Valentine’s Day Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
Introduction
Chocolate covered pretzels are a delightful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day. Combining the salty crunch of pretzels with sweet, colorful candy coatings and festive sprinkles, they make an irresistible snack or gift. This easy recipe will guide you through creating beautiful and delicious chocolate pretzel rods.
Ingredients
- Light cocoa candy melts (milk chocolate morsels, or chocolate-flavored almond bark)
- White candy melts (white chocolate morsels, or vanilla almond bark)
- Pink candy melts
- Red candy melts
- Valentine’s Day sprinkle set
- Heart sprinkles
- Pretzel rods
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the candy coating following the package directions, taking care not to overheat. If the candy is too thick, add 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin it. Avoid adding any other liquids to prevent the candy from seizing.
- Step 2: Dip each pretzel rod into the melted candy, covering about two-thirds of the pretzel. Gently shake off the excess coating. If adding sprinkles, do so immediately, rotating the rod to coat all sides evenly. Place larger sprinkles individually for best results.
- Step 3: Place the coated pretzel rods on waxed paper or a cooling rack to set. Waxed paper helps with easy removal once dry.
- Step 4: Once the initial coating has fully set, use a spoon or fork to drizzle additional colored candy melts over the pretzels for decoration. Before the drizzle hardens, carefully move the pretzel rods to clean waxed paper.
- Step 5: Allow the pretzel rods to dry completely before packaging or serving to ensure the coating is firm and won’t smudge.
Tips & Variations
- Use vegetable shortening or coconut oil sparingly to thin candy melts when necessary, but avoid water or any other liquids to prevent the candy from seizing.
- Try customizing the sprinkles with different shapes and colors to suit other occasions or personal preferences.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality chocolate melts or even dip the pretzels in melted dark chocolate before adding colored drizzles.
Storage
Store chocolate covered pretzel rods in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause the candy coating to become sticky. If needed, gently reheat drizzles in candy melts before decorating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?
Regular chocolate can be used, but candy melts are preferred because they are formulated to melt smoothly and harden with a firm, glossy finish. If using regular chocolate, tempering may be needed for the best results.
What should I do if my candy melts seize?
If candy melts become grainy or clumpy, do not add water. Instead, gently reheat them in short bursts and stir, or add a small amount of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to restore smoothness.
PrintValentine’s Day Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these delightful Chocolate Covered Pretzels, featuring a variety of colorful candy melts and festive sprinkles. Perfect for gifting or sharing, these pretzel rods are coated in luscious chocolate layers and decorated with charming Valentine-themed sprinkles for a sweet and salty treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pretzel rods
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chocolate Coatings
- Light cocoa candy melts (milk chocolate morsels or chocolate-flavored almond bark) – 1 cup
- White candy melts (white chocolate morsels or vanilla almond bark) – 1 cup
- Pink candy melts – 1 cup
- Red candy melts – 1 cup
Other Ingredients
- Pretzel rods – 12
- Valentine’s Day Sprinkle Set (variety of small sprinkles) – 1/4 cup
- Heart sprinkles – 1/4 cup
- Vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, to thin chocolate if needed) – up to 2 teaspoons
Instructions
- Melt Candy Coatings: Melt each type of candy coating separately according to their package directions. Be careful not to overheat to avoid thickening; if needed, add up to 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin the melts. Avoid adding any liquid as the chocolate may seize.
- Dip Pretzel Rods: Pour a melted candy coating over about two-thirds of each pretzel rod. Gently shake the pretzel to remove any excess coating. While the coating is still wet, immediately add sprinkles by rotating the pretzel rods to coat all sides. For larger heart sprinkles, place them individually for best coverage.
- Set Pretzels: Place the dipped and sprinkled pretzel rods onto waxed paper or a cooling rack to set. Waxed paper is preferred for easy removal once dry.
- Drizzle Decoration: After the first layer of candy coating has completely set, use a spoon or fork to drizzle additional colored candy melts over the pretzels for decorative stripes. Before these drizzles set, transfer the pretzels gently to clean waxed paper.
- Dry Completely: Allow the pretzel rods to dry fully at room temperature before packaging or serving to ensure the coatings are firm and set.
Notes
- Do not overheat candy melts to prevent thickening and difficult dipping.
- If candy melts thicken, thin with vegetable shortening or coconut oil only—no water or other liquids.
- Use waxed paper for easy removal after drying.
- For best sprinkle application, add larger sprinkles individually.
- Allow candy coating to completely set before adding drizzle layers.
- Store in a cool, dry place to keep pretzels crisp.
Keywords: Valentine’s Day, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Candy Melts, Holiday Treat, Sweet and Salty Snack, Festive Dessert
