Rudolfs Red Nose Bites

Featured in: Cozy Winter Bakes

These savory pretzel bites are a fun, festive snack perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft dough encases a creamy cheese center, baked until golden and brushed with melted butter and coarse salt. Each bite is decorated with mini pretzel antlers and a bright red candy nose, adding a playful touch. Variations include swapping red candies for cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds and adding smoked paprika for a spicy kick. Serve warm for melty, cheesy goodness.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:09:00 GMT
Rudolf's Red Nose Pretzel Bites with cheese and a vibrant red cherry nose are a festive appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Rudolf's Red Nose Pretzel Bites with cheese and a vibrant red cherry nose are a festive appetizer. | frostkettle.com

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
  • Pretzel Bites: 24 small cubes (about 1 cm each) cream cheese (or cheddar cheese, optional)
  • Pretzel Bites: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • Pretzel Bites: 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)
  • Decoration: 48 mini pretzel twists (for antlers)
  • Decoration: 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.
Warm, golden Rudolfs Red Nose Pretzel Bites, filled with melted cheese and adorned with candy noses, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Warm, golden Rudolfs Red Nose Pretzel Bites, filled with melted cheese and adorned with candy noses, ready to eat. | frostkettle.com

Notes

Candy noses can be swapped for cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds for a healthier option Serve warm for the best melty cheese effect.

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.

Delicious and fun Rudolf's Red Nose Pretzel Bites, a holiday snack with pretzel antlers and a sweet red nose. Save to Pinterest
Delicious and fun Rudolf's Red Nose Pretzel Bites, a holiday snack with pretzel antlers and a sweet red nose. | frostkettle.com

Enjoy crafting these festive bites perfect for any holiday gathering.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What dough works best for these pretzel bites?

Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough works well, providing a soft yet golden crust after baking.

Can I use different cheeses for the filling?

Cream cheese is ideal for a creamy center, but cheddar or other firm cheeses can be used for variation.

How are the pretzel antlers created?

Mini pretzel twists are pressed into the top sides of each bite before adding the nose, mimicking antlers.

Are there healthier options for the red nose decoration?

Yes, cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds can replace candy noses for a fresh, healthier alternative.

What tips ensure melty cheese inside?

Seal the dough tightly around the cheese cubes and serve bites warm shortly after baking for optimal melty texture.

Rudolfs Red Nose Bites

Festive pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese and topped with a bright red nose for holiday enjoyment.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 24 Serving Size

Dietary Information Meatless

What You Need

Pretzel Bites

01 1 can (12 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
02 24 small cubes cream cheese, approximately 3/8 inch each
03 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
04 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

Decoration

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Dough: Divide the dough into 24 equal portions and flatten each into a small disc.

Step 03

Add Cheese Filling: Place one cheese cube in the center of each dough disc, then pinch and seal the dough around the filling, shaping into a ball.

Step 04

Arrange on Sheet: Place the sealed dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

Apply Butter and Salt: Brush each dough ball with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with coarse kosher salt.

Step 06

Bake: Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the exterior turns golden brown.

Step 07

Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and allow the pretzel bites to cool briefly before decorating.

Step 08

Attach Antlers: Press two mini pretzel twists into the top sides of each bite to form antlers.

Step 09

Add Red Nose: Fix a red candy onto the front of each bite as the red nose, using a small amount of cream cheese or melted chocolate as adhesive if needed.

Step 10

Apply Eyes: Place two mini chocolate chips or edible candy eyes above the nose to complete the face.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Small bowl for melted butter
  • Oven

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (cheese and butter), and possibly soy (chocolate candies).
  • May contain nuts and eggs depending on ingredient brands.

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 85
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 2 g