Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you know there’s something irresistibly fun about the sweet-and-salty combo. That’s why this Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe quickly became a go-to treat in my kitchen. Whether you’re prepping for a party or craving an easy snack, these chocolate covered pretzels are as straightforward as they are delicious—plus, they’re customizable to suit any occasion. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail this recipe effortlessly!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples you’ll likely have on hand.
- Easy Prep: No fancy equipment needed, just a microwave and some basic tools.
- Customizable Touch: Change up the chocolate type or sprinkles to match any theme or taste.
- Perfect Texture Balance: Crunchy pretzels meet silky chocolate for that ultimate snack satisfaction.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When it comes to a classic chocolate covered pretzels recipe, the magic truly lies in the simple ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Here’s why these ingredients come together so well and some tips on picking the best options.

- Miniature Pretzel Twists or Pretzel Rods: Their salty crunch is the perfect foil for smooth, sweet chocolate; choose the shape based on how you want to dip and serve.
- Chocolate Chips or Candy Melts: Candy melts are great for easy melting and vibrant colors, but good-quality chocolate chips offer richer flavor.
- Shortening (optional): Helps smooth out melted chocolate chips for that perfect dip consistency, but skip it if you’re using candy melts.
- Sprinkles: Adds a festive touch and texture—mix and match colors for holidays, birthdays, or seasons.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with different chocolate types and sprinkle combos. It’s amazing how a quick swap can transform the vibe of the whole batch. You can easily adapt this to be white chocolate pretzels with pastel sprinkles for Easter or classic dark chocolate with gold accents for a grown-up treat.
- Variation: I once tried adding a hint of sea salt on top right after dipping—it took these from great to next-level addictive.
- Dietary Modification: Swap regular sprinkles for gluten-free or nut-free versions to suit dietary needs without losing fun.
- Seasonal Flair: Use red and green sprinkles to make them a holiday party hit or pastel colors for baby showers.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Melting the Chocolate to Silky Perfection
Begin by placing your chocolate chips or candy melts into a microwave-safe bowl. If you opt for chocolate chips, add a tablespoon of shortening—that little addition helps the chocolate melt smoothly and stay glossy, which definitely makes dipping easier and prettier. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until everything is melted and silky. Trust me, patience here is key. You want that velvety texture with no lumps.
Step 2: Dipping Pretzels Like a Pro
If you’re going the pretzel rod route, pour your melted chocolate into a tall glass—that’s the perfect size for dipping without too much mess. Dip each rod halfway, then gently tap it on the side of the glass to shake off extra chocolate. For the little pretzel twists, grab a fork to dunk and swirl them in the bowl, then tap the fork’s edge to lessen any drips before transferring the pretzel onto parchment paper with a toothpick. This little trick keeps things neat and saves you from handling messy hands.
Step 3: Adding Sprinkles and Letting Them Set
Now comes the fun part: decorating! Before the chocolate firms up, sprinkle your tops generously. Whether you go for classic rainbow sprinkles or thematic colors, this step lets you put a personal spin on each pretzel. Then, set them aside on parchment paper to dry and harden. I usually leave mine at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, but you can pop them in the fridge for quicker setting if you’re impatient like me.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Smooth Melting: Stir chocolate well between microwave bursts—this prevents scorching and keeps your chocolate glossy.
- Sprinkle Timing: Add sprinkles right away; once chocolate firms up, they won’t stick.
- Prevent Clumping: Tap off excess chocolate gently to avoid thick drips that can smudge your finished look.
- Storage Hack: Keep pretzels in a cool, dry place to stop chocolate from sweating or melting unexpectedly.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping my chocolate covered pretzels with bright, festive sprinkles for parties, but don’t forget you can also dust them lightly with finely crushed nuts, sea salt flakes, or even a drizzle of contrasting chocolate to amp up the flavor and look. These simple extras always impress guests (and sneak away quickly from my snack stash!).
Side Dishes
These pretzels are fantastic as a dessert snack on their own, but I love pairing them with a warm cup of coffee or a creamy hot chocolate—instant cozy vibes right there. For a party, consider setting out bowls of fresh fruit or a cheese platter to balance the sweet and salty notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or celebrations, I like bundling a handful of chocolate covered pretzels in clear treat bags tied with colorful ribbons. Another trick? Arrange them upright in mason jars or decorative containers for a charming snack display that invites everyone to grab a handful. It’s such a simple wow-factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chocolate covered pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool spot. They stay crisp and delicious for up to 2 weeks, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my home! Just make sure they’re not exposed to humidity to keep the chocolate from getting sticky.
Freezing
Freezing can be a bit tricky with chocolate-covered goodies, but I’ve had good success by layering pretzels between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. They might lose a little bit of their crispness but are still perfectly tasty if you want to prep ahead.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed fresh and cold, I don’t recommend reheating. But if the chocolate has softened too much, simply let them firm up again in the fridge for 10–15 minutes—it’s the easiest way to refresh that snap and crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use regular chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips or candy melts?
Absolutely! Just chop your chocolate bars into small, even pieces to help them melt evenly in the microwave or a double boiler. You might want to add a bit of shortening to smooth the texture if using regular chocolate.
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How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?
Make sure your chocolate and bowl are completely dry; even a small drop of water can cause chocolate to seize. Stir frequently and melt slowly in short intervals to avoid overheating.
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Can I store chocolate covered pretzels in the fridge?
You can, but be cautious—cold fridge moisture can cause the chocolate to sweat and lose its shiny appearance. If you do refrigerate, keep them in an airtight container and bring them to room temperature before serving.
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What’s the best chocolate for a shiny finish?
Candy melts are formulated for vibrant color and smooth finishes. For richer taste with a slight sheen, high-quality chocolate chips with a bit of added shortening work well too.
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Can I use flavored pretzels?
Definitely! Flavored pretzels like garlic or cheese varieties could create interesting combos, but I recommend sticking with classic salted pretzels for this sweet-savory balance unless you’re feeling adventurous.
Final Thoughts
This chocolate covered pretzels recipe has been my secret weapon for easy homemade gifts, last-minute snacks, and sweet celebrations. I love that it’s approachable for bakers of all levels and offers endless room for your creativity. Give it a try the next time you want something that’s quick, fun, and irresistibly tasty—you’ll thank me later, especially when you’re munching a batch with a cozy drink in hand!
Print
Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make chocolate covered pretzels combining salty and sweet flavors. Perfect for snacks, parties, or gifting, using miniature pretzel twists or pretzel rods coated in melted chocolate and decorated with colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
Pretzels
- 50 miniature pretzel twists or 24 pretzel rods
Chocolate Coating
- 12 ounces chocolate chips or candy melts (milk, white, dark, or any combination)
- 1 tablespoon shortening (only if using chocolate chips)
Decoration
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips or candy melts into a microwave-safe bowl. If using chocolate chips, add 1 tablespoon of shortening to help with melting and smoothness. If using candy melts, do not add shortening.
- Melting Chocolate: Microwave the mixture in 30 second increments, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Dip Pretzel Rods: Pour melted chocolate into a tall glass. Dip each pretzel rod halfway into the chocolate. Tap the rod on the side of the glass gently to remove excess chocolate. Immediately coat with sprinkles and place on parchment paper to dry.
- Dip Pretzel Twists: Using a fork, coat each pretzel twist thoroughly in the melted chocolate. Tap the fork against the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Use a toothpick to slide the pretzel off the fork onto parchment paper. Top with sprinkles.
- Drying: Let the chocolate-covered pretzels sit at room temperature until completely dry and set.
- Storage: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- You can use pretzel twists, pretzel rods, or a mixture of both depending on preference.
- Melt candy melts in a tall glass for easier dipping of pretzel rods.
- Use any type of sprinkles; choose seasonal colors for holidays to customize appearances.
- If chocolate hardens too fast, reheat gently in microwave in short bursts.
- Make sure pretzels are dry before dipping to ensure chocolate adheres well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg


