Who doesn’t love a sweet and salty homemade treat? Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods are undeniably delicious and easy to make!
This post is a step-by-step recipe about making Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods and how to decorate them for holidays and parties.
Crunchy, salty, and sweet are the perfect adjectives to describe this yummy treat. Not only can you decorate these pretzel rods with any theme, but they also make beautiful gifts or party favors.
Because they are consistently delicious and fast to make, they’ve become the more uncomplicated alternative dessert to cupcakes. And I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love a chocolate-covered pretzel. Have you?! (If so, answer below in the comments. I want to know!)
If you’ve ever bought chocolate-covered pretzel rods in a store, you may have been surprised at their price. A dozen of these babies can easily cost $20 and more, which is shocking considering how budget-friendly these sweet snacks are to make.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, or need some cute party favors (think Mermaid or Unicorn-themed pretzel rods), these treats will check every box! Below are some easy tips for making these chocolate-covered pretzel rods and many unique ways to decorate these gourmet candied snacks.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods
Ingredients & Tips:
Ingredient Tip #1: If you want a rich gourmet chocolate taste, the Ghirardelli brand is the way to go. Yes, it is a bit more expensive, but you can taste the difference! I recommend decorating with white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark for variety.
Ingredient Tip #2: If you want to up the ante and make these treats sinfully delicious, dip them in caramel before coating them in chocolate. It is an extra step, but you won’t regret it!
Ingredient Tip #3: While dipping these pretzel rods in chocolate is enough, you can level up these dessert treats by sprinkling them with chopped nuts, mini m&m’s, sprinkles (of course), and mini chocolate chips. Also, if you’re decorating them for a holiday gift, a birthday party, or a baby shower, colored candy melts will add a decorative WOW factor. All optional ingredients are listed below.
Main (3+) Ingredients Needed:
I say 3+ ingredients because you could use either dark or milk chocolate with the white chocolate if you prefer. Decorating with the white and chocolate wafers gives a classy white and black zebra effect, and the (two or three) chocolates combined add delicious contrast!
- Pretzel Rods – Typically, one bag of pretzel rods is 12 ounces, which is about 30 pretzel rods. Buy the amount you need.
- White Chocolate Wafers (Ghirardelli preferred) – White chocolate tastes good and adds decorative dimension.
- Milk Chocolate Wafers (Ghirardelli preferred)
- Dark Chocolate Wafers (Ghirardelli preferred)
Optional Topping Ingredients:
- Caramel – Dip the pretzel rod in caramel (about 2/3 of the way down) before dipping it in chocolate.
- Wilton Candy Melts – You can pretty much find any colored candy melt you could want on Amazon.
- Sprinkles – There are a ton of themed sprinkles on Amazon for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Halloween, a Mermaid party, a Unicorn party, baby showers, Easter pastels, Fourth of July, and it goes on and on.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (white and/or semi-sweet)
- Toffee (crushed)
- Oreo’s (crushed)
- Peppermint (crushed)
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats – Set the chocolate-covered pretzel rods on parchment paper or a silicone mat to dry.
OR
- Punch Holes In An Empty Cereal Box – If you don’t want the pretzel rod to have a flat side from drying on the parchment paper, you can make holes in an empty cereal box. Just stand the chocolate-covered pretzel rod into the hole (chocolate side up), so the chocolate can dry without getting a flat side.
- Tall Glasses or A Flatter Bowl – If you have a few tall and narrow glasses to melt the chocolate, it will make it easier to dip the rod into the warm chocolate. Or melt the chocolate in a flatter bowl and use a spoon to cover 2/3 of the pretzel rod with chocolate.
Optional Equipment:
- Wilton Candy Melting & Piping Bags – If you’re using Wilton melting candies for decoration, these bags will come in handy. You can melt the candies in these bags and then use the same bag to add colored piping to the pretzel rods. It’s so simple!
- Cellophane Bags For Pretzel Rods – If you’re giving away small gifts or party favors, these bags will come in handy. Tie each bag with a ribbon color of your choice.
- Culinary Drawing Decorative Spoon – If you’re not using a piping bag to add swirls, you could use this decorative drawing spoon as an alternative.
How To Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods, Step-By-Step Recipe
Step 1: Make sure to have all of your decorative sprinkles and melting chocolate materials within reach before you begin.
Step 2: Lay down parchment paper on a baking sheet or the counter. You can also use a silicone mat. If you’re using a cereal box, prepare the holes so it’s ready for drying.
Step 3: Divide up the bag of pretzel rods and decide how many you want to be dark chocolate, milk, or white chocolate. If you’re dipping them in caramel, decide if you want all of them dipped.
Step 4: Begin melting your caramel or chocolates by following the instructions from the brand you purchased. It’s best to melt one flavor at a time since the caramel and chocolate will thicken and harden after a while. Melt the chocolates for 30-second increments in the microwave to avoid OVERHEATING, especially with white chocolate. Be sure to stir after every 30 seconds.
Step 5: Whether you’re dipping the pretzel rod in caramel first or diving right into the chocolate, you should dip the pretzel 2/3 of the way down. You can tilt the tall glass to coat the chocolate onto the pretzel.
*If you’re dipping the pretzel rod in caramel first, allow it to set up before dipping the rod into the chocolate. Again, melt one flavor at a time. So, if you’re starting with caramel, then dip the pretzel rods first. While the caramel pretzel rod is setting, begin melting a chocolate flavor. Repeat the above steps for each chocolate flavor to avoid hard chocolate.
Step 6: Allow the caramel or chocolate to set/dry on parchment paper OR stand the rods up in an empty cereal box to avoid a flat side.
Step 7: If you’re decorating with sprinkles or crumbles, you should add those to the pretzel rod before the chocolate dries. If you’re going to add decorative piping with colored candy melts or dip part of the pretzel rod in a colored candy melt, allow the chocolate to dry just enough so the two flavors won’t mix. The exact instructions hold if you’re using a spoon to drizzle more chocolate or caramel over the covered pretzel rod.
Step 8: Ensure the chocolate-covered pretzel rods are completely dry before serving or storing them.
Variation Recipes & Decorating Ideas
How Do You Make White Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods?
Dip them in white chocolate (preferably the Ghirardelli brand). So easy!
Can I Make Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods For Halloween?
Yes! Cover them with white chocolate 2/3 of the way down and make a ghost face using black candy melts. Or decorate them with Halloween sprinkles.
How To Make Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods With Candy Melts?
You can melt the colored candies in a disposable bag and cut off a small corner of that same bag to add decoration to the pretzel rod.
Can I Make These Treats For A Baby Shower?
Yes! You can buy baby shower-themed sprinkles, or you could dip them in blue or pink candy melts for a pop of color.
Favorite Toppings For Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods?
On top of using chocolate flavors and candy melts, you can top pretzel rods with caramel, crushed candies, cookies, chopped nuts, and more. Refer to the optional ingredients section above.
Valentine’s Day Inspired Dipped Pretzel Rods
Sprinkle on these beauties for a tasty Valentine’s Day treat.
Christmas Deer Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods
Dip the rod in chocolate 2/3 of the way down. Use eyeballs, a red-candied nose, and regular pretzels to make deer antlers. Refer to the picture above.
Thanksgiving Turkey Dipped Pretzel Rods
Again, dip the pretzel rod in chocolate 2/3 of the way down. Use eyeball candies and candy corn to make the feathered head. Cut off a piece of candy corn for the turkey’s nose. Refer to this picture.
Unicorn-Themed Pretzel Rods
Cover the rods in white chocolate (2/3 of the way down) and decorate them with various pastel candy melt swirls and unicorn-themed sprinkles. Such a fun activity to do with kids!
Mermaid-Themed Pretzel Rods
These look impressive, and they’re super easy to make! Buy pretzel rods and first dip (2/3 of the rod) into blue candy melts and let them dry. Next, drizzle the pretzel rod with pink and purple candy melts. Add mermaid sprinkles on top and a mermaid fish fin towards the bottom. Refer to the picture below.
- Pretzel Rods
- Blue Candy Melts
- Purple and Pink Candy Melts
- Wilton Piping Bags
- Mermaid Sprinkles
- Make Mermaid Fondant Tails or Purchase Sparkly Plastic Tails
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Far In Advance Can I Make Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods?
You can make these about two weeks ahead of time if you store them in an airtight container. After a couple of weeks, the pretzels start to lose their freshness.
How Do You Store Dipped Pretzel Rods?
Please keep them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag to ensure freshness. You can put them in a nice glass or mug if you’re gifting them.
What Is The Price Of A Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rod?
A dozen of these Chocolate Pretzel Rods sell for around $30 at Williams Sonoma. So, if you make these from scratch, you are winning!
How Long Do Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods Last?
Again, as long as their appropriately stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag, they should be fresh for about two weeks.
Can You Freeze Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods?
Yes, as long as they are in an airtight container. They should keep fresh for about 12 months.
Where Can I Buy Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods Near Me?
You can buy them online at an Etsy store or the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Williams Sonoma, and most specialty candy stores nearby. But know they are pricey!
How Do You Make Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods Without A Flat Side?
Just poke holes in an empty cereal box and stand the rods up (chocolate side up) to dry.
Can I Make These Treats For A Fundraiser?
Yes! Everyone loves these treats, and people pay good money for them too.
How Do I Display Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods?
You can place them in candy bags, decorative boxes, or mason jars.
Can You Individually Wrap Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods?
Absolutely! You can purchase these candy bags that are sized right.
How Do You Dry Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods?
You can lay them on parchment paper to dry or poke holes in an empty cereal box and stand the rods up to dry to prevent a flat side.
How Many Calories Are In A Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rod?
Approximately 100 calories. Of course, this can vary depending on toppings.
Is This Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rod Recipe Easy?
Yes! This recipe is so simple and easy to follow.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods
Equipment
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats – Set the chocolate-covered pretzel rods on parchment paper or a silicone mat to dry.
- Punch Holes In An Empty Cereal Box – If you don’t want the pretzel rod to have a flat side from drying on parchment paper you can make holes in an empty cereal box. Just stand the chocolate-covered pretzel rod into the hole (chocolate side up) so the chocolate can dry without getting a flat side.
- (Optional) Cellophane Bags For Pretzel Rods – If you’re giving away small gifts or party favors these bags will come in handy. Tie each bag with a ribbon color of your choice.
- (Optional) Culinary Drawing Decorative Spoon – If you’re not using a piping bag to add swirls, you could use this decorative drawing spoon as an alternative.
Ingredients
Ingredients For Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods
- Pretzel Rods – Typically one bag of pretzel rods is 12 ounces, which is about 30 pretzel rods. Buy the amount you need.
- White Chocolate Wafers (Ghirardelli preferred) – White chocolate not only tastes good but adds decorative dimension.
- Milk Chocolate Wafers (Ghirardelli preferred)
- Dark Chocolate Wafers (Ghirardelli preferred)
Optional Topping Ingredients
- Caramel – Be sure to dip the pretzel rod in caramel (about 2/3 the way down) before dipping it in chocolate.
- Wilton Candy Melts – You can pretty much find any colored candy melt you could possibly want on Amazon.
- Mini M&M's
- Sprinkles
- Chopped Nuts
- Mini Chocolate Chips (white and/or semi-sweet)
- Toffee (crushed)
- Oreo's (crushed)
- Peppermint (crushed)
Instructions
How To Make Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods, Step-By-Step
- Make sure to have all of your decorative sprinkles and melting chocolate materials within reach before you begin.
- Lay down parchment paper on a baking sheet or the counter. You can also use a silicone mat. If you’re using a cereal box, prepare the holes so it’s ready for drying.
- Divide up the bag of pretzel rods and decide how many you want to be dark chocolate, milk, or white chocolate. If you’re dipping them in caramel, decide if you want all of them dipped. If you're making a themed pretzel like a mermaid or Halloween version, head to the variation recipes section in this post because the ingredients and instructions are slightly different.
- Begin melting your caramel or chocolates by following the instructions from the brand you purchased. It’s best to melt one flavor at a time since the caramel and chocolate will thicken and harden after a while. Melt the chocolates for 30-second increments in the microwave to avoid OVERHEATING, especially with white chocolate. Be sure to stir after every 30 seconds.
- Whether you’re dipping the pretzel rod in caramel first or diving right into the chocolate, you should dip the pretzel 2/3 of the way down. You can tilt the tall glass to coat the chocolate onto the pretzel.*If you’re dipping the pretzel rod in caramel first, allow it to set up before dipping the rod into the chocolate. Again, melt one flavor at a time. So, if you’re starting with caramel, then dip the pretzel rods first. While the caramel pretzel rod is setting, begin melting a chocolate flavor. Repeat the above steps for each chocolate flavor to avoid hard chocolate.
- Allow the caramel or chocolate to set/dry on parchment paper OR stand the rods up in an empty cereal box to avoid a flat side.
- If you’re decorating with sprinkles or crumbles, you should add those to the pretzel rod before the chocolate dries. If you’re going to add decorative piping with colored candy melts or dip part of the pretzel rod in a colored candy melt, allow the chocolate to dry just enough so the two flavors won’t mix. The exact instructions hold if you’re using a spoon to drizzle more chocolate or caramel over the covered pretzel rod.
- Ensure the chocolate-covered pretzel rods are completely dry before serving or storing them.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts On How To Make Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Rods
I hope you find this recipe simple and easy! There are many ways to decorate chocolate-covered pretzel rods, so be sure to have fun. Follow career girl meets… on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more home decor ideas, recipes, and gift guides.
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