Rudolph’s Red Nose Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies capture the magic of the holidays with just a few simple ingredients. They’re soft and fudgy on the inside, coated in coconut on the outside, and topped with a cheerful cherry that makes each one look like Rudolph himself. Plus, there’s no baking involved—just mix, roll, and chill. It’s a stress-free, crowd-pleasing recipe I can whip up anytime during the season.

Ingredients

(Here’s A Tip: Check Out The Full List Of Ingredients And Measurements In The Recipe Card Below.)

• Sweetened condensed milk

• Butter, melted and cooled

• Vanilla extract

• Cocoa powder

• Unsweetened shredded coconut

• Confectioner’s sugar

• Red candied cherries (whole)

Directions

1. Mix The Base
In a large bowl, I whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Once combined, I gently whisk in the cocoa powder until it’s fully blended but not frothy.

2. Add Coconut And Sugar
I stir in 5 cups of the shredded coconut and all of the confectioner’s sugar. I mix until the dough becomes thick and fully combined.

3. Chill The Dough
I pop the bowl into the refrigerator for 15 minutes to let the mixture firm up slightly. During this time, I set up my rolling station: a small bowl with the remaining ½ cup of coconut and a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Shape The Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, I scoop out heaping spoonfuls of the chilled mixture and roll them into balls. Then I roll each ball in the extra coconut to coat the outside.

5. Add Rudolph’s Nose
Once coated, I place each cookie on the prepared baking sheet. I gently press one red candied cherry into the center of each cookie, pushing it down halfway to create the signature “red nose.”

6. Chill Again
I place the tray of cookies in the fridge for about 30 minutes, letting them firm up completely. After that, they’re ready to transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until serving.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes 30 cookies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 15 minutes (before rolling) + 30 minutes (after assembly)

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Variations

• I add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a subtle holiday spice.

• For a nuttier flavor, I mix in a handful of finely chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts.

• I dip the bottoms of the finished cookies in melted dark chocolate before chilling for a more decadent finish.

• I sometimes use green candied cherries instead of red for a fun holiday mix.

• For a tropical twist, I add a few drops of coconut extract to the mixture.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in a food-safe container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Since they’re no-bake, I don’t reheat them. I simply take out the desired amount a few minutes before serving to let them soften slightly at room temperature.

They also freeze well—just place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. I let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Do I Have To Use Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Yes, the sweetened condensed milk is essential—it acts as both sweetener and binder in this no-bake recipe.

Can I Use Sweetened Coconut Instead?

I prefer unsweetened coconut since the condensed milk and sugar already add plenty of sweetness, but sweetened coconut works if that’s what I have on hand.

How Long Do These Cookies Last?

They last up to a week in the fridge or up to a month in the freezer when stored properly.

Are These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free—but I always double-check the labels, especially for the cocoa powder and condensed milk.

Can Kids Help Make These?

Absolutely! This is a great hands-on recipe for kids—no hot ovens, and they’ll love rolling the balls and adding the red cherry noses.

Conclusion

Rudolph’s Red Nose Cookies are the kind of holiday recipe that brings out the joy of the season in every bite. They’re rich, chewy, and fun to make, whether I’m preparing a cookie tray for a party or a treat box for friends. With their sweet cocoa-coconut flavor and bright cherry tops, they’re a festive favorite I’ll be making again and again during the holidays.

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