Holiday baking is that perfect mix of chocolatey goodness, festive cheer, and just enough chaos to make you question why you thought it was a good idea in the first place.

But let’s be honest, when the kitchen smells like melted chocolate and the kids are (somewhat) occupied with decorating, it’s totally worth it.

So if you’re looking for an easy, kid-friendly treat that brings major Christmas fun, try this Chocolate Reindeer Bark. It’s simple, delicious, and cute enough to make everyone smile. Plus, no fancy baking skills required, just some melted chocolate and a little creativity!

Reindeer Chocolate Bark on a plate and a glass of milk

Chocolate Reindeer Bark Recipe

Here’s What You’ll Need

2 cups milk chocolate chips
12 mini pretzels
12 red M&M’s (for the noses)
Candy eyes
2 tablespoons green M&M’s (for decoration)
1 teaspoon sprinkles (optional, for extra festive flair)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet

First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Trust me, this step saves you from having to chisel chocolate off your baking sheet later.

2. Melt the Chocolate

There are two ways to melt chocolate, and both have their own level of drama:

Microwave Method: Heat the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Be careful not to overheat, it goes from silky smooth to burnt disaster real fast.
Double Boiler Method: Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring the chocolate until melted. This method reduces the risk of burning but takes a little longer.

3. Create the Chocolate Base

Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly to about 1/4 inch thick. This is your delicious, chocolatey canvas!

4. Decorate with Reindeer Faces

Here’s where the fun begins:

Place 12 mini pretzels onto the chocolate for the reindeer antlers.
Add 12 red M&M’s just below the pretzels for their bright red noses.
Place candy eyes above the noses to give your reindeer some personality.

5. Add Green M&M’s and Sprinkles

Because what’s Christmas without a little extra pizzazz? Scatter some green M&M’s and sprinkles over the bark while the chocolate is still wet. This adds color and texture, making it extra festive.

6. Let the Chocolate Set

Now for the hard part, waiting. Let the bark sit at room temperature until fully set, or if patience isn’t your strong suit, pop it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to speed things up.

7. Break and Serve

Once the chocolate is completely set, break it into pieces with your hands. No two pieces will be the same, which just adds to the charm! Serve it up at holiday gatherings, enjoy it with a cup of hot cocoa, or package it up as an easy (and delicious) gift.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Reindeer Bark

Use Quality Chocolate – Since chocolate is the main ingredient, go for good-quality chocolate chips or a chocolate bar for the best taste.
Melt with Care – Stir often and don’t overheat to avoid grainy or burnt chocolate.
Customize It – Want more crunch? Add crushed candy canes. Prefer a salty-sweet combo? Sprinkle in some sea salt. The possibilities are endless!
Store Properly – Keep your bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate it for longer shelf life.

So this year, skip the complicated cookie recipes (because we all know that intricate royal icing design isn’t happening) and go for something easy, fun, and festive. Chocolate Reindeer Bark is sure to be a holiday favorite for years to come!

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