These Candy Cane Reindeer Brownie Pops are the cutest holiday treat to make this season!
This recipe starts with a simple box mix, once baked, add mini candy canes for handles, pretzels for antlers, candy eyes, and red noses.
This is another Reindeer Dessert that's easy enough for kids to help with and make a fun addition to Christmas dessert trays or classroom parties.
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Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 15 min | Bake: 25 min | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: A fun and festive holiday dessert made with boxed brownie mix, candy canes for handles, and decorated with pretzels, candy eyes, and red noses to look like reindeer.
Why you’ll love it: These cute brownie pops are quick to make, easy for kids to decorate, and perfect for gifting or adding to Christmas dessert trays.
How to make it: Prepare a boxed brownie mix and bake as directed, then cut into rectangles once cooled. Insert candy canes as handles and decorate with pretzels, candy eyes, and red noses for an adorable reindeer look.
Looking for more fun treats or Christmas Snacks for the holidays? Try my Christmas Chex Crack Recipe or my Christmas Snack Mix in a Jar.
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Why I Love This Recipe and Why YOU’LL Love It Too!
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage & Serving Tips
- More Brownie Recipes for the Holidays You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Recipe FAQ's
- Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
- Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Comments
Why I Love This Recipe and Why YOU’LL Love It Too!
I love this recipe because it turns a simple box of brownie mix into the cutest Christmas treat with almost no effort and I know you’ll love it too.
The candy cane handles make each brownie easy to hold, while the pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and red noses give them a fun, festive touch.
It’s quick, kid-friendly, and completely customizable, making these adorable reindeer brownies a sweet way to spread holiday cheer.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
• Use store-bought brownies: Save time by using bakery or pre-packaged brownies instead of baking from a mix. Just cut them into even rectangles before decorating. Check out my recipe for Reindeer Brownies that uses a store bought brownie.
• Try different candy bases: Swap the candy cane handles for popsicle sticks or paper straws if you prefer a non-minty option.
• Switch up the decorations: Use mini M&M’s or red gumdrops for the noses, or drizzle melted white chocolate over the brownies for a snowy touch.
• Make them bite-sized: Cut smaller brownie squares and serve as mini reindeer brownie bites.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Insert a mini candy cane into each brownie square for the handle and break a pretzel twist in half and press into the top for the antlers.
Step 2: Use melted chocolate or frosting to attach candy eyes. Either one works fine.
Step 3: Then attach the nose. Allow the chocolate to set then serve!
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO let the brownies cool completely before cutting and adding the candy canes—warm brownies can crack or crumble.
❌ DO NOT push the candy canes in too hard or while the brownies are warm, or they’ll break and won’t stay in place.
Storage & Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Store decorated brownie pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze undecorated brownies tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 1 month. Add the candy canes and decorations after thawing to prevent breakage.
Thaw and Reheat: Thaw brownies in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before decorating or serving.
Serving Tips: Arrange on a platter or stand upright in a block of styrofoam for a fun “reindeer pop” display at holiday parties.
More Brownie Recipes for the Holidays You'll Love!
If you love festive desserts, check out my Christmas Tree Brownies and Santa Hat Cupcakes. They're two of my most popular holiday recipes!
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📖 Recipe Card
Candy Cane Reindeer Brownie Pops
Video
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 12 mini candy canes
- 24 mini pretzels
- 24 candy eyes
- 12 red gumballs or red M&M's
- ¼ cup melted chocolate or frosting (to attach decorations)
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions.
- Bake in a parchment-lined pan and let cool completely before cutting into even rectangles.
- Insert a mini candy cane into the bottom of each brownie piece to create the handle.
- Break pretzels in half and press two pieces into the top corners of each brownie for the reindeer’s antlers.
- Use a small dab of melted chocolate or frosting to attach two candy eyes and a red gumball or M&M for the nose.
- Allow the chocolate or frosting to set before serving or packaging for gifts.
Nutrition
Notes
Tips
- Use parchment paper in the baking pan so you can easily remove the baked brownies.
- Let the brownies cool slightly before adding the candy canes so they press in easily without cracking.
- Use melted chocolate or frosting to attach the pretzels, eyes, and noses so everything stays in place.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Store brownie pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Make the brownies a day ahead and decorate them the next day for the best texture.
- Avoid refrigerating unless necessary, as condensation can affect the candy decorations.
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Let us know how it was!Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Gently press the candy canes into slightly warm brownies and avoid pushing too hard once they’re set.
Broken pretzel twists, mini pretzel sticks, or chocolate-dipped pretzels work well.
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Food Safety Tips
- Cook foods to a safe internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) when applicable.
- Use separate utensils for raw and cooked ingredients.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling uncooked foods.
- Avoid leaving food at room temperature for extended periods.
- Stay nearby while food is cooking.
- Use cooking oils suited for higher-heat cooking.
- Ensure proper airflow when using a gas stove.
- More kitchen safety guidance is available at USDA.gov.
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