How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

Use pretzel rods to make gourmet treats.

Make your own delicious gourmet-style chocolate covered pretzel rods to give at holiday parties, house warmings and even as classroom rewards. You can also make these as a fundraiser for your favorite school club, sports team or Scout troop. Before you start, choose a type of chocolate. Different types of chocolates have different colors, flavors and effects when used to dip, so try a few to see how you like them.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Several varieties of chocolate and candy coatings
• Different types of chocolate
• Pretzel rods
• Chopped nuts
• Sprinkles, also known as nonpareils or "jimmies"
• Crushed peppermint candies
• Shredded coconut
• Waxed paper
• Non-stick cookie sheets
• Double boiler
• Chocolate dipped pretzel rods
• Clear plastic candy bags
• Curling ribbon
• Baskets or boxes

1. Begin melting the chocolate in a double boiler on medium-low heat. Start with white chocolate first, and work from lightest to darkest. That way you will not have to stop and clean out the pan each time you change colors.

2. Spoon about a half a cup of chocolate onto a wax paper-lined cookie sheet once the chocolate has melted. Stir the chocolate back and forth with a spoon until it thickens a little. This is known as "tempering."

3. Take a pretzel rod by one end and dip the other end into the chocolate, rolling it back and forth until it is well covered. Leave the end you are holding uncovered.

4. Roll the coated pretzel in chopped nuts, nonpareils or crushed peppermints for extra kick.

5. Lay coated pretzels on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet to cool and harden.

6. Place three or four dipped pretzel rods with different types of chocolate and put the undipped ends in the open end of a candy bag to give them as gifts. Gather bag at the open end and tie with curling ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a double boiler when melting chocolate for best results. Direct heat can scorch chocolate.

• Use medium-low to low heat when melting chocolate.

• Take your time when melting chocolate.

• Do not get water in chocolate while melting it. It will not harden properly.

References

• Food Network: Chocolate-Covered Pretzels with Sprinkles