Rudolfs Red Nose Bites

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 has become our holiday favorite because everyone loves the playful red nose and cheesy center.

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 dough:

Place a cheese cube in the center of each disc pinch the dough around the cheese to seal and roll into a ball

Place dough balls:

Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet

Brush & 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 red 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

Save

We love making these together as a family while sharing laughs and holiday stories.

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

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These pretzel bites make holiday gatherings extra special and fun with minimal prep.

Recipe FAQ Section

→ What type of dough works best for these bites?

Refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough provides a soft and easy-to-shape base for the cheesy filling.

→ Can I substitute the cheese used inside?

Cream cheese is traditional, but cheddar or other melty cheeses can add different flavors and textures.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Pinching the dough tightly around the cheese and rolling into balls seals the filling and helps retain it.

→ What toppings can replace the red candy noses?

Mini cherry tomatoes or pomegranate seeds offer fresh, colorful alternatives for the bright red noses.

→ How do I add an extra spicy kick to these bites?

Sprinkle smoked paprika into the cheese filling before wrapping the dough to add warmth and spice.