Looking for a fun Christmas treats recipe the whole family can make together? These Rudolph buns are a firm favourite with Mykidstime families — they’re simple to bake, easy to decorate, and irresistibly cute once they’re finished. Kids will love turning plain buns into a table full of reindeer faces, and there’s plenty of scope for them to get hands-on with the decorating step.
This recipe was shared with us by Mykidstime parent Finnuala W, and it remains one of our favourite Christmas baking ideas for kids of all ages.
Ingredients
For the buns
- 8 oz butter
- 8 oz sugar
- 4 eggs
- 12 oz flour
For decorating
- Chocolate icing (a ready-made tub, such as Betty Crocker, works well)
- White button sweets
- Black writing icing
- Glacé cherries
- Pretzels
Method
1. Mix the butter, sugar, eggs and flour together in a mixer until well combined, then divide the mixture into cake tins.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes at 180°C. Allow the buns to cool fully before decorating — this makes the decorating step much easier and less messy.
3. Once cool, cover each bun with a layer of chocolate icing.
4. Add two white button sweets for the eyes, with a small dot of black writing icing on each to make the pupils.
5. Cut a cherry into eighths and use one piece for the nose.
6. Break pretzels into small pieces and press them in gently for the antlers.
And that’s it — a batch of grinning Rudolph buns ready for the Christmas table, a school treat day, or just a fun rainy-afternoon bake with the kids.
Tips for baking with kids
- Little hands are great at the decorating stage — let them place the eyes, nose and antlers themselves.
- If you’re baking with younger children, let the buns cool completely before handing them over, as warm icing can be tricky to work with.
- Set up a small decorating station with all the toppings in separate bowls so kids can help themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the plain buns a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Decorate them closer to the time you plan to serve them, as the toppings are best added fresh.
Can I freeze Rudolph buns?
The undecorated buns freeze well. Freeze once fully cooled, then defrost and decorate on the day you want to serve them.
What can I use instead of cherries for the nose?
A small red sweet or a dab of red icing works just as well if you’d rather avoid cherries.
Are these buns suitable for a school Christmas party?
They travel well once decorated, making them a handy option for school parties or classroom treat days — just check your school’s guidance on food allergies before sending them in.
Related Articles
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll find plenty more festive baking inspiration in our roundup of 15 Easy Christmas Recipes, packed with simple ideas the whole family can make together.
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