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Rudolfs Red Nose Bites

Featured in: Golden Moments

These bite-sized pretzels are filled with creamy cheese and baked until golden brown, creating a melty, savory center. Each bite is festively decorated with bright red candy 'noses' and mini pretzel twists resembling antlers, making them perfect for holiday celebrations. Quick to prepare with refrigerated dough, butter, and coarse salt, they offer a delightful combination of buttery crust and soft cheese. Variations include adding smoked paprika or swapping candies for healthy options like cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds.

Ideal as a fun appetizer or snack, these bites balance festive presentation with satisfying flavors, making them a memorable treat for guests without complicated prep.

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Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:51:00 GMT
Rudolf's Red Nose Pretzel Bites, warm and cheesy with a bright red candy nose, festive treat. Save
Rudolf's Red Nose Pretzel Bites, warm and cheesy with a bright red candy nose, festive treat. | butterhollow.com

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 always brings joy and smiles at our holiday parties.

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
Divide Dough:
Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces Flatten each piece into a small disc
Fill and Shape:
Place a cheese cube in the center of each disc pinch the dough around the cheese to seal and roll into a ball
Place on Sheet:
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 Slightly:
Allow to cool slightly
Add 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
Festive Rudolf's Red Nose Pretzel Bites with melting cheese, decorated like red-nosed reindeer ready to eat. Save
Festive Rudolf's Red Nose Pretzel Bites with melting cheese, decorated like red-nosed reindeer ready to eat. | butterhollow.com

These pretzel bites have become a cherished family tradition enjoyed by everyone around the table.

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)

Golden-brown Rudolf's Red Nose Pretzel Bites: soft pretzels with cheese and fun, edible decorations. Save
Golden-brown Rudolf's Red Nose Pretzel Bites: soft pretzels with cheese and fun, edible decorations. | butterhollow.com

Enjoy these festive pretzel bites fresh out of the oven for a perfect holiday treat.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

→ What type of dough works best for these bites?

Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough is ideal for easy shaping and a soft yet sturdy texture once baked.

→ Can I substitute cream cheese with another type?

Cheddar cheese cubes can be used as an alternative for a sharper flavor, though cream cheese offers a creamier melt.

→ How can I make the red nose decoration healthier?

Replace candy noses with mini cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds for a fresh and natural topping.

→ What’s the best way to attach candies to the pretzel bites?

A small dab of cream cheese or melted chocolate works well as an edible adhesive to keep the candy in place.

→ Can these bites be prepared in advance?

Yes, dough balls can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving to maintain their fresh, warm quality.

Rudolfs Red Nose Bites

Savory pretzel bites with creamy cheese centers and bright red candy accents for festive gatherings.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat duration
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

What you'll need

Pretzel Bites

01 1 can (12 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
02 24 small cubes cream cheese (approx. 0.4 inch each)
03 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
04 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

Decoration

01 24 small round red candies (mini cherry tomatoes, red M&Ms, or pomegranate seeds)
02 48 mini pretzel twists
03 24 mini chocolate chips or edible candy eyes

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Prepare Dough Portions: Divide dough into 24 equal pieces and flatten each into a small disc.

Phase 03

Fill with Cheese: Place one cream cheese cube in the center of each disc, pinch dough edges to seal, then roll into balls.

Phase 04

Arrange for Baking: Place dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Phase 05

Butter and Salt: Brush each ball with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Phase 06

Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

Phase 07

Cool Slightly: Allow the bites to cool briefly before decorating.

Phase 08

Add Antlers: Insert two mini pretzel twists on the top sides of each bite to resemble antlers.

Phase 09

Attach Red Nose: Affix one red candy to the front using a small amount of cream cheese or melted chocolate as adhesive.

Phase 10

Add Eyes: Place two mini chocolate chips or edible candy eyes above the red nose on each bite.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Small bowl
  • Oven

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (cheese, butter), and possibly soy (chocolate candies). May contain nuts and eggs. Verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 85
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 2 g