Is there anything better than a holiday dessert that’s as adorable as it is delicious? I don’t think so. These Strawberry Reindeer Brownie Bites have become my go-to for good reason. They combine the fudgy richness of brownies with the sweet-tart pop of a strawberry, all dressed up as the cutest little reindeer you ever did see. They’re the kind of simple Christmas desserts that look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the secret is, they come together in a flash. Perfect for when you’re juggling a million other holiday tasks but still want to bring something special to the table. Let’s get to it!
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll love these Strawberry Reindeer Brownie Bites because they check all the boxes for busy holiday baking. First, they’re ridiculously easy. We’re starting with a simple boxed brownie mix—no shame in that game! It’s all about working smarter, not harder. Second, they are a total crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike go crazy for these cute little treats. They’re the perfect bite-sized holiday dessert that feels festive without being overly complicated. And honestly, the combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberry is just so, so good. It’s a flavor pairing that really sings. They’re the ultimate Christmas party dessert because they’re portable, easy to eat, and guaranteed to bring a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box (around 18 oz) of your favorite fudge brownie mix, plus the ingredients listed on the box (typically oil, water, and an egg)
- 24 fresh, medium-sized strawberries
- 48 candy eyeballs
- 24 red candy-coated chocolate pieces (like M&M’s®)
- 1 tube of black or brown decorating gel
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or neutral-flavored oil
Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step
- First, preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your brownie mix box, usually 350°F. Line a 9×9 or 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides. This makes it super easy to lift the whole brownie slab out later.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. Pour it into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for the minimum time listed on the box. We want these brownies to be a little under-baked so they stay extra fudgy and are easier to cut. A toothpick inserted should have some moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Pro tip: pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes to speed this up and make cutting even cleaner.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Grab a small round cookie cutter (about 1 to 1.5 inches wide) and cut out 24 brownie rounds. If you don’t have a cutter, you can use a knife to cut small squares—they’ll be just as tasty!
- Now for the fun part: assembly! Wash your strawberries and pat them completely dry. Slice a small sliver off the stem end so the strawberry has a flat base to sit on.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and the teaspoon of oil. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. This is your ‘glue’.
- Place a brownie round on your work surface. Dip the flat, cut end of a strawberry into the melted white chocolate and gently press it onto the center of the brownie. Hold it for a few seconds to let it set. Repeat with all the brownie bites.
- Next, use a tiny dot of the melted chocolate to attach two candy eyeballs to the pointed end of the strawberry for the reindeer’s eyes. Then, use another dot to attach a red candy-coated chocolate piece just below the eyes for the nose.
- Finally, use the black or brown decorating gel to draw two little antlers on top of the brownie base. And that’s it! You’ve just made an adorable holiday treat.
Simple Variations & Substitutions
Don’t have exactly these ingredients? No problem! This recipe is incredibly flexible. For a nutty twist, try using a walnut brownie mix. If you’re out of fresh strawberries, a well-drained maraschino cherry makes a fantastic (and even more classic) red nose. You can also use mini chocolate chips or even a dab of extra frosting to attach the eyes and nose if you’re out of white chocolate. For a dairy-free version, just use a dairy-free brownie mix and dairy-free chocolate chips. Honestly, the basic formula is foolproof: brownie base + fruit + cute face = holiday magic.
Perfect for Holiday Parties
These bites are practically designed for holiday gatherings. They are the ideal Christmas party dessert because they’re individual servings, so there’s no slicing or serving mess. You can arrange them on a platter as a centerpiece, or set up a ‘decorate your own reindeer’ station for kids—just provide the components and let them have fun! They also travel beautifully, making them a great option for cookie exchanges or potlucks. They’re one of those holiday treats that disappear from the plate almost as fast as you can put them out.
Serving Ideas for Christmas Treats
Presentation is key for holiday desserts! Arrange your Strawberry Reindeer Brownie Bites on a festive platter lined with a doily or some holiday-themed parchment paper. For a really magical touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar ‘snow’ around them. You could even create a little scene with some edible green glitter or crushed candy canes. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. And don’t forget, they make a fantastic addition to a dessert charcuterie board alongside other easy Christmas treats like sugar cookies and fudge.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
These treats are best enjoyed the day they are made, but you can definitely prepare components ahead of time. The plain brownie rounds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or frozen for up to a month. Once assembled, store the reindeer in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The strawberries will release a little moisture over time, so they’re not a great make-ahead-for-days option. I do not recommend reheating them, as the chocolate will melt and the strawberries will get warm. They are meant to be a cool, refreshing little bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A> Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels on your candies and chocolate to be safe. - Q: My brownies are crumbling when I cut them. What did I do wrong?
A> This usually means they were either over-baked or cut while still warm. Make sure to bake them just until fudgy and let them cool completely, even chilling them, before cutting. A sharp cookie cutter pressed straight down (not twisting) also helps. - Q: What are some other easy Christmas food ideas for a party?
A> These brownie bites are a great start! You could pair them with some savory Christmas appetizers like a simple baked brie or mini sausage puff pastry bites for a perfect sweet and savory spread.
