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Learn how to make chocolate covered pretzel rods—a sweet-and-salty favorite that’s crunchy, festive, and so easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, wrapping homemade holiday gifts, or making a fun dessert with the kids, this no-bake recipe is quick, customizable, and always a hit.
If you love chocolate-covered treats, try my Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Chocolate Dipped Spoons for coffee or my Halloween chocolate covered pretzel rods!
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“These are a go-to for just about any occasion for me. They are super simple, super delicious, and always a hit!”
— Wilhelmina
Table of Contents
- Easy Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
- Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Ingredients
- 5 Steps to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
- Delicious Pretzel Toppings
- Tips for the Best Dipped Pretzels
- Best Chocolate to Use (and How to Melt It)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Dessert Recipes
- Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Recipe
Easy Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Sweet, Salty, and Totally Addictive: The crunchy pretzel + creamy chocolate combo is pure magic. I’ve loved making (and eating!) chocolate pretzels since I was a kid – and honestly, nothing’s changed!
Endless Ways to Customize: Whether it’s for a Halloween party, Christmas gift, Valentine’s Day, or a baby shower, you can decorate these with any sprinkles, crushed candy, or colored chocolate to match the season!
No Baking, All Fun: No oven needed – just melt, dip, and decorate! This was one of the first treats I made as a kid and it’s still the easiest, most satisfying recipe.
Perfect for Gifting: Package them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon or pop them into mason jars for a sweet, homemade gift everyone will love.
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Ingredients
Pretzels rods: Long, round pretzels that are perfect for dipping in chocolate. They are sold in packages of 12 or 24, a popular snack for parties and holidays. When making this treat, use salty pretzel rods for more flavor.
Chocolate Chips or Candy Melts: You can use any chocolate to make these. We prefer white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips.
Sprinkles and Toppings: Adding sprinkles and toppings is so much fun! They make this easy treat festive and delicious! See our topping recommendations below.
Wax or Parchment Paper: We use this to line the baking sheet so the chocolate doesn’t stick.
Sheet Pan – After the pretzel rods are dipped in chocolate, lay them to dry on a lined baking sheet.
5 Steps to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
Prep Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Melt the Chocolate: Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Dip the Pretzels: Use a rubber spatula to help coat each pretzel rod in the melted chocolate and remove any excess chocolate.
Add Toppings (Optional): Place dipped pretzels on the baking sheet and sprinkle with decorations while the chocolate is still wet.
Chill: Refrigerate the pretzels for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
Delicious Pretzel Toppings
Sprinkles: Classic and easy – use themed colors to match any holiday or party.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a second type of chocolate and drizzle over the first layer for double chocolate goodness.
Caramel: Drizzle with homemade caramel for a gooey, rich twist (best if eating right away!).
Nuts and Candy: Crushed almonds, peanuts, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, or even candy canes for holiday flair.
Fun Extras: Crushed cookies, mini marshmallows, dried fruit like cranberries, or edible flowers for a beautiful, unique touch.
Tips for the Best Dipped Pretzels
Set at Room Temp: No need to refrigerate – pretzels harden perfectly on their own.
Choose Your Chocolate: Chocolate bars set harder than chips, but both work great!
Add Festive Color: Use colored candy melts to match holidays or parties.
Use Up Extras: Drizzle leftover chocolate over nuts, popcorn, or pretzels for a bonus treat.
Serve Creatively: Add them to dessert boards, party platters, or kid-friendly snack tables!
Best Chocolate to Use (and How to Melt It)
You can use any chocolate you love—just melt and dip! Here’s what works best and how to melt it:
- Milk Chocolate: Sweet, creamy, and a classic go-to.
- Dark Chocolate: Bold and rich with less sweetness.
- White Chocolate: Smooth, buttery, and melts beautifully.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: The perfect middle ground for crowd-pleasing flavor.
Easy Ways to Melt Chocolate:
Crock Pot: Melt chips on low, stirring occasionally until silky.
Microwave: Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Double Boiler: Place a heatproof bowl over simmering water and stir until melted.
Hot Water Bag: Put chips in a sealed bag and submerge in hot water, massaging until smooth.
How to Store and Gift Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
- Avoid heat or moisture to keep them crisp.
- For gifting: wrap in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or place in mason jars or holiday tins with tissue paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
They last up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
No, they don’t! They can set at room temp and stay crisp longer when kept cool and dry.
Milk, dark, white, or candy melts all work. Candy melts are easiest for color and melting.
Make sure pretzels are dry and that chocolate isn’t overheated or too thick.
Use cellophane bags tied with ribbon, mason jars, or holiday tins for a charming homemade gift.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
Breads
Easy Monkey Bread Recipe
Snacks & Appetizers
How to Make a Fruit Platter
Recipes
Dessert Charcuterie Board
My new Entertaining book is here! Order Now!
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces chocolate chips, any type of chocolate works
- 24 pretzel rods
- 1/4 cup sprinkles, or other toppings
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave at 15-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, using a rubber spatula to help coat and remove excess chocolate.
- Place the pretzel rods on the prepared baking sheet.
- If you are using sprinkles, add them while the chocolate is still wet.
- Place the pretzels in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
Video
Notes
Storage
Let the Chocolate Set: Make sure the chocolate is fully hardened before storing. Use an Airtight Container: Place the pretzel rods in a single layer in an airtight container. To prevent them from sticking, separate layers with parchment or wax paper. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid storing in the refrigerator unless absolutely necessary, as moisture can cause the chocolate to bloom (develop a white coating). Shelf Life: Properly stored chocolate-covered pretzel rods can last for up to 2 weeks.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
To drizzle another color over the dipped rods, do we wait until coating has dried and hardened or drizzle before coating sets?
I would wait until the chocolate has hardened a bit.
Easy and addicting!! Yum!
Thank you for the comment!!
I followed this recipe. Packaged my pretty rods for sale, but a few days after the chocolate looked bad, whiteish. What do you think?
It is called chocolate bloom, either temperature fluctuations or the way it was stored.
So fun and easy to make. I love how customizable these are!
These are a go-to for just about any occasion for me. They are super simple, super delicious, and always a hit!
The best!! The combination of sweet & salty is so good! These are so pretty & also make great gifts!
These really are perfect for any occasion- so easily customizable! I love that with the pretzel rods you can have help from kiddos, regular pretzel twists would just be too small and messy.