repeat on the opposite side with the second antler to create the reindeer’s antlers.
- Add the Nose: Using a dab of melted candy coating as glue, attach a red or brown M&M opposite the candy antlers on the OREO cookie to serve as the reindeer nose.
- Attach the Eyes: Secure two candy eyes just above the M&M nose on the cookie using small dabs of the melted candy coating.
- Set to Dry: Place the finished OREO reindeer on a flat surface and allow them to dry and set for about 15 minutes until the candy coating hardens.
- Repeat the Process: Continue decorating the remaining 11 OREO cookies following the same steps to complete 12 festive OREO Reindeer treats.
Notes
- For best results, work swiftly with the melted candy coating to prevent it from hardening before attaching the decorations.
- If candy antlers are not available, pretzel sticks can be a fun alternative.
- Store finished OREO Reindeer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Use a toothpick or skewer for precise application of the melted candy coating to avoid mess.
- These treats are fun for kids to help decorate, making a great holiday activity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 OREO Reindeer
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
