Save Fun, festive pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese and topped with a bright cherry red nose—the perfect savory snack for holiday gatherings.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small disc.
- Step 3:
- Place a cheese cube in the center of each disc pinch the dough around the cheese to seal and roll into a ball.
- Step 4:
- Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5:
- Brush each ball with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 7:
- Allow to cool slightly.
- Step 8:
- Press two mini pretzel twists into the top sides of each bite for antlers.
- Step 9:
- Attach a red candy to the front for the red nose (use a dab of cream cheese or melted chocolate as glue if needed).
- Step 10:
- Add two mini chocolate chips or edible candy eyes above the nose.
Save 
Save Common recipe questions
- → What type of dough works best for these bites?
Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough provides a soft, fluffy texture and easy handling for wrapping around the cheese.
- → Can I use a different cheese filling?
Cream cheese is recommended for its creaminess, but mild cheddar or a blend can also be used to enhance flavor.
- → How should I bake the bites to ensure a golden crust?
Brush each dough ball with melted butter and sprinkle coarse salt before baking at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes.
- → What are good alternatives for the red candy nose?
Mini cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds offer a fresh, colorful option in place of candy.
- → How can I make these bites spicier?
Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese filling for a subtle smoky heat without overpowering.