Desserts

Christmas Pretzel Rods

Name: Christmas Pretzel Rods
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 pretzel rods; 8 oz (about 225 g) white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts; 1/2 cup Christmas-themed sprinkles (red, green, white); 2 candy canes, crushed (about 1/4 cup); 2 oz dark chocolate (optional, for drizzle)

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These crunchy, festive Christmas pretzel rods are a simple treat that looks like a holiday showpiece. Crisp pretzel rods meet smooth white chocolate, bright red-and-green sprinkles, and a hint of crushed candy cane for a minty crunch. They taste sweet and salty, smell of sweet chocolate with a touch of peppermint, and feel crisp and satisfying with each bite. They come together fast and make a lovely gift or party snack.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (melting + brief chilling)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 pretzel rods
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving — one pretzel rod)

Calories per serving: 190 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 320 mg

Why Make This Christmas Pretzel Rods

These pretzel rods are quick, festive, and fun to make. They balance sweet white chocolate and crunchy salted pretzel for a classic sweet-salty bite. They look bright with Christmas sprinkles and crushed candy canes. You can make a big batch in a short time. They are great for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, teacher gifts, or a simple family treat.

How to Make Christmas Pretzel Rods

You will melt white chocolate or candy melts, dip the pretzel rods, add sprinkles or crushed candy cane, and let them set. Optionally drizzle dark chocolate for contrast. The steps are short and easy, and you can involve kids in sprinkling and decorating.

Ingredients:

12 pretzel rods
8 oz (about 225 g) white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts
1/2 cup Christmas-themed sprinkles (red, green, white)
2 candy canes, crushed (about 1/4 cup)
2 oz dark chocolate (optional, for drizzle)

(You can adjust quantities to make more or fewer rods.)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Crush candy canes by placing them in a zip-top bag and tapping with a rolling pin. Measure out sprinkles and set them in small bowls so you can work quickly while the chocolate is warm.

Step 2: Mixing

Place white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If needed, add 1 teaspoon of neutral oil (vegetable or coconut) to thin slightly for easier dipping.

Step 3: Cooking

Hold a pretzel rod by one end and dip the other end into the melted white chocolate. Turn to coat evenly to your desired height. Immediately sprinkle the coated area with Christmas sprinkles or press crushed candy cane onto the chocolate so it sticks. Place each finished rod on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Finishing

If you like, melt the dark chocolate in the same microwave in 20-second bursts and stir until smooth. Use a fork or a small spoon to drizzle dark chocolate over the set rods for contrast. Let the rods set at room temperature until firm, or chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to speed setting. Once hard, store as directed below.

How to Serve Christmas Pretzel Rods

Serve them on a holiday platter or tuck them into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifts. They pair well with hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of milk. For parties, stand them in a festive cup filled with tissue or decorative filler so guests can grab one easily.

How to Store Christmas Pretzel Rods

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 5–7 days. If your home is warm, keep them in the refrigerator in a single layer with parchment between layers for up to 2 weeks. Note: refrigeration can cause slight condensation when brought back to room temp, which may soften sprinkles; to avoid this, let chilled rods come slowly to room temperature before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Pretzel Rods

Use good-quality white chocolate or candy melts for a smooth coating. Candy melts are easier to work with but white chocolate often tastes richer.
Do not overheat chocolate — stop when mostly melted and stir until smooth. Overheating can make chocolate grainy.
Work over a bowl when sprinkling to catch extras and reuse them.
If the melted chocolate gets too thick, add 1 teaspoon of neutral oil at a time until it reaches a dip-able consistency.
Press crushed candy cane onto the chocolate gently, so it adheres without breaking the pretzel.
For neat drizzles, transfer melted dark chocolate to a small zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and squeeze to drizzle.
Make these ahead but avoid long fridge storage if you want the crunchiest texture.

Delicious Variations

Peppermint Double-Chocolate: Use dark chocolate to coat half the rod, then dip the other half in white chocolate. Top with crushed candy cane.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped roasted almonds or pistachios instead of candy cane.
Cookie Crumble: Press crushed gingerbread or shortbread cookies into the wet chocolate for a seasonal twist.
Chocolate-Dipped Drizzle: Use milk chocolate for coating and white chocolate drizzle for contrast.
Spiced Sugar: Mix a pinch of cinnamon into white chocolate before dipping for a warm spice note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use real white chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes. Real white chocolate gives a richer flavor. Melt it gently in short bursts and stir until smooth. If it thickens, add a small amount of neutral oil or shortening to thin.
How do I melt chocolate without a microwave?
Use a double boiler: set a heatproof bowl over simmering (not boiling) water and stir until melted. Keep the bowl off direct steam to avoid seizing.
Will the chocolate get sticky if I store these in the fridge?
Chilling can sometimes cause condensation when returned to room temp, which can make sprinkles slightly soft. To avoid this, keep an airtight container and allow rods to come to room temperature before serving.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes. Make them up to 1 week ahead and store in an airtight container at cool room temperature. If your house is warm, keep them chilled and allow time to come up to temperature before serving.
How do I keep the pretzels crunchy under the coating?
Keep coating thin and store in a cool, dry place. Very thick or wet coatings and humidity can soften pretzels over time.
Are there allergy-friendly swaps?
For dairy-free, use dairy-free candy melts or vegan white chocolate. For nut-free, avoid nut toppings and check sprinkles for shared-processing warnings.

Conclusion

These Christmas pretzel rods are easy, festive, and full of sweet-and-salty crunch. They make a cheerful homemade gift or a colorful addition to any holiday spread. If you want more ideas and a slightly different take on dipped pretzels, check this Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods – House of Nash Eats for inspiration. Enjoy making and sharing these treats — they brighten any table and are fun to decorate with family.