Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels

The smell of peppermint and chocolate wafting through the kitchen always brings a smile to my face, especially during the holidays. Here in Texas, even if it’s 70 degrees on Christmas Day, those classic flavors just scream festive! My kiddos, bless their hearts, can’t get enough of these chocolate peppermint pretzels, and I’ve probably made them a dozen times in my own kitchen. They’re the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and minty, and they look so darn cute. With this recipe, you’ll have a batch of these addictive treats ready to share in no time, and I promise, they’ll disappear fast!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom, I’m all about recipes that are quick, easy, and deliver big on flavor. These chocolate peppermint pretzels tick all the boxes. They are:

• Super Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes, including decorating time!
• Kid-Friendly: My kids love helping sprinkle the peppermint candies.
• No-Bake: Perfect for when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

I’ve tweaked and tested this recipe until it’s foolproof, so even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can create these delightful treats with confidence.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (10-12 oz) pretzel rods or mini pretzels
• 12 oz chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark – your choice!)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (candy canes or peppermint discs)

Ingredient Notes

Chocolate Chips: The type of chocolate you use really impacts the flavor. I often use semi-sweet because it balances the sweetness of the peppermint well, but milk chocolate is a classic choice for a sweeter treat. Dark chocolate offers a richer, more intense flavor. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite!

Coconut Oil: Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate helps it melt smoothly and gives it a nice sheen. You can substitute with vegetable oil or shortening, but I find the coconut oil works best. It’s totally optional though; the chocolate will still melt fine without it.

Crushed Peppermint Candies: I usually use candy canes because we always have a few extra lying around after Christmas, but peppermint discs work great too! You can crush them in a food processor, or simply place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The kids love helping with this part! You can find these at most grocery stores, especially during the holiday season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pretzels. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the pretzels from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily. If you prefer, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler on the stovetop.

Step 3: Dip the Pretzels. Dip each pretzel rod (or mini pretzel) into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it evenly. Use a fork to lift the pretzel out of the chocolate and gently tap off any excess. After testing this several times, I learned that using a fork is better than trying to use my fingers. That gets too messy!

Step 4: Add Peppermint. Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the chocolate-covered pretzel while the chocolate is still wet. Work quickly, as the chocolate will start to set.

Step 5: Set and Harden. Place the decorated pretzels on the prepared baking sheet and let them set until the chocolate is firm. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Enjoy! Once the chocolate is set, your chocolate peppermint pretzels are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

• Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry when melting the chocolate. Even a tiny drop of water can cause the chocolate to seize up and become grainy.
• Quick Peppermint Crushing: For easy peppermint candy crushing, place the candies in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them into small pieces. It’s a great way to release some pent-up energy!
• Even Chocolate Coating: To get a smooth and even chocolate coating, hold the pretzel over the bowl and use a spoon to drizzle chocolate over any areas that need more coverage.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Let the kids help with sprinkling the peppermint candies! It’s a fun and easy way to get them involved in the kitchen. Just be prepared for a little bit of mess.
• Prevent Sticking: Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line your baking sheet. This will prevent the pretzels from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Storage & Meal Prep

These chocolate peppermint pretzels are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, but honestly, they probably won’t last that long!

For meal prep, you can crush the peppermint candies in advance and store them in an airtight container. You can also melt the chocolate ahead of time and keep it warm in a slow cooker or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water. However, I recommend dipping the pretzels fresh for the best texture and appearance.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels to make this recipe gluten-free.

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free. You can find dairy-free chocolate chips at most grocery stores or online.

Different Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of white chocolate.

Peanut Butter Cup Version: Use peanut butter chips or melt peanut butter along with the chocolate for a peanut butter cup twist. This is a personal favorite of mine!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! These pretzels are perfect for making ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days.

How do I keep the chocolate from seizing?

The key is to avoid any moisture. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. Also, melt the chocolate in short intervals, stirring well in between, to prevent overheating.

Can I use white chocolate instead?

Yes, you can definitely use white chocolate! It creates a beautiful contrast with the red and white peppermint candies. Just follow the same melting instructions as with milk or dark chocolate.

My chocolate is too thick. What can I do?

If your chocolate is too thick, add a tiny bit more coconut oil (or vegetable oil) – just a teaspoon at a time – and stir until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much, or it will become too thin.

Are these kid-friendly?

Oh, absolutely! My kids adore these pretzels. They love helping with the sprinkling of the peppermint candies. Just be prepared for a little bit of chocolatey mess – it’s all part of the fun!

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate peppermint pretzels are perfect for:

• Holiday parties and gatherings
• Gift-giving to friends and neighbors
• A sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa
• Adding to a dessert board or charcuterie platter

For a simple and elegant presentation, arrange the pretzels on a platter and sprinkle with a little extra crushed peppermint candies. You can also tie a ribbon around a small bundle of pretzels for a festive gift.

I like to put them out in a cute Christmas bowl during our family movie nights!

I hope you and your family enjoy these chocolate peppermint pretzels as much as we do! They’re a fun, festive, and delicious treat that’s perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Don’t forget to share your creations with me in the comments below I can’t wait to see them! And if you’re looking for more easy and delicious family recipes, be sure to sign up for my newsletter at FamiliesRecipes.com. Happy holidays, y’all!

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