Dipped Pretzels

If you’re looking for the ultimate chocolate dipped pretzels recipe, you’ve come to the right place! As a seasoned recipe creator who’s dipped more pretzels than I can count, I’ve perfected the art of getting that smooth, glossy chocolate coating every time—no clumps, no mess, and no “why is my chocolate turning white?!” moments. This recipe delivers foolproof results, and I’m sharing all my pro tips, topping ideas, and themed pretzel fun! 🥨

top view of chocolate dipped pretzels lined on parchment paper decorated with chocolate drizzle and sprinkles


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    In this post you’ll find everything you need to know about making Chocolate Dipped Pretzels!

    Whether you’re prepping for a party, holiday gifts, or just a sweet-and-salty snack attack, these chocolate- covered pretzels will outshine the rest. Trust me—once you try this recipe, you’ll never need another one!

    • Foolproof Method: Step-by-step tips for perfectly smooth, glossy chocolate every time—no clumps or streaks!
    • Quick & Easy: Simple instructions with minimal prep time for a stress-free treat.
    • Customizable: Includes ideas for toppings, flavors, and creative variations to suit any occasion.
    • Party-Perfect Results: These pretzels look stunning, taste amazing, and are guaranteed to impress.
    • Make-Ahead Friendly: Keeps fresh for days, so you can prep them in advance for gifting or snacking!
    chocolate pretzels lined up with different toppings
    ingredient icon

    What you’ll need:

    Chocolate Covered Pretzels are made with just a couple of ingredients! Let’s take a closer look at what you need (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

    • Coconut Oil or Vegetable Shortening: Please don’t skip! Adding one of these fats serves several purposes:
    • Helps thin the chocolate, making it smoother and easier to dip, preventing the coating from being too thick or clumpy
    • Creates a glossy finish for a polished, professional look
    • Ensures the chocolate hardens without becoming brittle
    • Corn Syrup: Adding a small amount acts as an emulsifier, helping to achieve a smooth glossy finish, preventing the chocolate from appearing grainy or dull. It also helps the coating set beautifully without cracking.
    • Toppings: Sprinkles are the most common topping, but I’ve outlined many ideas in the variations section later in the post.
    • Almond Bark Drizzle: Although the photo shows white chocolate, I strongly suggest vanilla almond bark for the white drizzle (optional). White chocolate is far less forgiving and can easily scorch when melting (as I can attest to). On the other hand, almond bark is a dream to work with because it’s made with vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter:
    • It melts smoothly
    • Doesn’t require tempering
    • Sets quickly
    • Creates a firm, glossy finish
    top view showing chocolate dipped pretzel ingredients:  pretzels, semi-sweet baking chocolate, sprinkles, vegetable shortening and almond bark

    How to make Chocolate Covered Pretzels

    Let’s take a closer look at how easy it is to make chocolate covered pretzels with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

    • Step 1: Prep Chocolate and Toppings. Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.  Chop your chocolate and prepare any toppings because you need to add them before the chocolate sets.
    showing how to make chocolate covered pretzels by chopping the semi-sweet chocolate into pieces
    • Step 2: Melt the Chocolate. Add the chocolate, oil/shortening, and corn syrup to a small microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave at 50% power for 60 seconds, stir, then continue to microwave in intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
    a collage showing how to make chocolate covered pretzels by melting chopped chocolate, vegetable oil and corn syrup in a bowl
    • Step 3: Dip the Pretzels. Transfer the chocolate to a glass for easy dipping.  Working quickly, dip the pretzel rod into the chocolate and swirl so the chocolate spreads on 2/3 of the rod.  Allow the excess to drip off and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
    showing how to make chocolate covered pretzels by dipping them in a glass with chocolate and swirling to coat
    • Step 4: Add Toppings. Immediately sprinkle the pretzel with the desired toppings, leaving some plain if you wish to drizzle them with white, and then add toppings. Repeat with the rest of the pretzel rods. 
    showing how to make chocolate covered pretzels by topping with sprinkles and letting them set on parchment paper
    • Step 5: Let Chocolate Set. Let the pretzels set before drizzling or serving, about 40 minutes at room temperature. 

    Chocolate Covered Pretzel variations

    These variations will make your chocolate dipped pretzels stand out at any event or as a delicious snack. Enjoy creating and sharing! ✨

    • 🎨 Creative Shapes: Use pretzel rods for easy dipping and decorating or try mini pretzels for bite-sized versions.

    Base Options

    • Semi-Sweet (rich and semi-sweet)
    • Dark Chocolate (rich and slightly bitter)
    • Milk Chocolate (classic and creamy)
    • Vanilla Almond Bark (sweet and smooth)
    • Colored Candy Melts (perfect for themed treats!)

    How tO Flavor The Dipping Chocolate

    • Flavoring Oils (Best Option!): Use oil-based flavorings or candy flavoring oils (like LorAnn Oils) because they won’t cause the chocolate to seize. Popular flavors include peppermint 🌿, orange 🍊, raspberry 🍓, coconut, 🥥almond 🌰
    • How to use: Add a few drops to the melted chocolate and stir well. Start small—you can always add more!
    • Spices and Powders: Add spices like cinnamon (for a churro vibe!), cayenne or chili powder 🌶️ (for a spicy kick), pumpkin spice 🎃 (perfect for fall)
    • How to use: Stir ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of your chosen spice directly into the melted chocolate.
    • Infused Cocoa Butter: Melt a bit of flavored cocoa butter (like citrus, berry, or nut-infused) and mix it into your chocolate for a smooth, subtle flavor.

    themes

    • S’more’s Style: Drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
    • PB & Chocolate 🥜🍫: Dip pretzels in chocolate and drizzle with peanut butter and top with crushed Butterfingers or crushed peanuts.
    • Tropical Treat 🥥🌴: Sprinkle with toasted coconut and a dash of sea salt. Try coating in chopped dried pineapple and drizzling with white chocolate.
    • Sweet and Salty: Dip in chocolate, coat in crushed potato chips and drizzle with dark chocolate.
    showing chocolate pretzels with various chocolates and sprinkle options on a platter

    Toppings for Chocolate Covered Pretzels

    Here’s a list of toppings to elevate your chocolate covered pretzels into irresistible treats:

    Toppings 🍬

    • Sprinkles: Any color, rainbow, confetti, holiday-themed, or chocolate
    • Mini Candy: M&Ms, Marshmallows, Pop Rocks, Nerds, Skittles, Heath Bits ‘O Brickle, Andes Mint Chips
    • Crushed Candy: Candy canes, Butterfingers, Whoppers, Snickers, Twix, Reese’s, etc.
    • Cookie crumbs: Oreos, chocolate chip, peanut butter, gingerbread, Samoa’s, etc.
    • Fruity Twist: Dried cranberries or cherries, freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries, coconut flakes, candied orange zest
    • Baking Chips: Mini Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, etc.
    • Glam: Gold or silver edible pearls, edible glitter
    • Salty: Sea salt flakes, crushed peanuts, almonds, pecans, or cashews, potato chip crumbs, popcorn, bacon

    Drizzles 🍫

    Holiday-Themed 🎄🎃

    • 🎅Christmas: Use vanilla almond bark with red and green sprinkles or top with crushed candy canes or Andes mints
    • 👀Halloween: Orange candy melts with candy eyes or spooky sprinkles, or coat in crushed Butterfingers
    • ❤️Valentine’s Day: Pink chocolate with heart-shaped candies or pink and red sprinkles
    • 🐣Easter: Pastel sprinkles
    • 🍀St. Patrick’s Day: Green sprinkles or green candy melts with white drizzle and green sprinkles
    up close of chocolate pretzels showing the smooth chocolate

    Tips for making Chocolate Pretzels

    • Use high-quality chocolate or candy melts for the best flavor and smooth finish.
    • Avoid overheating (common mistake): If chocolate gets too hot, it can thicken and seize. Melt the chocolate low and slow stirring frequently to distribute heat evenly.
    • Always add flavoring (like extracts) after melting the chocolate to avoid interference with the melting process. Taste as you go, a little flavoring goes a long way!
    • Avoid adding anything with water—water causes chocolate to seize and become clumpy. This includes extracts like vanilla and peppermint. Only use oil-based flavorings or candy flavoring oils.
    • Keep your hands clean and dry to avoid fingerprints on the chocolate.
    • If the chocolate starts to thicken, reheat it in short bursts at 50% power to keep it melty.
    • Decorate with toppings immediately while the chocolate is still wet so they stick.
    • Add white drizzle after the base chocolate has hardened.

    Ideas on Gifting Dipped Pretzels

    Perfect for gifting during holidays, birthdays, or just because! 🥨🍫🎁

    • 🏷️ Mason jars with a cute tag and personalized note.
    • Decorative tins lined with parchment paper for a polished look.
    • 📦 Mini gift boxes with colorful tissue paper inside.
    • Holiday mugs filled with dipped pretzels and hot cocoa mix.
    • 🧺 Small baskets wrapped in clear cellophane for a rustic vibe.
    • 🌿Reusable glass jars or food-safe containers with labels.
    • 🎉Favor boxes for parties or events, decorated with seasonal themes.

    What do you wrap chocolate covered pretzels in?

    • 🎀 Clear treat bags tied with festive ribbons or twine.
    • 🍬Cone-shaped cellophane bags for a unique, elegant presentation.
    • 🥨 Tied in a bundle with kraft paper and twine for a handmade touch.
    chocolate covered pretzels with white chocolate drizzle and sprinkles

    Dipped Pretzels FAQs

    top view of chocolate dipped pretzels on a plate showing how to serve

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    top view of chocolate dipped pretzels on a plate showing how to serve

    Chocolate Covered Pretzel Recipe

    If you’re looking for the ultimate chocolate dipped pretzels recipe, you’ve come to the right place! As a seasoned recipe creator who’s dipped more pretzels than I can count, I’ve perfected the art of getting that smooth, glossy chocolate coating every time—no clumps, no mess, and no “why is my chocolate turning white?!” moments. See the post for pro tips, topping ideas, and themed pretzel fun!
    Servings: pretzel rods
    Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
    Prep Time: 45 minutes
    Resting 40 minutes

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    Ingredients

    • 24 whole pretzel rods (1 10/12 oz. bag)
    • 12 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
    • 1 teaspoon corn syrup

    Toppings

    • 3 ounces vanilla/white almond bark for drizzling chopped (optional)
    • Pick Your Favs: Sprinkles, crushed candy canes, toffee bits, mini candies, chopped nuts, crushed Oreos/cookies, shredded coconut, etc.

    Instructions

    • Prep: Line a very large-rimmed baking sheet (or your counter) with parchment paper and set aside. Prepare any toppings if needed.
    • Melt Chocolate: Add the chocolate, oil/shortening, and corn syrup to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 60 seconds, stir, then continue to microwave at 50% power at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
    • Dip Pretzels: Transfer the chocolate to a glass for easy dipping. Working quickly, dip the pretzel rod into the chocolate and swirl so the chocolate spreads on 2/3 of the rod. Allow the excess to drip off and transfer to the parchment paper.
    • Toppings: Immediately sprinkle the pretzel with the desired toppings, skipping some if you wish to drizzle them with white. Repeat with the rest of the pretzel rods. If the chocolate becomes too cool and firm, reheat briefly in the microwave at 50% power and stir. I have to do this at least once during the process.
    • Set: Let the pretzels set before drizzling or serving, about 30-40 minutes at room temperature. I don’t suggest refrigerating to speed up the process because this causes more pooling and can create white streaks on the chocolate.
    • White Drizzle (Optional): Place the white almond bark and ¼ teaspoon coconut oil/shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue to microwave at 15-second increments, stirring in between, until just melted. If it becomes too thin, let it rest to thicken.
    • Decorate: Transfer the almond bark to a plastic bag and snip a very small hole in one corner. Drizzle the white chocolate over the desired pretzel rods, then immediately sprinkle with toppings.
    • Set: Let the pretzels set for about 30 minutes at room temperature or until the drizzle has hardened.

    Notes

    • Vanilla Almond Bark Drizzle: I strongly suggest vanilla almond bark for the white drizzle (optional). White chocolate is far less forgiving and can easily scorch when melting. On the other hand, almond bark is a dream to work with because it’s made with vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter so it melts smoothly, doesn’t require tempering, sets quickly, and creates a firm, glossy finish.  I get my mine at Walmart or Amazon
    • Flavorings: Avoid adding anything with water—water causes chocolate to seize and become clumpy. This includes extracts like vanilla and peppermint. Use oil-based flavorings or candy flavoring oils (like LorAnn Oils) because they won’t cause the chocolate to seize.
    • Variations: See post for lots of topping ideas and flavor variations!

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