Easy Chocolate Covered Pretzels (And How to Freeze Them!)

If you know me at all, you know I love sweet and salty treats.

Whether it’s a chocolate chip cookie flaked with sea salt or a slice of chocolate caramel cake, I’ll probably devour it.

Last week, I had the experience of welcoming a friend from out of town who, knowing I have a major sweet tooth, brought along a gift that immediately brightened my day—a variety box of chocolate-covered pretzels. 

I immediately opened the pretty package and found a variety of pretzels with different chocolate types, coatings, and toppings.

And that right there is why I love chocolate-covered pretzels.

They require just a few simple ingredients yet are an extremely versatile treat. 

I love that they come in many forms. I’ve seen long pretzel rods coated in a thick layer of creamy chocolate and also mini pretzels that are half-dipped. 

Are you a fan of texture?  Some of the best chocolate-covered pretzels I’ve had were dipped in crushed candy canes or nuts.

While I was lucky enough for my friend to bring me a treat, I know that making chocolate-covered pretzels at home is fairly easy! Let’s chat about all of the different options you have for making them and how to easily make a batch.

Pretzel Types

Pretzel Rods: The Classic Choice

The quintessential chocolate-covered pretzel experience starts with the classic pretzel rod. These long, slender pretzels offer the perfect surface area for a generous chocolate coating. They’re sturdy enough to hold their shape without breaking and provide a satisfying crunch.

Pretzel Twists: A Crowd Pleaser

For a fun twist (pun intended!), I love using mini pretzel twists. These bite-sized pretzels are perfect for when I’m hosting a group of friends or planning a party. They’re also great for creating clusters with different colored chocolates or toppings.

Pretzel Nuggets: Bite-Sized Treats

Craving a pop of salty goodness in every bite? Pretzel nuggets are your best choice. This bite-sized option offers a concentrated dose of pretzel flavor, perfectly balanced by a generous chocolate coating. They’re ideal for party mixes or quick, on-the-go snacks.

Gluten-Free Pretzels: Sweet Treats for All

Don’t let dietary restrictions stop you from enjoying chocolate-covered pretzels! There are a variety of delicious gluten-free pretzel options available at your local grocery store. Gluten-free pretzel rods, twists, or nuggets are often made with alternative flour like almond flour or chickpea flour. And trust me, they’re just as good! Fit Joy and Quinn are two brands of gluten-free pretzels that I love.

Types of Chocolate

The type of chocolate you use is totally up to you.

Milk Chocolate: The Classic Choice

Milk chocolate is the most popular choice for a reason. Its creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with salty pretzels, creating a classic flavor combination that everyone enjoys.

Dark Chocolate: Rich and Sophisticated

For a more sophisticated flavor profile, reach for dark chocolate. The higher cocoa content offers a rich, bittersweet taste that complements the pretzel’s saltiness in a really nice way. Choose varying percentages of cocoa (semisweet, bittersweet, or even dark) to experiment with intensity.

White Chocolate: A Fun Surprise

White chocolate has a smooth and creamy texture and adds a touch of extra sweetness to the equation. White chocolate pairs particularly well with fruity toppings or a drizzle of dark chocolate for a visually stunning contrast.

Chocolate Melts: A Rainbow of Colors

Candy melts come in an array of vibrant colors, making them perfect for adding a festive touch to your chocolate-covered pretzels. They’re ideal for holidays (I loved pink and red for Valentine’s Day!) or themed occasions where you’ll want to create fun color combinations. Candy melts don’t have the same depth of flavor as real chocolate, but they offer endless possibilities for visual appeal.

Types of Coatings: Candies and Beyond

Take your chocolate-covered pretzels to the next level with a variety of fun and delicious toppings. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Chopped Nuts: Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, or pecans add a really nice crunch and a touch of nutty flavor..

Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles instantly add a festive touch. They’re perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for a celebratory vibe.

Dried Fruit: For a touch of sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor, try using dried cranberries, chopped dried cherries, or chopped apricots.

Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a touch of sophistication and really enhances the sweet and salty flavor combination. 

Nut Butters: I’m a total sucker for peanut butter pretzels. For a unique flavor twist, I love dipping pretzels in nut butters like peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. Pro-tip: Let the nut butter set slightly before adding a chocolate drizzle.

Coconut Flakes: Coconut flakes add a lovely tropical twist to chocolate-covered pretzels. They offer a contrasting texture and a hint of sweetness.

Candy Cane Dust: During the holidays, I love chocolate peppermint pretzels. I simply crush candy canes into a fine powder and then sprinkle my chocolate-covered pretzels with the tiny bits.

Chocolate Chips: There’s no such thing as too much chocolate, right? Dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or semi-sweet chocolate chips add another layer of sweetness for all of you chocoholics. Trust me, I’m not judging!

Tools You’ll Need for Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

All you need is a few different tools and materials to make these homemade treats.

Baking Sheet or Sheet Pan:  This is where you’ll place your chocolate-dipped pretzels to set. Choose a baking sheet or sheet pan with a size that can comfortably fit the number of pretzels you’re making.

Parchment Paper or Wax Paper:  Line your baking sheet with either parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the chocolate-covered pretzels from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper is generally preferred as it’s more heat-resistant and less likely to tear.

Choosing Between the Microwave and the Double Boiler Method:

The method you choose for melting your chocolate will determine the additional tools you’ll need:

Microwave Method:

• Microwave-safe bowl: You’ll need a bowl suitable for microwave use to melt your chocolate.

Double Boiler Method:

• Small Saucepan:  Fill this with a small amount of water to create the simmering base for your double boiler.
• Heat-resistant bowl: This bowl will sit on top of the saucepan, allowing the steam from the simmering water to gently melt your chocolate.

Steps to Make Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

1. First things first, pick your pretzels. From classic rods to bite-sized twists, the choice is yours!
2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Now, choose your melting method: 

• • Microwave Method: This is super quick. Place your favorite kind of chocolate (milk, dark, white, or vegan chocolate chips if you prefer!) in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.

• • Double Boiler Method: For more control, use the double boiler method. Fill a small saucepan with a little water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heat-resistant bowl on top, making sure it doesn’t touch the water. Add your chocolate to the bowl and stir constantly until melted.

4. It’s time to dip and decorate! Hold a pretzel by its end and dip it completely into the melted chocolate. Tap gently against the side of the bowl to let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
5. Get creative: While the chocolate is still wet, add your favorite toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes.
6. Place the dipped pretzel on the prepared cookie sheet. Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or refrigerate it for a faster set.

Storing Chocolate Covered Pretzels

One of the best things about chocolate-covered pretzels is their simplicity. They store beautifully! The key is to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. An airtight container like a Tupperware container or a Ziploc bag works wonders.

Can You Freeze Them? Absolutely!

Here’s the best part: chocolate-covered pretzels can be frozen. Just make sure they’ve come to room temperature and the melted chocolate is totally set before placing them in a sealed container. Frozen pretzels can last for up to 3 months, making them a perfect option for party planning or keeping a stash on hand for unexpected cravings.

So there you have it! With just a few simple steps and a little creativity, you can enjoy delicious homemade chocolate-covered pretzels in no time.