Looking for a quick and festive treat? These chocolate-covered pretzel rods are as easy to make as they are delicious! Perfect for parties, gifts, or just a sweet-and-salty snack.
Chocolate-covered pretzel rods are a simple, no-bake treat that everyone loves. They’re quick to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re adding them to a dessert platter or gifting them in cute packaging, they’re always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Recipe
- Easy to make. Just dip, decorate, and you’re done!
- Customizable. Use your favorite chocolates and toppings to match any theme or season.
- Crowd-pleaser. The perfect balance of sweet and salty makes them irresistible.
What You’ll Need
See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Pretzel rods – The sturdy base for these treats. Look for the large pretzel rods to achieve this look.
- Chocolate – I like using both dark and white chocolate for variety, but milk chocolate works, too.
- Toppings – Sprinkles, crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips—get creative! (See more suggestions below in the Decorating Ideas section.)
How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
- Prep your toppings and tools. Place your chosen toppings in shallow bowls for easy access. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate. Use the microwave or a double boiler to melt the chocolate until smooth. For a glossy finish, temper the chocolate. (See below).
- Dip the pretzels. Dip each pretzel rod about halfway into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
- Decorate. Sprinkle your toppings over the chocolate before it sets.
- Set. Place the decorated pretzel rods on the parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
How to Temper Chocolate
Tempering chocolate ensures a smooth, glossy finish and a crisp snap, giving your chocolate-covered pretzel rods a professional look. It also helps the chocolate set quickly at room temperature and prevents it from melting on your fingers. Here’s how to do it:
- Chop the chocolate into fine pieces.
- Heat two-thirds of the chopped chocolate in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently, until it reaches 120°F for dark chocolate or 105°F for milk or white chocolate.
- Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the remaining third. This cools the chocolate and seeds it with stable crystals.
- Stir until the chocolate cools to the ideal working temperature, which is 88-90°F for dark chocolate and 86-88°F for milk or white chocolate.
- Dip a small piece of parchment into the chocolate and let it set. If it hardens quickly with a shiny finish and no streaks, it’s tempered.
- Keep the chocolate at the tempering range by occasionally warming it gently. Avoid overheating, as it will break the temper.
Tips for Success
- Use quality chocolate. For the best flavor and texture, use good-quality chocolate or chocolate melts designed for dipping.
- Line your pan. Use parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Work quickly. Prep everything before starting so you can go quickly, as the chocolate sets fast.
- Protect from moisture. Ensure the pretzels and toppings are completely dry before dipping, as moisture can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Get a good coating. Hold the pretzel rod at an angle when dipping to coat evenly and avoid a clumpy appearance. Use a spoon or small spatula to help cover the pretzels. After dipping, gently tap the pretzel rod on the side of the bowl or lightly scrape the bottom on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate for a cleaner finish.
- Reheat if needed. If the chocolate thickens while dipping, gently reheat it to maintain a smooth consistency.
Decorating Ideas
- Holiday-themed. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, or pastel colors for Easter.
- Crushed candy. Crushed M&Ms, peppermint, toffee, or butterscotch pieces add flavor and texture.
- Nutty coating. Roll the chocolate-dipped pretzels in finely chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, or pecans.
- Dried fruit. Sprinkle finely chopped dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, for a sweet and chewy contrast.
- Edible glitter. Add a touch of sparkle for extra flair.
- Mini marshmallows. Press a few mini marshmallows onto the chocolate for a s’mores-inspired treat.
- Extra crunch. Crushed cereal (like Fruity Pebbles) or crushed cookies (like graham crackers or Oreos) add a colorful and fun element.
- Shredded coconut. Use toasted or plain coconut for a tropical twist.
- Drizzled design. Once the first layer of chocolate sets, drizzle with a contrasting color for a fancy touch. Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off to drizzle additional chocolate over the dipped pretzels.
- Double dipped. Dip in dark chocolate first, let it set, then dip in white chocolate for a layered look.
How to Store and Package
- Storage: Store the pretzel rods in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration to prevent the chocolate from sweating or developing a dull appearance.
- Packaging for gifting: These pretzels make fantastic gifts! Arrange them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons, or layer them in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers. You can also display them upright in a glass jar for a fun and festive presentation.
- A note about appearance. Over time, the chocolate may develop a whitish coating known as “bloom,” caused by sugar or fat rising to the surface. While this doesn’t affect the taste, storing the pretzels in a cool, dry place can help maintain their appearance.
More Quick & Easy No-Bake Treats
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
Chocolate-covered pretzel rods are a quick and easy treat that's perfect for parties, gifts, or satisfying your sweet-and-salty cravings. Customize them with your favorite chocolates and toppings for a fun, festive dessert!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340g) chocolate (dark, milk, white, or a combination)*
- 12 ounces (340g) pretzel rods (about 30 pretzels)
- sprinkles, candies, crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, or any other preferred toppings
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate, either in short bursts in the microwave or in a double boiler.**
- Dip the pretzels one at a time in the melted chocolate, using a spoon or small spatula to help coat thoroughly.
- Place the pretzels on the lined baking sheet, and add toppings.
- Allow to set at room temperature (1-2 hours) or in the refrigerator (about 30 minutes).
Notes
*Consider having a few extra ounces on hand if you want a thicker coating or are using large pretzels.
**For a glossy finish, you can temper the chocolate by melting two-thirds of it, then stirring in the remaining chocolate until it cools to a workable temperature. (More detailed directions are in the post above.)
For tips, step-by-step photos, and extra details, be sure to read the full post above before starting. It’s packed with helpful info to answer common questions!
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