Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe

Here's the ultimate guide to making yummy Chocolate Covered Pretzels .. and they're super easy and fun to make too! 

These yummy chocolate covered pretzel rods are super easy to make and share with your loved ones for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. They also make beautiful and delicious treats for gifting, party favors, or snacking anytime!

If you've ever wanted to learn how to make chocolate covered pretzel rods with candy melts, you're going to love this easy, no-bake recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a sweet-and-salty treat that's perfect for any occasion.

When it comes to dipping pretzels, it can be super easy to do. But to make them more presentable, there are a few tips.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzels - Methods, Tips and Tricks

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

Here's what you'll need to make these festive dipped pretzels:

• Pretzel rods

• Candy melts (in various colors, like red, white, and pink)

• Sprinkles (Valentine-themed or any of your choice)

• Parchment or wax paper

• Microwave-safe bowls

• Spoon or fork for drizzling (optional)

For this chocolate covered pretzel rods recipe, I used the candy melts and the regular dark chocolate from Wilton.  I found them easy to find and work with.  For sprinkles, I love the various colorful Wilton sprinkles as well, especially the Wilton Micro Hearts Sprinkle Mix!

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pretzel Rods with Candy Melts

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect chocolate covered pretzel rods:

1. Prep your workstation: Lay out a sheet of parchment or wax paper on a large baking tray.

2. Melt the candy melts: In microwave-safe bowls, melt each color of candy melts according to the package instructions, stirring until smooth.

3. Dip the pretzel rods: Hold each pretzel rod and dip about ⅔ of the way into the melted candy. Gently tap to remove the excess.

4. Decorate: Immediately add sprinkles or drizzle with another color of melted candy using a fork or spoon.

5. Cool: Lay the pretzel rods on the parchment paper and let them cool at room temperature until the candy coating hardens completely.

Tips for Perfectly Dipped Pretzel Rods

To make your pretzel rods look (and taste!) their best:

• Work quickly when decorating, as candy melts can harden fast.

• Use tall cups or narrow containers to make dipping easier and more uniform.

• If the candy melts seem too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin them out.

Creative Decoration Ideas for Pretzel Rods

Want to take your treats to the next level? Try these fun ideas:

• Use contrasting colors for drizzle (e.g., pink drizzle on white-dipped rods).

• Try crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips for texture.

• Customize for holidays using themed sprinkles or colors.

Recommendations for Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Melting the Chocolate and Candy Melts

Be sure to melt your chocolate according to the package directions. Two things to remember: do not overcook the chocolate or add water to it.  Also, the key to coating the pretzel without the candy dripping everywhere is in the temperature of the candy: not too hot nor too cold. I usually cook mine for one minute in the microwave at 50% POWER, then stir.  I found that doing this about 3 times, I get the right consistency I need before I can dip my pretzels into it.

For this chocolate covered pretzels recipe,  you can use either one of these two methods to cover them with candy melts:

1. The Dip And Sprinkle Method

For this method, you only coat 4 to 5 pretzels at a time with the melted chocolate, then add sprinkles immediately.  The reasoning for this is that the candy melts don't stay warm for long and they won't stick to the pretzels evenly. To add sprinkles, I put my sprinkle container into a larger bowl and spoon the sprinkles over the pretzel while twisting it around. This will help cool off the candy and so that it doesn't drip so much into the sprinkles.  Some of the extra sprinkles will fall into the bowl, and you can use those sprinkles on the pretzels as well. Place the decorated pretzels on a wax or parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

2. The Drizzle Method

Place chocolate-covered pretzels on the wax paper lined cookie sheet and place in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes when the chocolate has already hardened.  Melt the candy melts the same as you did with for the coating.  Put melted candy into squeeze bottles or zip top bags with the tips cut off and drizzle the pretzels.

Choosing Your Chocolate

Using a baking chocolate for your chocolate covered pretzels can be beneficial because it tends to have the right amount of oil to sugar mixture to melt evenly. If you only have regular chocolate, it can work, but be sure to keep stirring and keep the chocolate warm enough so when you drizzle and turn, the chocolate stays evenly.

If you choose colored chocolate (and are not using food coloring in white chocolate), then ensure you keep the consistency by stirring and keeping the chocolate warm, as it tends to separate.

Choose your sprinkles, and while the chocolate is still hot you can sprinkle from the top down, rotate, and then go over again to get any missed spots. You can also put a plate of the finer sprinkles down and roll the pretzel in, but do so gently to keep the consistency even.

Pretzel sticks make a great gift or even a bake sale item if needed! Choose gluten free pretzels, or find some that are peanut free and you can match the chocolate to give to those with food allergies! You can definitely customize these chocolate dipped pretzels to be an "allergy friendly treat"! For packaging ideas or if you plan to give it as a gift, you can wrap the chocolate covered pretzel rods individually in clear cellophane bags like I did here, or put two or three pretzels in little baggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes! White chocolate works well, but you may need to temper it or add a bit of shortening for smooth dipping.

How long do chocolate covered pretzel rods last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they last up to 2 weeks.

What are the best toppings for pretzel rods?
Sprinkles, mini M&M's, crushed peppermint, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or edible glitter are all great options!

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make chocolate covered pretzel rods with candy melts, you can have fun making these festive treats year-round. They're simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're gifting them or serving at a party, these pretzel rods are sure to impress!

What do you think about these yummy chocolate covered pretzel rods?  

More yummy desserts to try!

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies 

Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries 

No Bake Mocha Icebox Cake  

Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza 

Easy Peppermint Brownie Bites

I hope you love this delicious chocolate covered pretzels recipe- be sure to give it a review below!

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Chocolate Covered Valentine Pretzels

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Ingredients

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• 1 (16 oz) bag large pretzel rods
• 1 (16 oz) package candy melts
• assorted sprinkles

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Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, melt candy or other chocolate coating according to package directions.
2. Line two baking sheets with wax or parchment paper.
3. Working one pretzel at a time, dip your pretzel into your melted candy or other candy coating.
4. Tap pretzel gently on the side of the mixing bowl to shake off excess candy coating.
5. Sprinkle with sprinkles of choice.
6. Place on wax paper to allow to dry, about 30 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining pretzels.
8. Store pretzels in a covered container.

This post originally published on Hip Mama's Place on February 2, 2017. Updated on January 09, 2023. 

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