White chocolate pretzels are the perfect mix of salty, sweet, and festive! These crunchy pretzels are dipped in creamy white chocolate and topped with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, making them the ultimate holiday treat. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute gift or need a snack for your holiday party, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious!
Searching for more easy candy recipes? Try my, Candy Cane Biscotti, Homemade Peppermint patties, Cake Batter Pretzels! and Cherry Lollipops!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Candy Recipe: This has got to be one of the easiest holiday candy recipes. Melt the chocolate, dip the pretzels, sprinkle with peppermints. Easy peasy.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: Using salted pretzels gives you the most amazing sweet and salty flavor combination. It’s hard to beat and irresistibly delicious.
- Long Lasting: These will stay fresh for up to two weeks, making this a go-to make ahead dessert recipe.
I’ve been making these white chocolate covered pretzels as Christmas gifts for the past five years, and they’re always a hit. The combination of salty pretzels dipped in sweet, creamy white chocolate, with a little festive crunch from the peppermint candies on top—it’s seriously addicting. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you can whip up a big batch in no time and look like a holiday hero without breaking a sweat.
What I love most is how versatile this recipe is. You can package them up for gifts, serve them at parties, or even just snack on them while watching holiday movies (which, let’s be honest, is a whole vibe). They’re the kind of treat that people will ask for year after year, and you’ll never get tired of making them!
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Add these peppermint pretzels to your list of easy dessert options. With only 3 basic ingredients you have an impressive treat that is share worthy! Here is what you need to get started:
- Pretzels: I like to use mini pretzels. They are perfect sized for chocolate dipping and look impressive when packaged as a gift. You could also use pretzel rods for a pretty finish.
- Chocolate: White chocolate or dark chocolate will work with this recipe. I have used both and love them equally. White chocolate does enhance the peppermint flavor which makes it the star of the show.
- Candy Canes: Or peppermints. Crush them using a rolling pin or a meat hammer (the smooth side). The smaller the pieces, the better they will stick to the melted chocolate.
Variations and Substitutions
- Milk or Dark Chocolate: If white chocolate isn’t your favorite, you can easily swap it out for milk or dark chocolate. It’ll give the pretzels a richer flavor and still pair perfectly with the salty crunch.
- Toppings: Don’t feel limited to peppermint candies! You can top the pretzels with sprinkles, crushed toffee, mini M&M’s, or even drizzle them with caramel for a twist.
- Dipped Pretzels: Try dipping pretzel rods instead of traditional twists for a fun change. They’re perfect for gifting or serving at parties!
- Flavored Chocolate: Add a dash of peppermint or vanilla extract to the melted chocolate for an extra burst of flavor.
- Nuts: For a more sophisticated version, sprinkle chopped pistachios, pecans, or almonds on top while the chocolate is still wet.
White Chocolate Pretzels with Peppermint
Want even more ways to add peppermint to your desserts? Try my Candy Cane Shaped Cookies!
- Prepare Your Pan: Prepare a work station by lining it with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps to keep the pretzels from sticking to a pan once they have been dipped into chocolate and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate according to the package directions, adding a small spoonful of shortening if you find the chocolate is too thick for dipping. Shortening will help thin out the melted chocolate without causing it to seize. Never use butter.
- Dip the Pretzels: Use a fork to help you dip each pretzel, fulling coating with chocolate. Tap of excess and place on the prepared parchment paper.
- Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes and allow to set for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is solid.
Helpful Tools
- Baking Trays: I am a big fan of my Nordic Ware pans (affiliate). I have both the half sheet and full pan sizes and they are amazingly easy to clean.
- Silicone Baking Mats: Parchment paper is king in my kitchen, but only when both of my silicone baking mats (affiliate) are dirty. They are SO great for so many things and worth the $13 for a set of 3.
Storage Instructions
To keep your pretzels and white chocolate fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to two weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday gifting or snacking. If you’re in a warmer climate or want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to three weeks. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor!
Tips for Success:
- Thinning the Chocolate: If the white chocolate is too thick to dip smoothly, stir in a small amount of shortening or coconut oil (1 teaspoon at a time) to help thin it out. This makes the dipping process easier and gives the pretzels a nice, even coating.
- Prevent Clumping: When melting white chocolate, be sure to melt it slowly over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals (15-20 seconds at a time), stirring frequently to avoid clumping or burning.
- Coating the Pretzels: Use a fork or dipping tool to lift the pretzels from the chocolate, tapping it gently on the edge of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate for a smooth finish.
- Work Quickly: White chocolate can harden fast, so be ready to add any toppings, like peppermint candies, immediately after dipping to ensure they stick properly.
- Chill for Quick Setting: If you’re in a rush, place the dipped pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to help the chocolate set faster.
These tips will help make the process smoother and ensure your pretzels covered in white chocolate come out looking and tasting perfect!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer. The dipping process will remain the same, but the flavor will differ depending on your choice of chocolate.
Melt the white chocolate slowly over low heat, either in a double boiler or in the microwave in short 15-20 second intervals, stirring frequently. This helps prevent it from overheating and seizing up.
The best methods are either using a microwave or a double boiler. For the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between each, to ensure even melting. For a double boiler, gently heat the chocolate over simmering water, stirring continuously.
Yes, candy melts are a great alternative to white chocolate and are easier to work with, as they don’t require thinning as often.
The pretzels typically take about 20-30 minutes to set at room temperature. To speed up the process, you can chill them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
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White Chocolate Pretzels
Ingredients
- 1 16oz bag mini pretzels
- 1 12 oz bag white or semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Lay a large sheet of parchment paper on your countertop. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Follow the instructions on the package to melt your white chocolate. You can do this in the microwave or on the stove using a double boiler.
- Take one pretzel at a time and dip it into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to lift the pretzel out, gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove any extra chocolate.
- Place the dipped pretzel onto the parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes while the chocolate is still wet.
- Let the pretzels sit for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens. Once set, enjoy or package them up for gifting!
Notes
- Line your workstation with parchment paper. This makes for super easy cleanup and the chocolate won’t stick to the paper.
- Chocolate too thick? Add a tablespoon or two of shortening (never butter). It will help thin out the mix and give you a smooth glossy finish.
- Make sure to have all of your candy canes crushed and ready to go. You will want to work quickly before the chocolate starts to set.
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
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Marilyn says
Yummo! I love the sweet/salty/crunchy combo of this delight!