Does it get any better than a sweet and salty treat? Mmm, I don’t think so! Here’s a tried and true treat that’s an all around winner – How to Make Dipped Pretzel Rods.
What I love about dipped pretzel rods is that it’s so easy to make, yet so beautiful at the same time. Depending on the colors of chocolate and sprinkles, these can be made for any occasion and holiday.
Since it’s the holiday season, I’m going to use dark chocolate, white chocolate, and mint chips to dip the pretzel rods into. Then, I’m going to decorate them with Christmas themed sprinkles.
If you’re making these for other occasions or holidays, just switch out the decorative sprinkles. Of course, you’re not just limited to sprinkles. You can use crushed cookies, cereals, nuts, mini candies, toffee bits and so much more. For a fancier pretzel rod, you can even add a layer of caramel. The possibilities are endless!
Festive Dipped Pretzel Rods
How to make festive dipped pretzel rods for any occasion or holiday. See video and tips at the bottom.
Ingredients
- Bag pretzel rods (more bags may be needed depending on how many rods you want to make)
- Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or mint chips (use all or just one of these flavors or different flavors)*
- 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil per bag of chocolate or mint chips
- Optional - festive sprinkles, crushed cookies/candy cane, toffee bits, nuts, edible glitter, etc...
Instructions
- Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure the baking sheet is small enough to fit into your freezer. Optional - Place the sheet into your freezer before starting and this can help the chocolate harden quicker.
In a microwave safe tall cup (coffee mugs work well), add candy chips and oil. Microwave for 30 seconds on high. Stir and microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for another 20 seconds. This helps make sure it's nicely melted and will heat up the cup to help keep the chocolate chips viscous. 
Take a pretzel rod and dip it into the melted candy, leaving about 2" to 3" of the pretzel rod uncovered (see video below). Let the excess drip off and twirl it around in a circle or back and worth in the cup. This helps remove some of the coating. Place on the prepared baking sheet. If you do not remove enough excess melted chocolate, you will get pooling around the pretzel rod. See the pretzel rod on the right in the next image.
If using sprinkles, I like to do the same type in small batches. Continue step 3 until you have about 5-6 pretzel rods. Add sprinkles over top of the pretzel rods before it starts to harden. Continue dipping and decorating pretzels until you have the desired amount of decorated pretzels. Place in the freezer for 2 - 3 minutes to harden. - If leaving plain, do step 3 until all the pretzels are dipped and place in the freezer for 2-3 minutes to harden.
When the candy dip is low, it will be difficult to continue to dip the pretzel rods. I suggest using a chopstick to drizzle the remaining dip over some pretzel rods or regular pretzels (old tyme pretzels shown).
Place pretzel rods in gift bags or a holiday container if giving as gifts. Or store in an airtight container in fridge for up to 3 weeks or the freezer for up to a year. Of course, they'll be gobbled up way before that.
Notes
- It's a good idea to buy more pretzels than needed as some rods may be broken in the bag.
- *3 bags of chocolate or mint chips is enough to make 2 bags of pretzel sticks and 1 bag of Old Tyme pretzel drizzles. About 1 bag of chocolate chips = 1 bag of pretzel sticks. I use Guittard dark chocolate, white chocolate and mint chips.
- Tip 1: Do not use milk or water to thin out chocolate chips or mint melts. This can cause the chocolate to seize up and become gritty. Water is not chocolate's friend. It's best to use oil (vegetable or canola) or Paramount crystals.
- Tip 2: Do not use food coloring to color candy melts as this can cause it to seize. Purchase food coloring made for candy melts.
Recommended Products
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Baking Sheet Cookie Sheet Set of 2, Stainless Steel Baking Pans Tray Professional 16 x 12 x 1 inch, Easy Clean & Dishwasher Safe -
Hiware 200-Piece Parchment Paper Baking Sheets 12 x 16 Inch, Precut Non-Stick Parchment Sheets for Baking - Unbleached, Fit for Half Sheet Pans -
Paramount Crystals 4 oz -
Americolor Candy Oil Food Color, 2-Ounce, Red. Good for coloring candy melts without seizing. -
Betty Crocker 6-Cell Sprinkles Christmas Mix 6 oz. -
125 Pack of 11" x 3" Clear Cellophane Treat Party Favor Bag - Complete with 125 Silver Twist Ties. Fits 3 dipped pretzel rods. -
100 Clear Self Sealing Cellophane Bags 2" x 10" Bags. Fits one pretzel rod. -
Hershey's Heath Bits 'O' Brickle Baking Pieces - 8 oz - 2 pk
Don’t leave just yet! I’ve joined a group of craft, home decor, and recipe bloggers to co-host a Christmas treats blog hop. Make sure to scroll down for more treat ideas!
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Love a chocolate pretzel. I’ve never tried the mint and I’m drooling.pinned
I love the mint. It’s a little different than with peppermint candy canes.
I love dipped pretzels, but have never actually made them. Thank you for the detailed instructions! Yours are beautiful! pinning for later -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
These look so fun and festive! you can never go wrong with chocolate covered pretzels. YUM! Pinned.
Totally agree. Something about a sweet and salty treat is so addictive.
I’ve been making dipped pretzels for quite sometime and I love how it can be made to fit any holiday, occasion, season or celebration! I love how you decorated these for Christmas! It’s such a versatile recipe!
Yes, love that these can be made to fit any holiday or occasion.
I love the salty and sweet combo. These look so festive!
I love sweet and salty treats and they are so cute too!