If there’s one thing I adore during the holiday rush, it’s a treat that looks stunning without requiring me to turn into a full-time chocolatier. That’s exactly why this Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe has become a yearly must-make at my house. It’s quick, it’s adorable, and it scratches that festive itch without leaving you elbow-deep in dirty dishes.
And if you’re anything like me—juggling kids’ activities, gift wrapping, office holiday chaos, and maybe a dog who insists on eating the ornaments—then you’ll love this too. These sweet-and-salty goodies come together in minutes and feel like a crafty little break from the madness.
So grab those pretzel rods and your favorite candy coatings. Let’s turn the simplest ingredients into the cutest Christmas magic!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe
Let me tell you—these pretzel rods are holiday heroes. They’re bright, crunchy, chocolatey, and the perfect edible gift for neighbors, teachers, coworkers, or that cousin who always “forgets” to bring something to the potluck.
Plus, your house will smell like pure Christmas cheer… which honestly is its own kind of therapy.
Here’s why this recipe works:
- Zero baking required (yes, we love an appliance-free win)
- Kid-friendly and kid-proof—let them sprinkle to their hearts’ content
- Great for party platters, cookie exchanges, and stocking stuffers
- Easy to customize with colors, sprinkles, and flavors
- Quick enough to make—even when December feels like one giant to-do list
As someone who lives for simple, joyful recipes that fit into busy lives, these pretzel rods check all my boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to make these festive treats shine. Mix and match colors and toppings to suit your style—or your craving!
- Pretzel rods
- Brown candy coating (milk chocolate chips or chocolate almond bark)
- White candy coating (white chocolate morsels or vanilla almond bark)
- Green candy coating
- Red candy coating
Toppings:
- Confetti Holly Mix
- Wilton Holiday Nonpareils
- Wilton Christmas Snowflake Sprinkles
- Crushed peppermint
How to Make This Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe
This recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, which is my favorite kind of holiday miracle.
1. Melt Your Chocolate
Warm the candy coating according to package instructions. This is the moment to be gentle—overheating makes it thick and stubborn.
If things go south (hey, it happens), stir in 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening. It smooths out chocolate like magic. Just don’t add water or other liquids—they’ll make the chocolate seize faster than you can say “hot cocoa.”
2. Dip the Pretzel Rods
Hold the pretzel and pour chocolate over the top two-thirds. Give it a little shake so excess chocolate drips off.
If you’re adding sprinkles—and why wouldn’t you?—do that right away. Rotate the pretzel to cover every angle. Big sprinkles stick best if you place them one by one.
3. Let Them Rest
Place coated rods on waxed paper or a cooling rack. Waxed paper is your best friend here; it releases like a dream.
4. Add Decorative Drizzles
If you want to get fancy, let the first layer set completely. Then take a fork or spoon and drizzle red, green, or white coating over the top. Before it dries, move each pretzel to clean waxed paper so the drizzle looks neat.
5. Dry & Store
Let the pretzel rods dry fully. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge—the pretzels soften and lose that perfect crunch.
Chef Mounia’s Holiday Tips
- Use almond bark for smooth dipping. It melts beautifully and doesn’t get moody like some chocolates.
- Decorating station = instant family activity. My kids love adding sprinkles like they’re decorating their own mini Christmas trees.
- Crushed peppermint? Yes, please. It adds a refreshing pop and looks snowy and magical.
- If the chocolate thickens mid-dip, reheat gently in short bursts. Overheating is rarely the answer—kind of like arguing with a toddler.
A few years ago, I made these pretzel rods right before hosting a last-minute holiday get-together. I didn’t have time for cookies, but these cheerful little treats brought so many smiles. That’s when I realized: holiday food doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to feel warm, fun, and made with love.
FAQs About This Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe
Can I use different candy melts?
Absolutely! Any brand works. Just stick to candy melts or almond bark so the chocolate stays smooth and easy to work with.
How long do these pretzel rods stay fresh?
About 1–2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re great for make-ahead treat bags.
Can I use gluten-free pretzel rods?
Yes! Many stores carry gluten-free options, and they work perfectly with the candy coating.
Can I add flavors to the candy coating?
Avoid liquid extracts (they make the chocolate seize). Oil-based flavorings, like peppermint oil, are perfect.
More Festive Treats You’ll Love
If you’re already in the holiday spirit after making these Christmas Pretzel Rods, here are a few more merry favorites your family and friends will adore. Each one pairs perfectly with a cozy night in, a cookie exchange, or a festive dessert table:
- For another no-bake goodie that flies off the plate, try these cheerful Christmas Oreos.
- If you love gifting homemade sweets, this creamy and colorful Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge is always a hit.
- When you want a simple treat that feels like pure holiday magic, whip up a batch of Christmas Crock Pot Candy.
- And for that iconic sweet-and-salty crunch everyone raves about, don’t miss this classic Christmas Crack.
- If you’re craving even more delicious dipping ideas, you’ll love these gorgeous Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods for extra holiday inspiration.
These recipes add even more sparkle to your holiday baking lineup—and they’re just as fun and easy as your pretzel rods!
A Festive Finish
As you wrap up your holiday prep—or try to stay afloat in it—this Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe brings a little sparkle back into the kitchen. It’s simple, it’s joyful, and it gives you a moment to slow down and savor the season, even if life feels like a snow globe someone won’t stop shaking.
Here’s to cozy kitchens, sweet treats, and a holiday filled with delicious memories. Enjoy every dipped, drizzled, and sprinkled bite!
Print
Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe: Festive, Fun & Completely Irresistible
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: ~20 pretzel rods
Description
These festive sweet-and-salty treats are dipped in colorful melted chocolate and topped with sprinkles, peppermint, and more. This Christmas Pretzel Rods Recipe is quick, fun, and perfect for gifting, parties, and holiday dessert platters.
Ingredients
Pretzel rods
Brown candy coating (milk chocolate morsels or chocolate almond bark)
White candy coating (white chocolate morsels or vanilla almond bark)
Green candy coating
Red candy coating
Sprinkles of choice:
Confetti Holly Mix
Wilton Holiday Nonpareils
Wilton Christmas Snowflake Sprinkles
Crushed peppermint
Instructions
Melt each candy coating according to package directions. Avoid overheating to prevent thickening. If needed, stir in 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening to thin.
Pour melted coating over two-thirds of each pretzel rod. Gently shake to remove excess.
Add sprinkles immediately, rotating the pretzel to cover all sides. Larger decorations are best placed individually.
Lay dipped pretzels on waxed paper or a cooling rack to set.
For colored drizzle, allow the first layer to harden completely, then use a spoon or fork to drizzle additional candy coating. Transfer to clean wax paper before drying.
Let pretzel rods dry fully before serving or packaging.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, which softens the pretzels.
Notes
Almond bark melts smoother and is easier for beginners.
Add oil-based flavorings (like peppermint oil) if you want flavored chocolate. Avoid liquid extracts.
These make great edible gifts and stay fresh up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 decorated pretzel rod
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg