How to Make Chocolate Pretzel Haystacks

Chocolate pretzel haystacks combine two distinctly different flavors that many people enjoy together--sweet and salty. The no-bake recipe combines the crunch of pretzel sticks with the creaminess of chocolate, and makes 3 dozen treats in very little time.

Things You'll Need

• Wax paper
• Cookie sheet
• 12 ounces chocolate
• Saucepan or microwaveable bowl
• Spoon
• 1 cup thin pretzel sticks
• 1 cup nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

Instructions

1. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper to prevent the haystacks from sticking to the pan.

2. Melt chocolate in a saucepan over a low burner or a microwaveable bowl. Use your favorite flavor (milk, dark, semi-sweet or white) of chocolate chips or chocolate bars. If you are using a microwave, stir the chocolate every 30 seconds or so to avoid burning it.

3. Add pretzel sticks to the chocolate, stirring them until they are completely covered. You may need to add another handful of pretzels, depending on how thick the chocolate-pretzel mixture is.

4. Stir in nuts and raisins, or other dried fruit such as cranberries, if desired. Chocolate pretzel haystacks for nut-lovers are traditionally made with peanuts.

5. Scoop the pretzel mixture by the teaspoonful onto the wax paper. Space the haystacks 2 to 3 inches apart from each other to prevent them from sticking together.

6. Put the chocolate pretzel haystacks in the refrigerator for an hour to allow them to set and cool. Serve the treats chilled or bring them to room temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your chocolate haystacks colorful by adding candy-coated chocolate pieces to the pot with the pretzels. A shake of seasonal sprinkles on top of the haystacks makes the treats attractive for holidays or other special occasions.