When I first shared this recipe for Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods, my kids were young, and kitchen messes were expected. Now that they're in high school, this treat has become one of our go‑to festive snacks. Even though my kids can now make it themselves, this remains one of my favorite kids recipes to make with little ones.
Whether you're getting ready for a holiday party, or just want a sweet‑salty treat the whole family will love, these pretzel rods deliver! These make great gift ideas, as do our Biscotti Bites and our Rolo Pretzel Turtles Recipe.
Try other toppings like crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or mini candies. These are super easy to customize and perfect for gifting!
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Why You'll Love These Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods
- Quick and easy - Just melt, dip, and sprinkle. Great for last-minute treats or simple holiday fun.
- Kid-approved - Whether you've got little ones or teens, these are always a hit (and older kids can make them on their own!).
- Perfect sweet-salty combo - The crunchy pretzel goes so well with the sweet chocolate and sprinkles.
- Great for gifting - Place them in a cellophane bag with a ribbon for an easy homemade gift.
- Totally customizable - Use whatever sprinkles or chocolate you have on hand.
- Make-ahead friendly - Since these store well, you can make them a day or two in advance.
Recipes With Pretzels
Pretzels are one of those ingredients that add the perfect amount of crunch and salty contrast to sweet recipes. They are great for balancing out rich flavors like chocolate or caramel, plus they add a fun texture that keeps things interesting. Here are some of our favorites:
- Rolo Pretzel Turtles Recipe
- White Chocolate Pretzel Bark Recipe
- Chocolate Christmas Tree Pretzels
- Hand Dipped Fall Pretzels
Ingredients for Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods Recipe
- Milk chocolate candy melts or chocolate chips - Adds a sweet flavor to the salty pretzels.
- Pretzel rods - The crunchy base of the snack. Their shape makes them easy to dip and decorate.
- Sprinkles - Adds color, crunch, and fun! Use seasonal sprinkles to change things up for any occasion.
Kitchen Tools for Chocolate-Coated Pretzels
Having the right tools makes this easy snack even easier. A microwave-safe mug is great for melting chocolate and dipping pretzel rods without needing a bowl. A cooling rack and wax paper will help things from getting too messy.
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How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
1. Melt the chocolate: Add your chocolate candy melts or chips to a tall mug. You can use the same mug for dipping, which means fewer dishes! Microwave at reduced power in short bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
2. Prepare dipping station: Line a tray with wax paper or use a drying rack. Pour your sprinkles into a shallow dish.
3. Dip the pretzels: Dunk each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate. You can use a spoon to help coat the sides if needed. Leave a section uncovered so there's a spot to hold the pretzel.
4. Shake off the excess chocolate: Gently tap the pretzel over the mug so any extra chocolate drips off. This keeps your sprinkles from getting too messy.
5. Decorate: While the chocolate is still soft, dip or roll the coated part in sprinkles. Press gently so they stick.
6. Let them set: Place the finished pretzels on a prepared tray or rack. Let them dry until the chocolate hardens and the sprinkles are set.
There are lots of variations you can try with these pretzels. You can use white chocolate with crushed candy canes for peppermint bark pretzels or roll in M and M's or chopped nuts. The options are endless. This is a fun snack for kids and a great gift for everyone on your list.
Tips for Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Tip 1: For a nutty version, after dipping in chocolate, roll the pretzel rod in finely chopped nuts instead of sprinkles (or half of each).
Tip 2: Once set, store in an airtight container at room temperature (no fridge needed) and enjoy within a week.
Tip 3: Leave about 1-2 inches of pretzel at the bottom bare so you have a handle for holding the pretzel.
FAQs For Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods
Melting wafers or chocolate chips work well. If using chocolate chips, adding a little coconut oil can help them melt more smoothly.
Yes! You can make them a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container once the chocolate is fully set.
Add toppings right after dipping, while the chocolate is still wet. Gently press them into the chocolate so they stick better.
Decorated pretzel rods are one of those treats that work for just about any occasion. All you need to do is switch up the toppings! Try these Thanksgiving Pretzel Rods with fall colors and festive sprinkles, or make these adorable Snowman Pretzel Rods for winter.
If you are looking for something sweet for someone you love, these Valentine's Day Pretzel Rods are always a hit. And if you've got Disney fans at home, don't miss these fun Mickey Mouse Pretzel Rods!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods
Video
Ingredients
- ⅓ bag milk chocolate candy melts or chocolate chips
- 5 pretzel rods
- ½ cup Sprinkles
Instructions
- Place candy melts in a tall mug. Microwave for 1 minute at 40% power, then stir.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
- Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to help coat.
- Shake off excess chocolate into the mug to avoid sprinkle overload.
- Dip or roll the coated pretzel in sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
- Set dipped pretzels on a drying rack or wax paper. Let chocolate harden completely.
- Enjoy once set, or package as gifts!
Notes
- Want a salty crunch? Roll the chocolate-dipped part in chopped nuts instead of sprinkles - or do a little of both.
- Let the pretzels set completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temp. They'll stay fresh for several days.
- Leave an inch or two of pretzel bare at the bottom so there's a clean spot to hold (no chocolate fingers!).
Mahy says
Ah, these are too cute. I mean, they are exactly what I need to make this weekend (spoiler alert: I am having a party)!