Reindeer noses hardly sound like a palatable delicacy. But what if they were made of chocolate and peanut butter? Think of a nubby Kit Kat bar, and you’ll understand why these “noses” are one of our family’s favorite holiday treats.

While they may just be peanut butter balls to those with little imagination, reindeer noses have all the required elements of a perfect holiday goodie: They are simple to prepare, delicious, and fun to eat—though at times a bit messy; the chocolate covering will most definitely melt in your small ones’ hands. I have come to love watching my sons place these bonbons on their noses, small drips of melted chocolate left in their wake. We like to make sure to put red sprinkles on one of the candies; it would be criminal to leave Rudolph out of the game.

Reindeer noses have become an anticipated part of our holiday celebration—my sons ask for them the minute we pull out decorations from storage. Perhaps they will become part of your family’s tradition, too.

Reindeer Noses

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Red sprinkles

Directions

1. Mix the peanut butter and butter together in a mixing bowl. Gradually add in the powdered sugar until well combined and a dough ball is formed.
2. Tightly cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up dough.
3. Make 1-inch balls from dough. Place the balls on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper, and chill in the refrigerator for a half hour. The dough balls should be somewhat firm. They need to be able to hold their shape before being dipped in chocolate.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a small pot over very low heat, stirring frequently so that chips melt evenly.
5. Dip dough balls into melted chocolate using a bamboo skewer. Remove balls from the skewer with a fork and set them on the lined cookie sheet.
6. For a “Rudolph” nose, cover ball in red sprinkles while chocolate is still warm.
7. Place balls back in the refrigerator until ready to serve.