Let’s be honest: Christmas is magical, but it’s also exhausting. Between finding matching family pajamas, keeping track of that elf, and trying to remember if your kid’s teacher prefers Starbucks or Target gift cards, the last thing we need is some Pinterest-level dessert project.
But fear not, fellow moms! If you’re staring down the barrel of yet another holiday party invite and can’t show up with store-bought cookies again, I’ve got you covered. Enter: Reindeer Brownies.
They’re cute, festive, and deceptively easy, so you’ll totally pass for “that mom who has it all together” without sacrificing your sanity.
What You’ll Need (aka the Shortcut Survival Kit):
- •1 box of brownie mix (because homemade brownies are for overachievers).
- Whatever the box tells you to grab—usually eggs, oil, and water.
- Mini pretzels (or mini candy canes if you’re feeling wild).
- Holiday M&Ms (red for Rudolph, white and green for his understudies).
- Candy eyes (available in the baking aisle, because who has time to pipe frosting eyeballs?).
The Process: As Simple as Wrapping a Gift Bag
1. Make the brownies. Follow the instructions on the back of the box. This is not the time to channel your inner Martha Stewart. Throw it all in a bowl, mix, and bake.
Pro tip: Use parchment paper in your pan so you don’t have to chisel brownies out later.
2. Let them cool. By “let them cool,” I mean try not to eat half the pan while “checking” if they’re done.
3. Cut into rectangles. No need for precision here; you’re making reindeer, not an art exhibit. Bonus points if your kids “help” by making the edges jagged.
4. Decorate like a boss:
- Stick two mini pretzels on top for antlers. Or, if you have candy canes on hand, snap them into antler shapes. (They’ll probably break unevenly, but hey, reindeer aren’t perfect either.)
- Plop two candy eyes front and center. Boom! Instant personality.
- Add a red M&M for the nose. If you can’t find a red one because your toddler hoarded them, just grab another red candy. Rudolph will understand.
Why You’ll Love These (Besides the Zero Effort)
These brownies are foolproof, customizable, and festive enough to distract from the fact that your kid showed up to the party with two left shoes. Plus, they double as a fun project to keep little hands busy while you tackle wrapping gifts.
And let’s be real: nothing says “holiday spirit” like showing up with reindeer desserts that look adorable and took less time than waiting for your Target pickup order.
Mom-to-Mom Pro Tips:
- If anyone asks, “Did you make these from scratch?” the answer is “Yes.” The box was scratch.
- Forgot candy eyes? Just use chocolate chips or draw them on with frosting. No one’s judging.
- Need a fancier vibe? Dust the platter with powdered sugar before decorating for a snow effect. Fancy and festive.
So, there you have it—Reindeer Brownies, the perfect dessert hack for moms who want to keep the holiday magic alive without losing their minds. Just be prepared for everyone to ask how you made them, because yes, they really are that cute.
Now go forth, bake, and impress. You’ve got this, Mom!