Making chocolate-covered pretzel rods is easier than you might think! These treats are perfect to serve year-round and can be customized to any holiday or party. They are the perfect sweet, salty treat and great for the whole family.
If you’re looking for an easy party dessert, you have to try these! Also, check out our festive Halloween pretzel rods!
When I was little, we used to make chocolate-covered pretzels as a treat. I would sit at the kitchen table, eagerly waiting to dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate. Even now, as an adult, I can’t resist chocolate-covered pretzels.
They take me back to a simpler time when the only thing we had to worry about was whether or not I’ll get our fill of sweets!
Chocolate-covered pretzels are also fun to eat because they’re such an unexpected combination of flavors. The sweet chocolate pairs perfectly with the salty pretzel, creating a flavor that is both nostalgic and delicious.
So next time you’re looking for a treat that will bring a smile to your face, reach for a chocolate-covered pretzel.
Why we love chocolate-covered pretzel rods:
- The perfect combination of sweet and salty.
- Easy to make and fun to do with kids.
- Can be made ahead of time and are great for parties or gatherings.
- A versatile treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Follow our simple tips, and you will be able to create delicious chocolate-covered pretzels that everyone will love!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
The full recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Here’s everything you will need to make this delicious treat:
Pretzels Rods – Long, round pretzels that are perfect for dipping in chocolate. They are often sold in packages of 12 or 24, and they are 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 kind of chocolate to make these. We prefer white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips.
Sprinkles and Toppings – Adding sprinkles and toppings are so much fun! They make this easy treat festive and delicious! See our topping recommendations below.
Wax paper or Parchment Paper – We use this to line the baking sheet so the chocolate doesn’t stick.
Sheet Pan – Once the rods are dipped in chocolate, we lay them to dry on a lined baking sheet,
Directions
Line a baking sheet with wax 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. You can also use a different method to melt chocolate. See all of our chocolate melting recommendations below.
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.
Types of Chocolate
Milk chocolate – Milk chocolate is a type of chocolate that contains milk solids and sugar. It is usually sweeter than dark chocolate and has a creamier texture. Milk chocolate is a popular choice for candy and desserts.
Dark chocolate – Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate that contains more cocoa solids than milk chocolate. It has a richer flavor and is less sweet than milk
White chocolate – is a type of chocolate that does not contain any cocoa solids. It is made from cocoa butter, milk solids, and sugar.
Semi-sweet chocolate – Semi-sweet chocolate is a type of chocolate that contains more cocoa solids than milk chocolate, but less than dark chocolate. It has a sweeter flavor than dark chocolate but is not as sweet as milk chocolate.
Tips for Making the Best Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods
- Use high-quality chocolate. This will make a big difference in the taste of your pretzels!
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is melted and smooth.
- Dip the pretzels into the chocolate using a rubber spatula to help coat them if necessary.
- Place the pretzels on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
How to Make a Fancy Drizzle
If you want to take your pretzels to the next level, try adding a drizzle. This is a simple way to make them look extra special.
Melt additional chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
Place the melted chocolate in a small piping bag or zip-top bag.
Cut off a small corner of the bag and use it to pipe the chocolate over the pretzels in a zigzag motion.
You can also drizzle it with homemade caramel sauce.
Favorite Toppings for Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Sprinkles – A classic topping for chocolate-covered pretzels. You can use different sprinkles that you like. We like using themed sprinkles to go with a party or holiday. Our favorite sprinkles are Fancy Sprinkles.
Nuts – Nuts such as almonds, peanuts, or pecans would be a delicious addition to these pretzels.
Dehydrated Dried fruit – Dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries would be a tasty topping for these pretzels. We also use dehydrated fruit as it makes colorful dust to sprinkle over the top.
Candy – Small pieces of candy such as M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces would make a great topping for these pretzels.
Dried Edible Flowers – Edible flowers such as lavender or rose petals would be a beautiful and unique topping for these pretzels.
Candy Canes – These are perfect for making your favorite Christmas treats!
Crushed Cookies – Oreos and graham cracker crumbs make great toppings.
Mini Marshmallows – If you love marshmallows, add this festive dessert as a topping.
Different Ways to Melt Chocolate
There are many different ways to make chocolate-covered pretzels. Choose the method that works best for you.
Microwave – In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate in the microwave at 15-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Double Boiler Method – Place a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Add chopped chocolate to the bowl and stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Hot Water – Place chocolate chips in a resealable bag. submerge the bag in a pot of hot water, massaging the bag until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Crock Pot – Add chocolate chips to the bowl of a crock pot. Set the crock pot to “low” and let the chocolate melt, stirring occasionally. Once the chocolate is melted, you can turn off the crock pot and dip your pretzels into the chocolate.
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Make Wonderful Gifts
Homemade dipped pretzel rods make a fun gift! They’re the perfect hostess gifts. If you’re looking for a creative way to gift these pretzels, try packaging them in a cellophane bag and tying it with a ribbon.
You could also place them in a sealed container like a mason jar or other type of decorative container.
We hope you enjoy these chocolate-covered pretzel rods! Let us know in the comments below what your favorite topping is.
Frequently Asked Questions
These pretzels can be made up to a week in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will be ready to enjoy whenever you want!
You can use any type of chocolate that you like for these pretzels. We prefer milk chocolate, but feel free to experiment with different kinds. Dark chocolate or white chocolate would be delicious as well!
If you want to make chocolate-covered pretzel rods without a flat side, omit the step of flattening the pretzels. Dip the pretzels into the chocolate as directed, then place them standing up in a tall glass jar to dry.
No, you can use any type of chocolate that you like. If you are using regular chocolate chips, they may need to be melted with a little bit of oil to make them smooth enough to dip the pretzels into.
How do you thin chocolate for dipping?
If your chocolate is too thick, you can add a little bit of oil to thin it out. This will make it easier to dip the pretzels into and help the chocolate to set up more smoothly.
What are candy melts?
Candy melts are a type of chocolate that is made specifically for melting and dipping. They are available in a variety of colors, and they melt quickly and evenly. Candy melts are a great choice for this recipe, but feel free to use any type of chocolate that you like.
How do you store chocolate covered pretzel rods?
These pretzels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
How much chocolate do you need?
For every 12 pretzel rods, you will need about ½ cup of chocolate.
For every 24 pretzel rods, you will need about ¾ cup of chocolate.
Every 36 pretzel rods, you will need about one cup of chocolate.
How long can they stay fresh?
Chocolate-covered pretzel rods can stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
How far in advance can you make chocolate covered pretzel rods?
You can make these pretzels up to a week in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will be ready to enjoy whenever you want!
How do you make candied pretzel rods?
Candied pretzel rods are made by dipping pretzel rods into a melted candy coating. The candy coating can be made from scratch, or you can use store-bought candy melts.
Once the pretzels are dipped in the colored candy melts, they can be rolled in sprinkles or other toppings of your choice. Candied pretzel rods can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
When to Serve Pretzel Rods
These pretzels are perfect any time of the year and great for the whole family! Serve them at a party, as an after-school snack. They make wonderful holiday treats and are a great addition to any holiday celebration! They are perfect for Halloween, Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other holiday.
Here are some occasions when you can serve to make and serve homemade chocolate-dipped pretzel rods:
Bridal Showers and Baby Showers
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We hope you enjoy these chocolate-covered pretzel rods! Let us know in the comments below what your favorite topping is.
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Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
Ingredients
- 10 ounces chocolate chips, any type of chocolate works
- 24 pretzel rods
- 1/4 cup sprinkles, or another 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 exess 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.
Nutrition
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.