Peppermint Pretzel Rods
These Peppermint Pretzel Rods combine salty pretzels, creamy white chocolate, and crushed candy canes for an easy holiday treat. They're sweet, crunchy, and full of peppermint flavor with just three ingredients.
No real baking or candy-making skill is required here. Dipping the pretzel rods in melted white chocolate melting wafers instead of chocolate chips gives a firmer set without any tempering, and crushed candy canes press right into the coating while it's still soft. That makes these sturdy enough to package in cellophane bags for teacher gifts, neighbor plates or a holiday dessert tray without worrying about the chocolate melting along the way.
For more festive treats to like this one, try our Peppermint Brownies and Peppermint Brownie Cookies.
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Ingredients
You only need three ingredients to make these easy pretzel rods.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Pretzel Rods: Thick, salty pretzel rods give you plenty of room for dipping and balance the sweetness of the chocolate.
- White Chocolate Melts: I like melting wafers for dipping because they melt smoothly and set nicely once cooled.
- Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: Crush them into small pieces for plenty of peppermint crunch in every bite.
To make this recipe, you'll need a sheet pan, parchment paper, and microwave-safe bowl.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate: Dip the pretzel rods in dark chocolate for a richer chocolate-peppermint combination.
- Milk Chocolate: Use milk chocolate if you prefer something a little sweeter.
- Boost the Peppermint: Mix a very small amount of peppermint extract into the melted chocolate for even more peppermint flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the white chocolate has set, drizzle the cookies with melted dark or milk chocolate.
- Make Them Extra Festive: Mix a few Christmas sprinkles with the crushed peppermint for extra color.
How to Make Peppermint Pretzel Rods
These take just a few minutes to dip and decorate before leaving the chocolate to set.
Place the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until completely melted and smooth.
Dip the pretzel rods into the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess chocolate. Lay them on a parchment lined baking sheet, then sprinkle as desired with peppermint candy pieces before it sets.
Allow them to set at room temperature for about an hour, and enjoy.
Hint: Stir well between each interval to help the chocolate melt evenly from the residual heat.
Recipe Tips
- Use a Tall Cup: A tall, narrow cup makes it much easier to coat the pretzel rods without needing a huge amount of chocolate.
- Don't Overheat the Chocolate: Once only a few small pieces remain, keep stirring and let the residual heat finish melting them.
- Let the Excess Drip Off: Gently shake off extra chocolate after dipping to prevent it from pooling around the pretzel.
- Work in Small Batches: Dip and decorate a few pretzel rods at a time so the coating doesn't set before you add the peppermint.
For another easy chocolate and peppermint treat, our Costco Peppermint Bark layers dark and white chocolate with plenty of crushed peppermint candy.
More Christmas Recipes
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: You can refrigerate them to set the chocolate more quickly, but I prefer room-temperature storage to help keep the pretzels crisp.
- Make Ahead: Make them several days before serving and keep them sealed in an airtight container.
- Gifting: Once completely set, package the pretzel rods in cellophane bags or a food-safe container for an easy edible holiday gift.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Dessert Tray: Easy Christmas Crack, Checkerboard Cookies, and Sugar Cookie Cups.
- Warm Christmas Drinks: Peppermint Mocha, Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate, and Crockpot Hot Chocolate.
Peppermint Pretzel Rod Recipe FAQs
Yes, although white chocolate chips tend to melt thicker and may not set as firmly. Candy melts or melting wafers are generally easier for dipping.
Place them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin. I like leaving a mix of fine crumbs and small pieces for texture.
Yes. Pretzel twists can be dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint using the same method.
Yes. They're a great make-ahead holiday treat and can be prepared several days before serving.
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Peppermint Pretzel Rods
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Microwave Safe Bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounces white chocolate melts
- 24 pretzel rods
- peppermint candies or candy canes crushed
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper so it is ready for when you dip your pretzel rods.
- Place the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until completely melted and smooth.
- Dip the pretzel rods into the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess chocolate. Lay them on a parchment lined baking sheet, then sprinkle as desired with peppermint candy pieces before it sets.
- Allow them to set at room temperature for about an hour, and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a Tall Cup: A tall, narrow cup makes it much easier to coat the pretzel rods without needing a huge amount of chocolate.
- Don't Overheat the Chocolate: Once only a few small pieces remain, keep stirring and let the residual heat finish melting them.
- Let the Excess Drip Off: Gently shake off extra chocolate after dipping to prevent it from pooling around the pretzel.
- Work in Small Batches: Dip and decorate a few pretzel rods at a time so the coating doesn't set before you add the peppermint.
- Stir Well: Between each interval to help the chocolate melt evenly from the residual heat.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: You can refrigerate them to set the chocolate more quickly, but I prefer room-temperature storage to help keep the pretzels crisp.
- Make Ahead: Make them several days before serving and keep them sealed in an airtight container.
- Gifting: Once completely set, package the pretzel rods in cellophane bags or a food-safe container for an easy edible holiday gift.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below, I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!
I am not a big white chocolate fan, but the mix of salty and sweet, with the peppermint crunch, makes these silently addicting! We just love making them together, they are so fun!