These Chocolate Dipped Pretzels are the easiest no-bake holiday treat you can make with just 4 ingredients! Crunchy, salty pretzel rods are dipped in smooth, rich chocolate, then finished with colorful holiday sprinkles. They look festive, taste delicious, and take just minutes to prepare.
Whether you’re putting together a Christmas dessert tray, making homemade holiday gifts, or looking for an easy treat to make with kids, these chocolate covered pretzel rods are always a hit. The combination of sweet chocolate and salty, crunchy pretzels makes them completely irresistible.
Best for: Christmas parties, holiday cookie trays, edible gifts, classroom treats, cookie exchanges, and easy homemade Christmas candy.
Similar to Peppermint Chocolate Bark, Peanut Butter Fudge with Condensed Milk, White Chocolate Fudge and 3-Ingredinet Peanut Clusters, I always make these delicious pretzels for Holiday Gifting.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
- Only 4 ingredients
- No baking required
- Ready in about 15 minutes, plus setting time
- Perfect for Christmas parties and holiday cookie trays
- Easy to customize with different chocolate and sprinkles
- Makes a fun homemade edible gift
- Great for making with kids
These festive pretzel rods are also incredibly versatile. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or different colors for birthdays and other celebrations. Similar chocolate-covered pretzel recipes are popular because they can be easily customized for different holidays and occasions.
Ingredients
Chocolate chips: Use milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or dark chocolate chips. You can also combine different chocolates for a fun layered or drizzled look.
Pretzel rods: Large pretzel rods work especially well because they are sturdy and easy to dip. Their salty crunch balances the sweetness of the chocolate.
Shortening or coconut oil: Just a small amount helps loosen the melted chocolate and creates a smoother consistency for dipping.
Holiday sprinkles: This is where you can get creative! Use Christmas sprinkles, red and green nonpareils, white sprinkles, or any festive combination you love.
How to Make Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Start by lining a baking sheet or large tray with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and prevents the chocolate-covered pretzels from sticking as they set.
Melt the chocolate chips with shortening or coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring well between each one, until the chocolate is completely smooth.
Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, coating about half to two-thirds of the rod. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
Immediately decorate the chocolate-covered portion with holiday sprinkles. Place the decorated pretzel on the parchment-lined tray.
Repeat with the remaining pretzel rods. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or place the tray in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the process.
That’s it! Your festive chocolate dipped pretzels are ready to enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods
Use a tall glass: Pour the melted chocolate into a tall, narrow glass or measuring cup. It makes dipping the pretzel rods easier and gives you a more even chocolate coating. This technique is also commonly recommended for chocolate-covered pretzel rods.
Don’t overheat the chocolate: Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently. Chocolate can burn quickly, so gentle heating gives you a smoother result.
Add sprinkles immediately: Sprinkle the decorations while the chocolate is still wet so they stick properly.
Let them set completely: Place the pretzels on parchment paper without touching each other until the chocolate is firm.
Easy Holiday Gift Idea
These Christmas chocolate dipped pretzels make an inexpensive homemade gift. Once the chocolate has completely set, place several pretzel rods into clear cellophane bags and tie them with festive ribbon.
They’re perfect for neighbors, teachers, coworkers, holiday party hosts, or a Christmas dessert gift basket. Chocolate-covered pretzel rods are frequently used as edible holiday gifts because they are easy to make in batches and can be packaged individually.
How to Store Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Store completely set chocolate dipped pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking them. They can be made ahead of time, making them especially convenient for holiday parties and gifting.
How to use Instant Pot to melt chocolate
If you plan on making a large batch, I highly recommend you use InstantPot or a crock pot for keeping the melted chocolate warm without overheating. Here's how I do it.
- Put the Instant Pot in SAUTE mode . In the main steel insert, put a trivet and pour 4 - 6 cups of water. Pour the chocolate chips into the mason jars with wide mouth. (I use recycled salsa bottles)
- Once water starts boiling, cancel SAUTE. Put the chocolate chip filled jars on the trivet. Using a wooden spatula, stir the mixture few times.
- Press KEEP WARM button so the water stays warm for extended period of time and chocolate stays melted without overheating or burning. If you feel chocolate is starting to harden, press SAUTE again for few minutes. Make sure the water doesn't get into the chocolate melt.
- Hold a pretzel rod by one end and dip it into the chocolate, leaving an inch or two uncovered. (You may have to tilt the mason jar if the length of the rods is bigger than mason jar)
- Lay it flat on prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space in between two. Lightly sprinkle each pretzel rod with sprinkles. Repeat with remaining chocolate and pretzels.
- Place the baking sheet with pretzels in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set the chocolate. Carefully remove the rods from the baking tray. Store in dry air tight container.
Edible Gifts made at home
Here are some of our popular Home made gift ideas to make for holiday as well as hostess gifts. Make a big batch and divide them in cute containers with a bow tied around them. Do try and let us know how you like them.
Serve these holiday pretzels along with Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread, Nutella Christmas Tree, holiday sugar cookies, almond milk hot chocolate, and date nut balls, for a beautiful holiday dessert spread.
★ If you make this Homemade Chocolate Pretzels Recipe, do let us know how you like it by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. We would love to hear your feedback.
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels - Instant Pot Chocolate Melting Option
Ingredients
- 3 (12oz) bags Chocolate Chips I used white, dark and butter scotch
- 32 big pretzel rods
- Holiday sprinkles
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil or shortening - for smooth chocolate melting, optional
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with waxed paper or parchment paper.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretezel Rods by meting chocolate in Instant Pot
- Put the InstantPot in SAUTE mode . In the main steel insert, put a trivet and pour 4 - 6 cups of water. Pour the chocolate chips into the mason jars with wide mouth. ( I use recycled salsa bottles)
- Once water starts boiling, cancel SAUTE. Put the chocolate chip filled jars on the trivet. Using a wooden spatula, stir the mixture few times.
- Press KEEP WARM button so the water stays warm for extended period of time and chocolate stays melted without overheating or burning. ** Make sure the water doesn't get into the chocolate melt.
- Hold a pretzel rod by one end and dip it into the chocolate, leaving an inch or two uncovered. Lay it flat on prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space in between two.
- Lightly sprinkle each pretzel rod with sprinkles. Arrange them on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chocolate and pretzels. Place the baking sheet with pretzels in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Carefully remove the rods from the baking tray. Store in dry air tight container.
To make the chocolate covered pretzels by melting chocolate in the microwave
- Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after every interval.
- Once you feel good spreadable melt, hold a pretzel rod by one end and dip it into the chocolate, leaving an inch or two uncovered. Lay it flat on prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space in between two.
- Sprinkle the toppings on when the chocolate is still wet. Also, don't dip the chocolate covered pretzel into the sprinkle instead sprinkle over flat layered pretzels. Repeat with remaining chocolate and pretzels.
- Place the pretzels in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set the chocolate. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels will keep well for up to several weeks in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on ProfusionCurry website on December7, 2019.
Can I make chocolate covered pretzels ahead of time?
Yes! Chocolate dipped pretzels are an excellent make-ahead holiday dessert. Once the chocolate has completely set, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until ready to serve or gift.
How do you keep chocolate from sliding off pretzel rods?
Allow excess melted chocolate to drip off the pretzel before placing it on parchment paper. Using chocolate that is melted but not overly thin also helps create a thicker coating that sets nicely around the pretzel.
Can I use coconut oil instead of shortening?
Yes. Coconut oil can be used in place of shortening to help create smooth, easy-to-dip melted chocolate. Use a small amount so the chocolate remains thick enough to coat the pretzel rods.
What kind of chocolate is best for chocolate covered pretzels?
Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and dark chocolate all work well. Milk chocolate gives you a sweeter, creamier flavor, while semi-sweet or dark chocolate provides more contrast with the salty pretzels.
How long do chocolate dipped pretzels last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, chocolate dipped pretzels can stay fresh for about 1–2 weeks. Keep them away from heat and moisture for the best texture.
Can I freeze chocolate covered pretzels?
Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw them at room temperature before serving and avoid condensation by keeping them covered while they come back to room temperature.
Angie Leoni
I use white chocolate bark, and milk chocolate bark and melt in microwave. I do not own a insta pot. But I'm sure it would be fabulous!!!