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Chocolate covered pretzel rods are an easy, no-bake dessert that’s sweet-and-salty, crunchy, festive, and simple to make. Perfect for parties, holidays or adding to a dessert board, just like my chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate dipped spoons!
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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
After making chocolate covered pretzel rods for years, this is the method I always come back to this method because it’s dependable, easy to customize, and delivers consistent results. It’s my go-to when I need a dessert that looks festive, travels well, and works without fail.
Why This Recipe Works
- No baking required and ready fast
- Chocolate sets neatly at room temperature
- Easy to customize for any holiday or party
- Holds up well for gifting and transporting
Unlike methods that require tempering chocolate or chilling for hours, this approach sets beautifully at room temperature and stays crisp. It’s why I rely on it for holidays and party treats like my Halloween pretzel rods and Christmas desserts.
If you love chocolate-covered treats, try my Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Chocolate Dipped Spoons!
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Ingredients
Pretzel rods: Use long, salty pretzel rods. I use the same type when making my Halloween pretzel rods.
Chocolate chips or candy melts: Milk, dark, white, or candy melts all work. Candy melts are the easiest for bold color and smooth dipping.
Sprinkles and toppings: Seasonal sprinkles, crushed candy, or edible decorations instantly add charm. I love adding a unique topping to desserts, just like I do with my strawberry Rice Krispie treats using strawberry powder and 4th of July Rice Krispie treats using cornflowers!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
Prep the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I use this same setup for no-bake treats like my chocolate dipped spoons.
Melt the chocolate: Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth and glossy.
Dip the pretzels: Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. A rubber spatula helps with even coating.
Add toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with toppings—this is the same decorating window I use for my Halloween pretzel rods.
Set: Let the pretzels set at room temperature or chill briefly until 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. I love a chocolate drizzle over my chocolate covered strawberries too!
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.
Eden’s Recipe Tips
No refrigeration needed: These pretzels set perfectly at room temperature, just like my Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats!
Use candy melts for color: They’re the easiest option for themed treats and holidays like my Halloween pretzel rods.
Don’t overheat chocolate
Overheated chocolate won’t stick properly—this is also key when making my chocolate covered strawberries.
Use up extra chocolate
Drizzle leftovers over popcorn, nuts, or pretzels for an easy snack inspired by my easy party desserts
How to Melt Chocolate
You can use milk, dark, white, or semi-sweet chocolate. The key is melting it slowly so it stays smooth.
Double boiler: Gently melt over simmering water
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between each round (my go-to for chocolate covered strawberries)
Hot water bag: Place chocolate in a sealed bag and submerge in hot water
Crock pot: Melt on low, stirring occasionally
FAQs
They last up to 1-2 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. I often include them in gift boxes with treats from my easy party desserts.
The easiest way is to melt your chocolate in a tall glass or jar so you can dip the pretzel straight in and get an even coating. Tilt the glass if you need to cover more of the rod. Let the extra chocolate drip off, then place the pretzel on parchment paper to set.
These are best made up to 1 week in advance. Just store them properly — in an airtight container at room temperature, in a cool, dry place. Skip the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, crisp, and party-ready all week long.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
Breads
Easy Monkey Bread Recipe
Snacks & Appetizers
How to Make a Fruit Platter
Snacks & Appetizers
Dessert Charcuterie Board
Let me know if you make this easy chocolate pretzel rod recipe and leave a comment and review below!
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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
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.