My kids love to help me with the sprinkles; it’s amazing to watch their faces light up as they get creative layering different colors and textures on the pretzels. I mean, who doesn’t love a little festive flair? Plus, these treats are quick to whip up. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch ready to share with family, friends, or even neighbors. It’s a wonderful way to spread some holiday cheer! And what I love most is how we can tailor them each year – sometimes we add crushed peppermint for that subtle minty twist, and other times, a variety of fun sprinkles. You can easily customize these to suit your family’s tastes.
Not only are these Christmas Pretzel Rods a delightful snack, but they also make perfect gifts! You can package them in decorative bags or boxes, and they’re sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Honestly, I’m a firm believer that food tastes better when it’s made with love and shared with others. So, if you’re looking for a fun, easy, and festive activity to do with your family this holiday season, look no further! Grab some pretzel sticks and those vibrant candy melts, and let’s get started on these adorable, chocolatey treats together. They truly embody the spirit of Christmas!
How to Make Christmas Pretzel Rods
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Ingredients
- Pretzel sticks
- Brown candy melts (you can also use milk chocolate chips or chocolate almond bark)
- White candy melts (or opt for white chocolate chips or vanilla almond bark)
- Green candy melts
- Red candy melts
- A variety of sprinkles:
- Confetti Holly Mix
- Wilton Holiday Nonpareils
- Wilton Christmas Snowflake Sprinkles
- Crushed peppermint
Directions
To start, melt the brown candy melts as per the package directions. Make sure you keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overheat! If it does thicken up a bit, just stir in about two teaspoons of vegetable shortening. And remember, no water!
Next, take each pretzel stick and dip about two-thirds into the melted chocolate. Let any excess chocolate drip off gently. If you want to add sprinkles, do it right away while the chocolate is still wet. You can easily rotate the pretzel to ensure even coverage.
Once you’ve got that done, place the pretzel coated side up on a piece of wax paper or a cooling rack. Using wax paper is great because it allows for easy peeling later on. If you’re feeling creative, wait for the first layer to set before drizzling different colored melts over the top with a spoon or fork.
Before that drizzle sets, transfer your pretzel onto a fresh piece of wax paper. It’s important to let them dry completely to ensure they hold their shape when you serve them or pack them up later.
Storing Suggestion
Once you’ve finished making your pretzel rods, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them out of the fridge is essential, as that can make the coating soft. They can last for about a week—but good luck keeping them around that long!
Cooking Tips
Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can switch up the colors of the candy melts based on what you have on hand or the season. If you don’t have candy melts, regular chocolate chips will do, just adjust your melting technique as they might require different handling. Also, if you want a consistent thickness in your coating, use a tall glass to dip the pretzels for an even layer.
Serving Suggestions
These pretzel rods can be served as a delightful snack at your holiday gatherings. You might consider setting them out in a festive jar for guests to grab or pairing them with hot cocoa for a cozy treat. Adding some fun tags to each pretzel with messages like “Sweet Treats” can really jazz them up for your holiday party!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking to make substitutions, there are plenty of options! Instead of pretzel sticks, you can use pretzel twists or even cookie sticks. For the candy melts, if you prefer a healthier option, you could use dark chocolate as an alternative. Just make sure to keep an eye on the melting instructions so they don’t burn!
Seasonal Variations
Feel free to adjust the flavors based on the seasons! In the fall, you could switch the colors to orange and brown candy melts with festive pumpkin-themed sprinkles. In the spring, pastel colors like yellow, pink, and blue can brighten up your snack table!
Allergen Information
Be mindful if anyone has allergies! The standard pretzel sticks contain wheat, and some candy melts may include dairy or nuts. Always check the labels to ensure they are allergy-safe. You can look for gluten-free pretzels and allergen-friendly chocolate options to accommodate everyone.
FAQ
Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips to make these pretzel rods. Just remember to temper the chocolate or add a bit of shortening to it while melting so it can coat the pretzels smoothly. This will help prevent the chocolate from seizing up or becoming too thick.
How long do the completed pretzel rods last?
Once you’ve made and decorated your pretzel rods, they can last for about a week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as that can make them lose their crunch and become soft.
What if my candy melts are too thick?
If your melted candy is too thick, don’t worry! You can simply add about one to two teaspoons of vegetable shortening and stir until it reaches a smoother, easier-to-dip consistency. This is a common issue that can be easily fixed; just avoid adding water, as that can make things worse!
Can I change the color of the candy melts?
Absolutely! You can choose any color of candy melts you want to match the theme of your event or holiday. Don’t hesitate to mix and match colors to create different designs, or even to represent your favorite sports teams!
Are there vegan options for candy melts?
Yes, there are vegan-friendly candy melts available on the market. Look for brands that specifically label their melts as dairy-free or vegan. This way, you can ensure that everyone can enjoy these festive treats, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Can I store these pretzel rods in the fridge?
It’s not recommended to store pretzel rods in the fridge as the cooler temperature can make them soft. Instead, keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place to maintain their crunchy texture. An airtight container works best for preserving freshness!
Christmas Pretzel Rods
Ingredients
- Pretzel sticks
- Brown candy melts or milk chocolate chips or chocolate almond bark
- White candy melts or white chocolate chips or vanilla almond bark
- Green candy melts
- Red candy melts
- Variety of sprinkles such as confetti holly mix, Wilton holiday nonpareils, Wilton Christmas snowflake sprinkles, or crushed peppermint
- 2 teaspoons Vegetable shortening optional, to thin melted candy
Instructions
- Melt the brown candy melts following the package instructions, taking care not to overheat. Add 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening if the candy is too thick. Avoid adding water.
- Dip about two-thirds of each pretzel stick into the melted candy and gently shake off the excess coating. Add sprinkles immediately, rotating the pretzel to cover all sides.
- Place the coated pretzel on wax paper or a cooling rack. Allow the coating to set completely if adding additional drizzle colors.
- Use a spoon or fork to drizzle other melted candy colors over the pretzels. Before the drizzle sets, move the pretzels to fresh wax paper.
- Allow the pretzel rods to dry completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, avoiding refrigeration.
