Description
Delight in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with this easy Chocolate Covered Pretzel Recipe. Crispy pretzel rods are dipped in smooth semisweet chocolate, then decorated with a variety of fun toppings and an optional white almond bark drizzle for an extra festive touch. Perfect for holiday treats, parties, or a sweet snack anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Coating
- 12 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup
Pretzels
- 24 whole pretzel rods (1 10/12 oz. bag)
Optional White Drizzle
- 3 ounces vanilla/white almond bark, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Toppings (Choose Your Favorites)
- Sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes
- Toffee bits
- Mini candies
- Chopped nuts
- Crushed Oreos or cookies
- Shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare Workstation: Line a large-rimmed baking sheet or your countertop with parchment paper to catch drips and make cleanup easier. Set aside your pretzels and any toppings you plan to use.
- Melt Chocolate: Combine the chopped semisweet chocolate, coconut oil (or vegetable shortening), and corn syrup in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 60 seconds, stir thoroughly, then continue microwaving at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Dip Pretzels: Transfer the melted chocolate to a glass for easy dipping. Quickly dip each pretzel rod into the chocolate, swirling to cover about two-thirds of the rod. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off and place the dipped pretzel onto the prepared parchment paper.
- Apply Toppings: Immediately sprinkle your desired toppings over the chocolate before it sets, reserving some areas if you plan to drizzle white almond bark over them later. Repeat the dipping and topping process for all pretzels. Reheat the chocolate in the microwave at 50% power if it begins to firm up during the process.
- Initial Setting: Let the pretzels rest at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes until the chocolate coating firms up. Avoid refrigerating as this can cause pooling and white streaks on the chocolate.
- Prepare White Drizzle (Optional): Place the chopped vanilla almond bark and ¼ teaspoon coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second increments, stirring between each interval, until just melted. Allow to thicken slightly if it becomes too thin.
- Decorate with Drizzle: Pour the melted white almond bark into a plastic bag and cut a very small hole in one corner. Drizzle over selected pretzel rods, then immediately sprinkle with additional toppings as desired.
- Final Setting: Allow the drizzled pretzels to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until the drizzle hardens completely before serving.
Notes
- Use vanilla almond bark for the white drizzle as it melts smoothly, sets quickly, and creates a glossy finish. White chocolate is less forgiving and can scorch easily during melting.
- Avoid adding water or water-based extracts to chocolate as this causes it to seize and become clumpy. Use oil-based flavorings or candy flavoring oils instead.
- Customize your pretzels with a variety of toppings like sprinkles, crushed candy canes, nuts, or shredded coconut to suit your taste or occasion.
- Do not refrigerate dipped pretzels to speed setting, as this can cause chocolate to pool and develop white streaks (bloom).
- If chocolate firms during dipping, reheat gently in the microwave at 50% power and stir to restore smooth consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel rod
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
