Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels

Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels made with white or dark chocolate and peppermint candy canes are a sweet holiday treat that is oh, so easy to make. Peppermint bark pretzels are the perfect treat for gifting to friends, neighbors or anyone who deserves some appreciation during the Christmas season.

Christmas is not too far away so let the holiday treat making begin! Normally I don't make a lot of sweets during the year, but the holiday season is an exception. I love to make homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors and friends.  The treats do not have to be complicated, and these chocolate peppermint covered pretzel rods are loved by everyone.

Ingredients Needed For Peppermint Bark Pretzels

• Pretzel Rods - I like to use pretzel rods because they are sturdy and easy to dip. You can use regular pretzels if you prefer but that gets a little too messy for me.
• Chocolate – Use white or dark chocolate or a combination of both. Almond bark melts easily and is a great choice. I also like to use chocolate melts when making white chocolate peppermint pretzels. Microwaving white chocolate is my favorite method for melting it.
• Candy Canes – Use crushed candy canes or peppermint candies. You can also find precrushed peppermint in the baking aisle of the grocery store. It is usually located with the chocolate chips and baking candies. I like to use the softer pepeprmint candies because they are easier to crush and create a nice powder to coat the pretzels with.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Rods

These festive pretzels are so easy to make!

1. Melt the chocolate according to the package directions. (More chocolate melting tips below.)
2. Dip the pretzels in the chocolate.
3. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy. 
4. Allow to cool on waxed paper and then place some in clear plastic bags and tie them with a colorful ribbon if you would like to give them as gifts. 

How to Melt Chocolate

There are different types of chocolate to use for this chocolate covered pretzel recipe. You can use white, dark or milk chocolate chips, almond bark or chocolate melts.

I prefer to melt my chocolate in the microwave but if you prefer a double boiler, here are some best tips for doing it that way.

I place my chocolate in a mug and heat it in the microwave on low for about 45 seconds. I give it a good stir with a butter knife then continue to microwave it in 30 second increments until it is soft a spreadable.

For covering pretzel rods, I pour the chocolate on a microwavable plate (enough for several pretzels) then roll the pretzels in it. If the choclate starts to harden, the plate can go in the microwave for about 15 seconds on low or use your defrost mode. It's best tow ork as quickly as possible so the chocolate doesn't have to keep being reheated.

Tips for Making Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

For hassle-free treats, here are some tips when making the pretzel rods:

• Melt chocolate on a large flat plate so that there is plenty of "rolling room" to cover them with chocolate.
• Let the excess chocolate drip off the pretzels before adding the crushed candy canes.
• Make sure the candy canes are crushed very fine. You can crush candy canes by placing them in a resealable bag and pounding them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. You can also break them up and pulse them in the food processor.
• If you'd like a little more red color, add some colored red sugar to the mixture.
• Rest pretzels on wax paper and do not remove until totally cooled.
• If you do not care for peppermint, sprinkles, toffee bits, colored sugar or nuts can be substituted for the candy canes. Use your imagination and have some fun. These pretzels can be adapted for Valentine's Day, Easter or any other holiday.

More Holiday Treats

• Saltine Cracker Toffee 
• Festive Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Sandwiches
• Peppermint Brownies Stuffed with Oreos
• Christmas Reindeer Brownies via Swirls of Flavor

If you like these peppermint bark pretzels, please leave a 5-star rating below.

RECIPE

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