Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
Introduction
Chocolate covered pretzels are a delightful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for celebrations or everyday snacks, these colorful treats are easy to make and fun to decorate.
Ingredients
- Light Cocoa candy melts (milk chocolate morsels or chocolate-flavored almond bark)
- White candy melts (white chocolate morsels or vanilla almond bark)
- Pink candy melts
- Red candy melts
- Valentine’s Day Sprinkle Set
- Heart sprinkles
- Pretzel rods
- Vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, up to 2 teaspoons)
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the candy coating according to the package directions, taking care not to overheat. If the candy becomes too thick, stir in up to 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin it. Avoid adding any other liquid as it will cause the candy to seize.
- Step 2: Dip each pretzel rod into the melted candy, covering about two-thirds of its length. Gently shake off any excess coating. If using sprinkles, immediately decorate by rolling or sprinkling them onto the wet candy, turning the pretzel to cover all sides evenly.
- Step 3: Place the coated pretzels on waxed paper or a cooling rack to set. Waxed paper helps the pretzels release easily once dry.
- Step 4: For an extra decorative touch, wait until the initial candy coating is fully set, then drizzle with additional melted candy melts of different colors using a spoon or fork. Before the drizzle sets, transfer the pretzels to clean waxed paper.
- Step 5: Allow the pretzel rods to dry completely before packaging or serving to ensure the coating is firm and the decorations stay intact.
Tips & Variations
- Use vegetable shortening or coconut oil sparingly to thin candy melts without affecting flavor or texture.
- Try different colored candy melts to match the occasion or season.
- Place larger sprinkles individually for a more polished look.
- Store pretzels in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Storage
Store chocolate covered pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid humid environments to prevent the candy coating from becoming sticky. If the coating softens, let the pretzels sit in a cool, dry place before serving. Do not refrigerate as this can cause condensation.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?
Regular chocolate can be used, but it requires careful melting to avoid burning or seizing. Candy melts are formulated to melt smoothly and set quickly, making them easier for coating pretzels.
How do I prevent the candy coating from cracking?
Ensure the candy melts are not overheated and cool the coated pretzels at room temperature rather than in the fridge. Rapid temperature changes can cause the coating to crack.
PrintChocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
Delightfully sweet and crunchy Chocolate Covered Pretzels perfect for Valentine’s Day or any festive occasion, featuring a variety of colorful candy melts and decorative sprinkles for a fun and elegant treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 pretzel rods
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chocolate Coatings
- Light Cocoa candy melts (milk chocolate morsels or chocolate-flavored almond bark) – 8 ounces
- White candy melts (white chocolate morsels or vanilla almond bark) – 8 ounces
- Pink candy melts – 8 ounces
- Red candy melts – 8 ounces
Decoration
- Valentine’s Day Sprinkle Set – 1/2 cup
- Heart Sprinkles – 1/4 cup
- Vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, to thin candy melts) – up to 2 teaspoons
- Pretzel rods – 20 rods
Instructions
- Melt the candy coating: Melt your candy melts according to the package directions, taking care not to overheat to avoid the chocolate becoming too thick. If needed, add up to 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin the candy melts. Avoid adding any other liquids as this will cause the candy to seize and harden.
- Dip the pretzel rods: Pour or dip the candy coating over two-thirds of each pretzel rod. Gently shake the rod to remove any excess chocolate coating. If you are using sprinkles, apply them immediately while the candy coating is still wet by rotating the pretzel rods to coat all sides evenly. For larger sprinkles, place them individually for best results.
- Place pretzels to set: Lay the coated pretzel rods on waxed paper or a cooling rack. Waxed paper is recommended for easier release once dried.
- Drizzle additional colors (optional): Once the initial candy coating has fully set, you can drizzle additional colored candy melts using a spoon or fork over the pretzels for a decorative effect. Before the drizzle sets, gently lift the pretzels and transfer them to fresh wax paper to avoid sticking.
- Allow to dry completely: Let all the pretzel rods dry thoroughly before packaging or serving to ensure the coatings are firm and won’t smudge.
Notes
- Use waxed paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- If your candy melts are too thick, thinning with vegetable shortening or coconut oil works best to achieve a smooth coating.
- Do not add water or other liquids to melted candy melts as it will cause them to seize and harden.
- Applying sprinkles immediately while the candy is wet ensures good adhesion.
- For a cleaner drizzle effect, allow the base coating to harden fully before drizzling additional colors.
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Candy Coated Pretzels, Valentine Treats, Holiday Snacks, Sweet and Salty Snacks
