Pin It Fun, festive pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese and topped with a bright cherry red nose—the perfect savory snack for holiday gatherings.
This recipe is a holiday favorite that always brings smiles and laughter from my family.
Ingredients
- Pretzel Bites: 1 can (340 g / 12 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough, 24 small cubes (about 1 cm each) cream cheese (or cheddar cheese, optional), 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted, 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- Decoration: 24 small round red candies (e.g. mini cherry tomatoes, red M&Ms, or pomegranate seeds for a healthier option), 48 mini pretzel twists (for antlers), 24 mini chocolate chips or edible candy eyes
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare dough:
- Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small disc.
- Fill dough:
- Place a cheese cube in the center of each disc& pinch the dough around the cheese to seal and roll into a ball.
- Arrange:
- Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush and salt:
- Brush each ball with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool:
- Allow to cool slightly.
- Decorate antlers:
- Press two mini pretzel twists into the top sides of each bite for antlers.
- Add nose:
- Attach a red candy to the front for the red nose (use a dab of cream cheese or melted chocolate as glue, if needed).
- Add eyes:
- Add two mini chocolate chips or edible candy eyes above the nose.
Pin It This recipe always brings the family together during the holidays, making memories with every bite.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Pastry brush, Small bowl (for melted butter), Oven
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), milk (cheese, butter), soy (if using chocolate candies). May contain Nuts (in candies), eggs (in some doughs). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 85, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Protein: 2 g per serving
Pin It These pretzel bites are sure to brighten any holiday gathering with their festive look and delicious flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough works best for these bites?
Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough provide a soft, pliable base that crisps nicely when baked, making them ideal choices.
- → Can I substitute the cheese filling?
Cream cheese offers a mild, creamy center, but cheddar or other melts work well to add different flavors.
- → What can be used for the red nose decoration?
Small red candies like mini cherry tomatoes, red M&Ms, or pomegranate seeds make bright, festive accents on each bite.
- → How are the antlers attached securely?
Pressing mini pretzel twists into the dough after baking helps them stay in place; a bit of cream cheese or melted chocolate can act as glue if needed.
- → How can I make these bites healthier?
Swap regular dough for whole wheat and choose pomegranate seeds or cherry tomatoes as noses for a nutritious twist.