If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings smiles and loads of fun to the kitchen, you’ll adore this Easy Rudolph Brownie Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies combine the fudgy goodness of brownies with the whimsy of holiday decorations, transforming a simple snack into a merry masterpiece. With crunchy pretzel antlers, cheerful red noses made from M&M’s, and cute marshmallow eyes, these cookies are not only delicious but also irresistibly charming—perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering or just enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Easy Rudolph Brownie Cookies Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich brownie base to the crunchy and colorful decorations, every element adds charm and character.
- Brownie mix: The foundation of the cookies, providing rich chocolate flavor with minimal effort.
- 2 Eggs: Helps bind the batter together for that chewy, brownie-like texture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture for soft, tender cookies.
- 1/4 cup water: Balances the batter consistency perfectly.
- 1/4 cup flour: A little extra flour helps the dough hold its shape without losing fudginess.
- Mini pretzel twists: For Rudolph’s adorable antlers with just the right crunch.
- Mini marshmallows: Halved to create cute little eyes that add sweetness and texture contrast.
- Mini chocolate chips: The perfect size for pupils, adding little bursts of chocolate.
- Red M&M’s: Rudolph’s signature red nose that makes these cookies instantly festive.
- Chocolate cookie icing: Acts as edible glue to attach eyes and pupils, also enhancing chocolate flavor.
How to Make Easy Rudolph Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by turning your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the cookies to cook evenly, developing that irresistible fudgy texture you’re after without drying out the edges. Preheating is key to making sure your cookies bake perfectly right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine your brownie mix, flour, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, glossy batter. This simple mix forms the deliciously rich and moist base that makes these brownie cookies stand out from the crowd.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your cookies come off easily after baking. Then, use a tablespoon to scoop out the batter onto the sheet. Leaving enough space between each scoop will help the cookies spread just right without merging into one big cookie.
Step 4: Add Rudolph’s Face and Antlers
Press mini pretzel twists gently into the top of each cookie to form charming antlers. Then, place a red M&M at the bottom center for Rudolph’s iconic bright nose. This step makes all the difference, transforming simple brownie cookies into festive holiday treats full of personality.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Pop your cookie sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them so that they remain soft and fudgy in the center—these cookies bake quickly, so timing is crucial to avoiding over-baking.
Step 6: Add the Eye Details
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool slightly. Meanwhile, cut the mini marshmallows in half and use the chocolate cookie icing to attach them as eyes on the cookies. Then, add mini chocolate chips as pupils, pressing gently so everything sticks together. These little details bring your Rudolph cookies to life, making them almost too cute to eat!
How to Serve Easy Rudolph Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra holiday flair, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the cookies for a light dusting reminiscent of fresh snow. Alternatively, drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate across the tops for a festive contrast against the rich brownie base. These garnishes not only elevate the look but also complement the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these Rudolph brownie cookies with a simple glass of cold milk or a mug of thick hot chocolate to enhance the warmth and indulgence of dessert time. For a festive twist, serve alongside peppermint bark or candy cane pieces to keep the holiday spirit going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a rustic wooden platter or a bright red holiday plate to highlight their festive design. You could even arrange them in a circle to resemble a wreath, with a few sprigs of fresh mint or holly accents for a beautiful, edible centerpiece perfect for any holiday party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Rudolph Brownie Cookies Recipe treats should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their fudgy softness. These cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying over a couple of days or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents sticking and keeps the antler decorations intact. Frozen cookies can last for up to 2 months without losing their charm or flavor.
Reheating
To warm up frozen or stored cookies, pop them in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick reheating brings back that freshly baked warmth and gooey brownie texture, making them just as delightful as when first baked.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe instead of a boxed mix. Just make sure the batter is thick enough to hold shape like cookie dough, and adjust baking time accordingly since homemade batters can vary.
What if I don’t have mini pretzels for the antlers?
No worries! You can substitute mini pretzels with small twisted breadsticks or even pipe some melted chocolate in antler shapes after baking for a similar festive look.
How do I keep the marshmallow eyes from melting in the oven?
The recipe calls for adding the marshmallow eyes after baking to avoid melting. If you try to bake them on, they will melt and lose shape, so it’s best to attach them once the cookies have cooled a bit.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free brownie mix and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. Also, check the pretzels and icing ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free. The rest of the toppings like M&M’s and marshmallows are usually safe but double-check the packaging to be sure.
What’s the best way to transport these cookies for a holiday party?
Arrange the cookies in a single layer in a sturdy container lined with parchment paper. To prevent the pretzel antlers from breaking, leave a little space between cookies and pack tightly enough to avoid shifting but gently enough to keep decorations intact.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Easy Rudolph Brownie Cookies Recipe enough—it’s straightforward, joyful, and delivers fabulous festive flavor with each bite. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a holiday party, or simply craving a special seasonal treat, these cookies will brighten your day and bring smiles all around. Go ahead, give the recipe a try, and watch how these little Rudolphs become big stars on your holiday dessert table!
Print
Easy Rudolph Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Rudolph Brownie Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional brownies by combining rich brownie flavor with fun reindeer decorations using mini pretzels, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and red M&M’s. Perfect for festive occasions, these cookies are quick to prepare and bake to deliciously fudgy perfection.
Ingredients
Brownie Mix Ingredients
- 1 box Brownie Mix (about 18 oz)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
Decorations
- Mini Pretzel Twists (for antlers)
- Mini Marshmallows (halved for ears)
- Mini Chocolate Chips (for pupils)
- Red M&M’s (for nose)
- Chocolate Cookie Icing (to attach decorations)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking.
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, all-purpose flour, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Stir thoroughly until you have a smooth batter.
- Prepare the Cookie Sheet: Spray a cookie sheet with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon, spoon dollops of the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Add Antlers and Nose: Gently press mini pretzel twists into the top of each cookie to resemble antlers, then place a red M&M at the bottom center to serve as Rudolph’s nose.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 minutes until they are set but still fudgy.
- Prepare Decorations: While the cookies bake, cut the mini marshmallows in half to create ears.
- Attach Facial Features: After baking, use chocolate cookie icing to adhere the halved marshmallows onto the top sides of each cookie as ears. Next, dot mini chocolate chips onto the marshmallows using icing to form pupils, completing Rudolph’s eyes.
Notes
- Make sure not to overbake the cookies to maintain their fudgy texture.
- If you don’t have mini pretzels, small pretzel sticks can be broken to size.
- Use fresh chocolate cookie icing for easy adhesion of decorations.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free brownie mix and pretzels.
