These crunchy pretzels are coated in melted semi-sweet or milk chocolate, then decorated with colorful pastel sprinkles. Quick to prepare, they combine salty crunch with smooth, sweet chocolate for a delightful snack or party treat. Simply dip pretzels in melted chocolate, sprinkle decorative toppings, and allow to set. Variations include using different chocolate types or gluten-free pretzels. Store airtight at room temperature up to a week. Perfect for gifting or snacking.
The rain was pattering against the kitchen window last Tuesday when my youngest burst through the back door, clutching a crumpled permission slip and announcing that tomorrow was the spring fair and we had signed up to bring treats. By some happy accident, I had picked up bags of pastel sprinkles on clearance, thinking I would use them for something.
We set up an assembly line at the kitchen island, my daughter carefully choosing which sprinkles went on each pretzel as if they were tiny edible works of art. The kitchen filled with that warm chocolate smell that makes everyone linger, and by the time we were done, the baking sheet looked like a garden of pastel flowers.
Ingredients
- Pretzels: Mini twists work beautifully because all those nooks and crannies catch the chocolate, but rods give you more surface area for sprinkles.
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate: I prefer semi-sweet because it cuts through the sweetness, but use whatever chocolate makes you happy.
- Coconut oil or vegetable shortening: This little trick makes the melted chocolate smooth and glossy, and helps it set up perfectly.
- Pastel-colored sprinkles: Spring-colored sprinkles make these feel special, but honestly any sprinkles you love will work.
Instructions
- Prep your workspace:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper before you start melting anything, because once that chocolate is ready, you will want to move fast.
- Melt the chocolate:
- Combine your chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in thirty-second intervals and stirring between each until you have something smooth and silky.
- Dip and drizzle:
- Use a fork or dipping tool to lower each pretzel into the chocolate, letting the excess drip off before placing it on your prepared sheet.
- Add the magic:
- Sprinkle those pastel jewels over the wet chocolate right away, working quickly before the chocolate starts to set.
- Let them rest:
- Set the pretzels at room temperature for about thirty minutes, or pop them in the fridge for ten to fifteen minutes if you are in a hurry.
When we brought those pretzels to the spring fair, they were gone before we even made it back to our volunteer station. Several parents asked for the recipe, and one mom confessed she had eaten three before lunch.
Make Them Your Own
White chocolate with dark chocolate drizzle is stunning and tastes like those fancy chocolate-covered strawberries. You can also use colored candy melts for holidays and special occasions. The possibilities are pretty endless once you start thinking about it.
The Gift Factor
I keep these in my back pocket for teacher gifts, neighbor surprises, and those moments when someone needs a little pick-me-up. Pack them in clear bags tied with ribbon, and suddenly something simple becomes something special.
Storage And Saving
These will keep at room temperature for up to a week, though in my house they rarely make it past day two. Layer them between wax paper in an airtight container so they do not stick together.
- Package them immediately if you are planning to gift them, otherwise you will end up eating them yourself.
- Set the baking sheet in the fridge for five minutes if the weather is warm and your chocolate is taking too long to set.
- Keep some sprinkles in your pantry at all times because you never know when you will need to make someone smile.
Sometimes the simplest treats are the ones people remember most, especially when they are made with someone you love.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chocolate works best for coating?
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Semi-sweet or milk chocolate melts smoothly and provides a rich flavor. Coconut oil can be added for a smoother coating.
- → How long does it take for the coating to set?
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Allow the chocolate-coated pretzels to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until firm.
- → Can I use gluten-free pretzels?
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Yes, substituting gluten-free pretzels works well for dietary preferences or restrictions.
- → How should coated pretzels be stored?
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Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are there decoration alternatives to pastel sprinkles?
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Yes, consider using white, dark chocolate drizzle or colored sprinkles for different visual effects and flavors.