Easy Dipped Pretzel Rods (with Video)
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Looking for an ultra-easy yet festive way to whip up some treats this Halloween? You’ve GOT to give these dipped pretzel rods a try! Not only are they incredibly easy to make (I’m talking like 5 minutes or less of hands-on time!), but they taste good and look awesome too!
With just a few simple ingredients and some outside-the-box thinking, you can create special holiday snacks for Halloween or any other occasion that are basically guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Plus, these are super fun to make. Kids absolutely love decorating their own treats with different colors or adding extra toppings like chocolate chips or sprinkles.
So let’s get in the seasonal spirit today by crafting these sweet (and salty) treats!
Here’s why you’ll love making these dipped pretzel rods
Watch the video
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to make these yummy chocolate pretzel rods, let me show you the visual proof of how easy these are to make—and how cute these Halloween dipped pretzel rods turned out!
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basic items on hand as you are making these dipped pretzel rods:
Ingredients
- Pretzel rods – I used Snider’s brand, which I found in the snack aisle of my local grocery store, but you can find them online, too!
- Candy melts – Because I wanted to make these in different colors, I used candy melts (which are basically just dyed white chocolate). However, you can also use melting chocolate (white, milk, or dark will work fine!). Don’t use regular chocolate, as it will not set properly—make sure you use something that is made for melting!
- Toppings of your choice (sprinkles, crushed candy, nuts, etc.) I’ve gathered up some ideas for you below!
Note: You will need either candy melts or melting chocolate for this recipe. Don’t use regular chocolate, as it will not set properly—make sure you use something that is made for melting!
Instructions
- Melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe glass measuring cup or using a double boiler. Choose a container that is tall enough that the melted chocolate can easily cover the pretzel rod when you dip it in. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for melting, or the chocolate will burn!
- Dip pretzel rods into the melted chocolate, making sure to cover about 1/3 – 2/3 of the rod.
- Hold the dipped rod over the bowl to let any extra chocolate drip off. Give it a gentle shake to remove any excess.
- Place on a lined baking sheet and decorate with your desired toppings while the chocolate is still wet.
- Let the chocolate harden at room temperature for about an hour or in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
- Enjoy your delicious and festive dipped pretzel rods!
Tips + Tricks
- Buy more pretzels than you think you’ll need! Inevitably, some will break, so have extras on hand.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations and toppings. You can even make themed pretzel rods for specific holidays or events.
- For a more professional look, use a spoon, a zipped baggie with the corner snipped off, or a piping bag to drizzle different types of melted chocolate over the dipped rods.
- Dipped pretzels will dry at room temperature within an hour or so, but if you stick them in the freezer, they should be ready in 10 minutes.
- These dipped pretzel rods can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. So feel free to make them ahead of time!
Decorating ideas for Halloween dipped pretzel rods
I made this batch specifically for Halloween! Here are a few spooky ideas to swipe for your own frightening festivities. 😉
- Frankenstein pretzel rods – Dip in green candy melts, add two edible eyes and some sprinkles for hair, and a scar with peel-apart Twizzlers or a food coloring marker.
- Monster pretzel rods – Dip the pretzel rods in white chocolate or white candy melts, then add eyes. You can do one large one, two smaller ones, or add as many eyeballs as you like!
- Magic wand – Who said Halloween stuff had to be spooky? These were probably my favorite to make—use pink and/or purple candy melts, then add star sprinkles.
- Witch fingers – Dip the pretzel rods in green candy melts and add an almond sliver for a fingernail. To up the creepy factor, I lined the almond sliver with a black food coloring marker.
- Mummies – Coat each pretzel rod in white chocolate or vanilla-flavored candy melts, let set, then use a toothpick dipped in melted chocolate to add the “wrapping” lines.
- Candy Corn – Dip the pretzel in yellow candy melts and let it dry. Then, come back and coat the top 2/3s of the yellow candy in orange. Allow that to dry, then come back and do the top in white chocolate to get that iconic candy corn look!
Other topping ideas
You can also go a more traditional route with decorating these. Here are just a few toppings that work really well with dipped pretzel rods!
- Caramel
- Crushed nuts (like peanuts)
- Chopped candy (M&Ms, Snickers or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are our favorites)
- Crushed graham crackers with mini marshmallows (this tastes like a s’more, you guys!)
- Sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes (perfect for Christmas!)
Psst..you know the perfect spot to display your dipped pretzel rods? On a candy charcuterie board like this one!
Storage
These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like your stove so they stay intact!
Dipped pretzel rods also freeze very well. Just make sure to layer them over parchment paper so they don’t stick together, then store them in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
What to do with leftover candy melts
There are so many fun and creative things you can make with leftover candy melts. Here are just a few ideas:
- Rice Krispie treats – Just follow my instructions in this blog post!
- Candy – Simply pour the melts into molds.
- Nutter butter ghosts – Dip nutter butter cookies into white candy melts, then add eyes. Cute and easy!
- Pretzel clusters – Mix the melted chocolate with any broken or leftover pretzels, along with other toppings like nuts.
The possibilities are endless. Have fun and get creative!
FAQs about dipped pretzels
Conclusion
There you have it: how to make a batch of dipped pretzel rods for any occasion! These are such a fun and easy treat to make for holidays. They are perfect for parties, as a sweet snack, as a thoughtful gift, or as an addition to your charcuterie board.
Happy making!
More Halloween Recipes
Want even more spooky treats to whip up? These recipes are super easy and super tasty too!
Equipment
- Microwave-safe glass measuring cup or bowl, or double boiler
Ingredients
- 6 pretzel rods
- 1 cup candy melts in your choice of color
- toppings of your choice candy eyes, sprinkles, crushed nuts, etc.
Instructions
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions to melt the candy melts. Be careful not to overheat or it will burn.
- Dip the pretzel rod into the melted candy melt, covering 1/2-2/3 of the pretzel rod. Give it a shake to remove any excess back into the bowl.
- Place the dipped pretzel rod on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. While it's still wet, decorate it with your desired toppings.
- Let the candy melts harden. This will take about an hour at room temperature or about 15 minutes in the freezer.
Notes
Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.
Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.
