Rudolfs Red Nose Bites

Featured in: Snack Time Heroes

These savory pretzel bites combine soft dough pockets filled with creamy cheese, baked to golden perfection. Each bite is decorated with a cheerful red candy 'nose' and pretzel twist 'antlers,' creating a playful, festive snack perfect for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining. The salty, buttery crust complements the smooth cheese filling, while the decorative touches add a burst of color and fun. Simple to prepare in about 30 minutes, they make a delightful crowd-pleaser that can be customized with various fillings or toppings to suit your taste.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:48:00 GMT
Savory Rudolfs Red Nose Pretzel Bites with cheese filling and a bright red candy nose on top. Save
Savory Rudolfs Red Nose Pretzel Bites with cheese filling and a bright red candy nose on top. | williesnack.com

Fun, festive pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese and topped with a bright cherry red nose—the perfect savory snack for holiday gatherings.

I first made these pretzel bites for a family party and they were a huge hit everyone asked for the recipe

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.
Prepare dough:
Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small disc.
Fill dough:
Place a cheese cube in the center of each disc pinch the dough around the cheese to seal and roll into a ball.
Arrange:
Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Butter & salt:
Brush each ball with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool:
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.
Golden brown Rudolfs Red Nose Pretzel Bites, ready to enjoy, with tiny pretzel antlers and chocolate chip "eyes." Save
Golden brown Rudolfs Red Nose Pretzel Bites, ready to enjoy, with tiny pretzel antlers and chocolate chip "eyes." | williesnack.com

This recipe always brings my family together laughing and enjoying every bite each holiday season

Notes

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

Festive shot of homemade Rudolfs Red Nose Pretzel Bites, baked to perfection and perfect for a holiday snack. Save
Festive shot of homemade Rudolfs Red Nose Pretzel Bites, baked to perfection and perfect for a holiday snack. | williesnack.com

Enjoy these festive bites fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture

Recipe Questions & Answers

What dough works best for these bites?

Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough provides a soft, flaky texture that's easy to shape and bake evenly.

Can I substitute the cream cheese filling?

Yes, cheddar or other semi-soft cheeses can be used to vary flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Seal the dough tightly around each cheese cube to avoid leakage and maintain a round shape.

Are there healthier alternatives for the red candy noses?

Mini cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds provide natural color with added nutrition.

How should I serve these pretzel bites?

Serve warm for the best melty cheese experience; they pair well with mustard or savory dips.

Rudolfs Red Nose Bites

Festive pretzel bites with creamy cheese and bright red candy topping, ideal for holiday snacking.

Prep time
20 min
Time to cook
10 min
Total duration
30 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 24 Number of servings

Dietary notes Vegetarian-friendly

What You'll Need

Pretzel Bites

01 1 can (12 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
02 24 small cubes cream cheese, approximately ½ inch each
03 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
04 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

Decoration

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

How to make it

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven 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

Fill and Seal: Place a cube of cream cheese in the center of each disc, pinch the dough around to seal, and roll into balls.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Cool Slightly: Allow the pretzel bites to cool slightly 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 Noses: Attach a red candy nose to the front of each bite, using a dab of cream cheese or melted chocolate as adhesive if necessary.

Step 10

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

Tools you'll need

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (cheese, butter), and soy (if chocolate candies are used). May contain nuts and eggs depending on ingredient selection.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 85
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 2 g