These Holiday-Themed Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods are Fun, Easy, and Yummy!

Dec 3, 2021 | Food, Gift Ideas, Holidays

Today's post puts the FUN in Fun Cheap or Free! We're sharing 20+ ideas for chocolate-covered pretzel rods, including themes for just about every holiday. These delicious (and cheap!) treats are perfect gifts, party favors, snacks, and centerpieces!

chocolate covered pretzel rods for the holidays, from Fun Cheap or Free

Chocolate-covered pretzel rods are perfect for any occasion! Whether you're planning a bridal shower, a spooky Halloween soiree, a backyard bash for July 4th, a baby shower, or a Christmas party, pretzel rods deserve a spot at the table.

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They're super cheap and easy to make, so stinking fun, and DELICIOUS. Not only do they make super snazzy centerpieces, but they make great homemade gifts too. (Teacher gift idea, anyone?!) Let's have some fun, you guys! It's time to make chocolate-covered pretzel rods.


SUPPLIES YOU'LL NEED

ingredients to make chocolate covered pretzel rods, from Fun Cheap or Free

Before you get started, make sure to gather up a few essentials. There are countless ways to make dipped pretzel rods, but these are some of the things we suggest having on hand (besides the pretzels, of course):

  • Glass Measuring Cup
  • Candy Melts (Pssst.. get them at Michael's using a 20% off coupon!)
  • Chocolate for Melting
  • Glass Bowls for Prep
  • Toppings (sprinkles, coconut shreds, nuts, leftover crushed candy, etc.)
  • Plates/Wax Paper
  • Tupperware Container (for storage + catching chocolate drips)
  • Almond Bark (It dries quickly and melts easily!)
  • Gift Wrap/Cellophane/Ribbons (for easy gifting)

That's really about it! Take a peek in your pantry and see what sort of things you could use. Crushed nuts and candies are perfect for this type of project. You can also use crushed cereal or mini marshmallows. Now that you've got what you need, let's talk about bringing these beauties to life!

Pro Tip: You DO NOT want to use chocolate chips. They don't harden well; they remain pretty soft and melt easily. You don't want chocolate smearing all over the cute wrapping you put the rods in!


HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL RODS

There's no wrong or right way to make pretzel rods, so don't overthink it! Here is a quick and easy three-step method we suggest:

  • Use a Glass Measuring Cup to Dip – We usually microwave our candy melts or chocolate in a glass, microwave-safe measuring cup, then dip the pretzel rods directly into that cup. Fewer dishes for the win! It's also super easy to hold the measuring cup with one hand and your pretzel rod with another.
  • Place Toppings on Plates for Rolling – Round up a few plates and sprinkle your toppings on them. After you dip those rods in the chocolate or candy melts, roll them the toppings. You could use wax paper as a rolling surface, too.
  • Refrigerate in Cups/Mugs – This step is totally optional, but we like to stand our pretzels in an upright position, place them in a cup, then refrigerate for a few minutes to speed the hardening process.

Once your chocolate or candy coating has hardened, you can store those pretzel rods in airtight containers or keep them in the fridge. Planning to gift them? Wrap your creations in cute ribbons and bags, put them in creative boxes, make little printed sacks, or put them in cute dollar store jars or mugs. They make the perfect holiday treat for friends and neighbors! Now, who's ready for some holiday-themed ideas?!


CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL RODS FOR CHRISTMAS

reindeer pretzel rods for Christmas, from Fun Cheap or Free

Gather up the kiddos and make chocolate pretzel rods together for Christmas. It's a fun tradition and an easy way to make memories! Here are a few ideas:

  • Reindeer Pretzel Rods – Can you even believe how adorable these reindeer pretzels are? We can't even! Use pretzel sticks for antlers, and don't forget the red nose!
  • Buckeye Pretzel Rods – Does anyone else make buckeyes for Christmas? Well, set a few aside, melt them, then get to dipping. YUM!
  • Peppermint Bark Pretzel – We love peppermint bark! Just roll your dipped pretzels in crushed peppermint and call them good! #EasyButton
  • Snowman Pretzel Rods – Dip some pretzel rods in white chocolate, then spear some marshmallows on top for a fluffy, friendly snowman! Use candy or raisins for eyes, and get creative with his outfit if you're up for a challenge.

Sure, Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses are fun, but this tradition might become your new family favorite! Dipping pretzels is such a kid-friendly activity, and the options are endless.


BACKYARD BBQ PRETZEL ROD IDEAS

red, white, and blue flag pretzel rods, from Fun Cheap or Free

Serving dipped pretzel rods at your next backyard bash is one of the greatest hacks of all time. You don't need to dirty up dishes to eat these, and they're SO cheap to make for a crowd:

  • Patriotic Pretzel Rods – Turn your dipper pretzel rods into flags! Your neighbors won't believe how clever you are. Use sprinkles for the stars, or make your own fondant and cut them out.
  • Sunflower Pretzel Rods – Bright yellows and greens are the perfect summery complement to some milk chocolate-dipped pretzels.
  • “Sandy” Pretzel Rods – Roll your pretzel rods in crushed graham crackers for a beachy look.

Easy peasy, eh? Add a splash of color to that next cookout!


EASTER-THEMED CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRETZEL RODS

carrot stick pretzel rods for Easter, from Fun Cheap or Free

Who says you can't make pretzel rods for Easter, too? These ideas are all so stinking cute:

  • Carrot Pretzel Rods – Reach for some orange candy melts, and give your pretzel rods a green top. Boom! You've got carrots for the Easter bunny.
  • Pastel Pretzel Rods – Drizzle white chocolate-dipped pretzels with pastel frosting and sprinkles for an easy Easter theme.
  • Bunny Pretzel Rods – Give your pretzel rods bunny ears for an adorable snack!

These pretzel rods make great Easter basket fillers, too! File that idea away for next year.


BABY/BRIDAL SHOWER PRETZEL RODS

We're all about serving finger foods at baby showers or bridal parties, and if you've read our advice on the topic, then you know we love making food that doubles as a centerpiece. Try one of these variations:

  • Rainbow Pretzel Rods – Dip your pretzels in white chocolate, then swirl them in colorful sprinkles. It's really that simple!
  • Baby Blue/Pretty in Pink Pretzel Rods – Here's an idea for a gender reveal. Dip some pretzels in baby blue and others in pink so that everyone can pick a “side.” For an even easier version, just use white chocolate and roll them in pink or blue sprinkles.
  • White & Gold Pretzel Rods – You can't go wrong with a classy white and gold combo! This would be perfect for a bridal shower favor.

Of course, you can make just about anything work for a shower! Use sprinkles that match your color scheme for an easy way to tie your food and decor together. The cuter the food, the less you'll need to spend on decorations. You're welcome. 😉


HALLOWEEN & FALL-THEMED CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL RODS

green "witches finger" pretzel rods, from Fun Cheap or Free

These pretzel rod ideas are perfect for Halloween, a fall festival, or Thanksgiving:

  • Witch Fingers – Dip your pretzel rods in green candy melts, then use an almond as a fingernail. So spooky!
  • Ghost Pretzel Rods – You just need some white chocolate and brown M&Ms for eyes (and a mouth if you'd like) to make a ghostly pretzel rod that's begging for a Halloween party.
  • Pumpkin Pretzel Rods – Make your pretzel rods pumpkin-flavored, or grab some orange melts and raisins for a little jack-o-lantern action.
  • Turkey Pretzel Rods – Gobble, gobble! Mom Foodie has an adorable and easy tutorial for turkey pretzel rods.

Don't those all good scary good?! When in doubt, just use orange and yellow candy melts along with classic milk chocolate. Leftover Halloween candy (especially candy corn) or fall-colored sprinkles will help you make an easy, festive treat.


These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg! You can make pretzel rods for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, game day, birthday parties, retirement parties, and more. Flex those creative skills and have some fun!

We can't wait for you to try these chocolate-covered pretzels, but in the meantime, we have a question! Which one of these dipped pretzel rod themes is your fave? Drop a comment below and let us know!

Various holiday-theme chocolate-covered pretzel rods, from Fun Cheap or Free

Looking for more holiday recipes to try?

Time for us to dip!

23 Comments

  1. celeste

    Thanks for the great ideas!

    Reply
  2. Tina

    Thanks for the idea! Can't wait to try it!

    Reply
  3. Alena

    That rocks… I have a party coming up and am totally doing these!!! Thanks for all the inspiring ideas!!!!!

    Reply
  4. lia

    where do you buy your pretzel rods?

    Reply
    • Lisa

      Yes, I have never heard of or saw these pretzel rods in any store???
      Would love to know where if you did find any?!?!?

      Reply
  5. Melissa

    Just a drying/cooling tip…I use my cake cooling rack & sort of jam the un-dipped half into the rack so they actually dry standing up so you don't get a flat side.

    Reply
  6. melissa

    just about any grocery store in the chip isle. Stores like Sam's/BJ's/Costco all have big tubs of them too if you are looking to do alot

    Reply
  7. Hellen

    How far ahead can you make these if you store them in tupperware in the fridge or freezer?

    Reply
  8. funcheaporfree

    Melissa is right! I got mine at Walmart, in the chip isle.

    Reply
  9. funcheaporfree

    I have never frozen pretzels before, I wonder if they would remain as crunchy once they've thawed out…? My advice…try it! If it doesn't work, now you know…if it does work, you're a genius! 🙂 Let me know how it goes. As for storing them in the fridge, I usually make them day-of or maybe the day before.

    Reply
  10. funcheaporfree

    Good! You'll love them.

    Reply
  11. funcheaporfree

    No prob!

    Reply
  12. funcheaporfree

    They will be a hit, I promise 🙂

    Reply
  13. Liz Colburn

    I have made THOUSANDS of these in the last 4 years !! SO EASY !!!!

    Reply
  14. boots

    Any idea how far a pkg of Wiltons goes? What is the approximate ration of pretzels to Wiltons? I'm dying to try the caramel + chocolate dipped! thanks!

    Reply
  15. boots

    oops! I meant "ratio".

    Reply
  16. Denna

    FYI – the almond bark and colored wilton chips are not chocolate. They are candy coating. It has to say chocolate or chocolate flavored on it for it to be chocolate. Still tastes phenomenal!

    Reply
  17. Kim

    Love it! Will be making for Easter!!

    Reply
  18. Kim

    how long do you melt the chocolate in the microwave and do you put it in some type of glass container while you microwave it?

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      I did 20, no more than 30 seconds at a time. If you do it too long it burns the chocolate. Yes, I just put it in a glass bowl!

      Reply
  19. cathy

    Love these, great fun with the grandkids, but I have to laugh about buying after holiday candy and save it for next year. It would have to be hidden or it will disappear.

    Reply
  20. Peggy

    I make these every year with my granddaughters for Christmas gifts. So easy and fun for them! We freeze the finished pretzels for 10 minutes so we can keep moving along.

    Reply

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