Dessert

Rudolph Brownies Recipe

ByElena Hart November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Introduction

Rudolph Brownies are a festive and fun twist on classic brownies that bring holiday cheer to any dessert table. With rich chocolate ganache and adorable reindeer decorations, they’re as delightful to eat as they are to look at.

A round chocolate cake is cut into eight slices, each slice covered with a smooth, dark chocolate layer. On top of each slice near the edge are two small white candy eyes with black pupils, and a golden pretzel is placed above the eyes, resembling antlers. In the center of the cake, there are seven red candy pieces arranged in a circular shape, mimicking a nose. The cake sits in a black round baking pan, placed on a white marbled surface with a soft white cloth underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box King Arthur Gluten Free Brownie Mix (or any brownie recipe)
1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup coconut cream (can substitute heavy whipping cream)
16 pretzels (use gluten free if needed)

16 candy eyes
8 red candies (such as dye-free Giggles, M&M’s, or Skittles)

Instructions

Step 1: Line an 8×8 round cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the brownies according to the package instructions or your favorite brownie recipe. Bake and then allow to cool to room temperature.
Step 3: For the chocolate ganache frosting, combine the chocolate chips and coconut cream in a saucepan. Melt over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Place the pan in the fridge and allow the frosting to set for 1 to 2 hours.
Step 5: Remove the brownies from the fridge and cut into 8 slices.
Step 6: Decorate each slice by arranging 2 pretzels to resemble antlers, placing 2 candy eyes, and adding one red candy to create Rudolph’s nose.

Tips & Variations

For a richer ganache, use heavy whipping cream instead of coconut cream.
Substitute the red candies with any small round sweets you have on hand, such as red jelly beans or chocolate drops.
Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on the ganache before it sets for a salted chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Rudolph Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve, you can enjoy them chilled or let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Avoid freezing as it may affect the candy decorations.

How to Serve

The image shows a round chocolate cake with a smooth, shiny dark chocolate top layer, divided into eight slices. Each slice has two small white candy eyes and is topped with a golden pretzel near the edge. In the center of the cake, there is a cluster of six red candy pieces. The cake appears dense and rich with a dark brown base, placed inside a round black pan. The pan is set on white marbled texture with a white cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

Yes, using coconut cream in the ganache keeps the frosting dairy-free. Just be sure to check that your chocolate chips and other ingredients are also dairy-free.

How do I prevent the ganache from cracking when cutting?

Make sure the ganache is fully set in the fridge before cutting and use a warm, sharp knife to slice the brownies smoothly without cracking the frosting.

Rudolph Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

These Rudolph Brownies are a festive and fun twist on classic gluten-free brownies. Featuring a rich chocolate ganache frosting made with coconut cream, these brownies are decorated to look like adorable reindeer using pretzels for antlers, candy eyes, and red candies for noses. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any fun gathering, they combine easy preparation with charming presentation.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 8 reindeer brownies 1x

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

1 box King Arthur Gluten Free Brownie Mix (or any preferred brownie recipe)
1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup coconut cream (Trader Joe’s brand recommended, can substitute with heavy whipping cream)

Decorations

16 pretzels (use gluten free if needed)
16 candy eyes

8 red candies (dye-free Giggles recommended, or M&M’s, Skittles)

Instructions

Prepare the Brownies: Line an 8×8 round cake pan with parchment paper. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions or use your favorite brownie recipe. Pour the batter into the pan and bake as directed. Allow the brownies to cool to room temperature before moving on to frosting.
Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chocolate chips and coconut cream. Stir gently until the mixture melts and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

Frost the Brownies: Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies and spread evenly using a spatula. Place the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to set the ganache firmly.
Decorate as Reindeer: Once set, remove the brownies from the fridge and carefully cut into 8 even slices. On each slice, place 2 pretzels at the top for antlers, two candy eyes near the top center, and a red candy at the front edge to resemble Rudolph’s nose.
Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and ganache firmness.

Notes

You can substitute the coconut cream with heavy whipping cream if desired.
Use gluten-free pretzels and brownie mix to keep the recipe gluten-free.
For a dairy-free ganache, use coconut cream as recommended.

Red candies like M&M’s or Skittles can be used instead of Giggles for decoration.
Ensure brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent ganache from melting or becoming too thin.

Keywords: gluten free brownies, holiday brownies, chocolate ganache, festive desserts, Rudolph brownies, kid-friendly dessert

Elena Hart

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