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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Christmas Pretzels (5 Different Ways!)

    Published: Nov 9, 2022 by Alana Lieberman · As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pin graphic for Christmas pretzels.

    These Christmas pretzels are a quick and easy holiday treat or decorating activity to enjoy with the kids! All you need is 20 minutes and simple ingredients like pretzels, chocolate, candy melts, and candy!

    Christmas pretzels 5 different ways on a green and white backdrop.
    Jump to:
    • 📋 About the Recipe
    • 🛒 Ingredients
    • ⁉️ Substitutions and Alterations
    • 📓 Instructions
    • ❄️ How to Store
    • 🔍 FAQs
    • 💭 One More Tip
    • 🍴 Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    📋 About the Recipe

    • Perfect for kids! Have a fun afternoon with the family decorating Christmas pretzels. There's something for everyone here. Pick your favorite design and enjoy a fun-filled day!
    • Quick and easy. Make these Christmas treats in 20 minutes or less as a simple last-minute holiday dessert or festive activity.
    • Fun for gifting. If you're looking for a cute, budget-friendly holiday gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends, gift these cute Christmas pretzels with a gift card or mug. Sweet and memorable!
    • Simple dessert idea - An easy, transportable dessert idea that's the best ending to a festive holiday feast filled with turkey, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and all the other staples!

    🛒 Ingredients

    Labelled ingredients for Christmas pretzels (see recipe for details).

    A few notes about the ingredients:

    1. Pretzels - To make a variety of Christmas pretzels, you'll need "mini twists," pretzel "snaps," small pretzel sticks, and pretzel rods.
    2. Candy eyes - Used for the reindeer Christmas pretzels! Make my Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats and Snowman Rice Krispie Treats using leftover candy eyes!
    3. Coconut oil - Necessary for melting the chocolate into a pourable consistency.

    ⁉️ Substitutions and Alterations

    Use these ideas as inspiration, and decorate your pretzels however you’d like. Let the kids get creative and make these treats your own!

    📓 Instructions

    For Christmas Pretzels with Hershey's Kisses

    1. Preheat and prep. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Snap pretzels arranged on a baking sheet, then topped with Hershey's kisses.
    1. Arrange “snap” shaped pretzels on the baking sheet.
    2. Top each pretzel with a hershey’s kiss.
    3. Place baking sheet in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes. The chocolate should soften but not melt entirely.
    Snap pretzels with melted Hershey's kisses on top and a hand adding an m&m into the chocolate.
    1. Place an m&m (m side down) into the point of the chocolate. Circle the m&m around gently so the chocolate flattens and fills the holes in the pretzel.
    2. Place the baking sheet in your fridge so the chocolate can set. Once the chocolate has hardened, store pretzels at room temperature. Serve pretzels in clear gift bags or on a snack tray.

    For Christmas Pretzels with Hershey's Hugs

    1. Preheat and prep. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Snap pretzels arranged on a baking sheet with Hershey's hugs on top.
    1. Arrange “snap” shaped pretzels on the baking sheet.
    2. Top each pretzel with a hershey’s hugs.
    3. Place baking sheet in the oven for 2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
    Snap pretzels with melted Hershey's hugs on top and a hand adding an m&m into the chocolate.
    1. Place an m&m (m side down) into the point of the chocolate. Circle the m&m around gently so the chocolate flattens and fills the holes in the pretzel.
    2. Place the baking sheet in your fridge so the chocolate can set. Once the chocolate has hardened, store pretzels at room temperature. Serve pretzels in clear gift bags or on a snack tray.

    For Reindeer Pretzels

    1. Preheat and prep. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Mini twist pretzels arranged on a baking sheet with rolos candies on top.
    1. Arrange 18 “mini twist” pretzels on prepared baking sheet.
    2. Top each pretzel with a rolo candy.
    3. Break the other 18 pretzels in half to create antlers. Use a new pretzel if yours crumbles while breaking it in half. Set aside.
    Melted rolos candies on twist pretzels with a hand adding a red m&m for the reindeer nose and 2 broken pretzels for the reindeer's antlers.
    1. Place baking sheet in the oven for 2 minutes. The chocolate should soften but not melt entirely.
    2. Place a red m&m (m side down) into the bottom of the rolo, swirling it around so it sticks into the pretzel.
    3. Place two half pretzels at the top of each side of the chocolate to create the antlers.
    A hand adding candy eyes to the reindeer pretzels.
    1. Stick two candy eyes towards the top between the antlers and the m&m nose.
    2. Place the baking sheet in your fridge so the chocolate can set. Once the chocolate has hardened, store pretzels at room temperature. Serve pretzels in clear gift bags or on a snack tray.

    For Christmas Tree Pretzels

    1. Arrange “stick” shaped pretzels on a parchment lined baking sheet.
    2. Place ½ cup of green candy melts in a zip top bag. Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute. Mix the candy around in the bag and repeat until it is fully melted.
    Melted green candy melts in a zip top bag drizzled over stick pretzels, then decorated with sprinkles to look like a Christmas tree.
    1. Cut a small tip off the corner of the bag. Use the bag to pipe the green melted candy into a tree-like shape over one of the pretzel sticks. Starting with longer zig zags at the bottom and working towards smaller zig zags at the top, until it comes to a point.
    2. Place a yellow star sprinkle on the top point. Decorate the tree with nonpareil Christmas colored sprinkles. Repeat with the rest of the pretzel sticks.
    3. Place the baking sheet in your fridge so the candy melts can set. Once the melts have hardened, store pretzels at room temperature. Serve pretzels in clear gift bags or on a snack tray.
    Christmas tree pretzels arranged with reindeer pretzels, chocolate covered pretzel rods, and other christmas pretzels.

    For Christmas Pretzel Rods

    1. In a tall narrow glass, combine 2 cups white chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons coconut oil.
    2. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
    Long pretzel rods dipped in a narrow cup filled with melted white chocolate, then decorated with colored chocolate and sprinkles.
    1. Place ½ cup of green candy melts and ½ cup of red candy melts in separate zip top bags. Microwave both bags on 50% power for 1 minute. Mix the candy around in each bag and repeat until both are fully melted.
    2. Cut a small tip off the corner of the bag.
    3. Dip the pretzel rods into the white chocolate as far down as you can go. Place chocolate covered rods on a parchment lined baking sheet.
    4. Immediately drizzle with melted green or red candy melts. Then, top with Christmas sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
    5. Place the baking sheet in your fridge so the chocolate and candy melts can set. Once both have hardened, store pretzels at room temperature. Serve pretzels in clear gift bags or on a snack tray.
    A hand picking up a reindeer pretzel to snack on.

    ❄️ How to Store

    To store: All 5 versions store best at room temperature in a dry, cool environment. Keeping these treats in the refrigerator for extended lengths of time can cause the pretzels to become soggy from the excess moisture and should be avoided. 

    Freezing these Christmas pretzels is not recommended.

    🔍 FAQs

    How long will chocolate covered pretzels last?

    If kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, these Christmas pretzels will keep for up to 2 weeks. If stored in clear gift bags, enjoy within 7 days for best freshness.

    How far ahead can you make dipped pretzels?

    Since dipped pretzels will store well for up to 2 weeks, feel free to make your pretzels in advance. If you are planning on gifting your Christmas pretzels to family and friends, I’d suggest making them 3 to 4 days in advance to ensure they will remain fresh for about a week after gifting.

    How do you wrap dipped pretzels?

    The most important thing is to allow the dipped pretzels to harden completely before assembling in gifting bags. This will prevent the pretzels from sticking together and/or sticking to the inside of the gift bag. Once hardened, the treats are safe to put together in a bag without any individual wrapping and will keep well at room temperature!

    💭 One More Tip

    Have extras of each ingredient! This will account for any broken or misshapen pieces and make sure you have more than enough to make as many Christmas pretzels as you may need.

    5 different types of Christmas pretzels arranged on a green and white backdrop.

    🍴 Related Recipes

    • Santa Rice Krispie Treats
    • Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
    • Peppermint Candy Cane Rice Krispie Treats
    • Snowman Rice Krispie Treats

    Share your cooking with me! If you make this recipe, I'd love to know! Tag @yourhomemadehealthy on Instagram or leave a comment with a rating and some feedback at the bottom of this page!

    📖 Recipe

    5 different christmas pretzels on a green and white backdrop.

    Christmas Pretzels (5 Different Ways!)

    These Christmas pretzels are a quick and easy holiday treat or decorating activity to enjoy with the kids! All you need is 20 minutes and simple ingredients like pretzels, chocolate, candy melts and candy!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Kosher, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 17 minutes
    Servings: 18 pretzels
    Calories: 358kcal
    Author: Alana Lieberman
    Cost: $15

    Equipment

    • baking sheet

    Ingredients

    For Christmas Pretzels with Hershey's Kisses

    • 18 "snaps" shaped pretzels NOT butter snaps
    • 18 Hershey's Kisses wrappers removed
    • 18 red and green m&m candies

    For Christmas Pretzels with Hershey's Hugs

    • 18 "snaps" shaped pretzels NOT butter snaps
    • 18 Hershey's Hugs wrappers removed
    • 18 red and green m&m candies

    For Reindeer Pretzels

    • 36 "mini twists" shaped pretzels, divided plus extra in case of breakage
    • 18 Rolos candies wrappers removed
    • 18 red m&m candies
    • 36 candy eyes

    For Christmas Tree Pretzels

    • 18 "stick" shaped pretzels
    • 1 cup green candy melts
    • 18 yellow star sprinkles
    • red, white, and green nonpareil sprinkles

    For Christmas Pretzel Rods

    • 18 "rod" shaped pretzels
    • 2 cups white chocolate chips
    • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
    • ½ cup red candy melts
    • ½ cup green candy melts
    • Christmas sprinkles

    Instructions

    For Christmas Pretzels with Hershey's Kisses

    • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Arrange “snap” shaped pretzels on the baking sheet.
    • Top each pretzel with a hershey’s kiss.
    • Place baking sheet in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes. The chocolate should soften but not melt entirely.
    • Place an m&m (m side down) into the point of the chocolate. Circle the m&m around gently so the chocolate flattens and fills the holes in the pretzel.
    • Place the baking sheet in your fridge so the chocolate can set. Once the chocolate has hardened, store pretzels at room temperature. Serve pretzels in clear gift bags or on a snack tray.

    For Christmas Pretzels with Hershey's Hugs

    • Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Arrange “snap” shaped pretzels on the baking sheet.
    • Top each pretzel with a hershey’s hugs.
    • Place baking sheet in the oven for 2 minutes. The chocolate should soften but not melt entirely.
    • Place an m&m (m side down) into the point of the chocolate. Circle the m&m around gently so the chocolate flattens and fills the holes in the pretzel.
    • Place the baking sheet in your fridge so the chocolate can set. Once the chocolate has hardened, store pretzels at room temperature. Serve pretzels in clear gift bags or on a snack tray.

    For Reindeer Pretzels

    • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Arrange 18 “mini twist” pretzels on prepared baking sheet.
    • Top each pretzel with a rolo candy.
    • Break the other 18 pretzels in half to create antlers. Use a new pretzel if yours crumbles while breaking it in half. Set aside.
    • Place baking sheet in the oven for 2 minutes. The chocolate should soften but not melt entirely.
    • Place a red m&m (m side down) into the bottom of the rolo, swirling it around so it sticks into the pretzel.
    • Place two half pretzels at the top of each side of the chocolate to create the antlers.
    • Stick two candy eyes towards the top between the antlers and the m&m nose.
    • Place the baking sheet in your fridge so the chocolate can set. Once the chocolate has hardened, store pretzels at room temperature. Serve pretzels in clear gift bags or on a snack tray.

    For Christmas Tree Pretzels

    • Arrange “stick” shaped pretzels on a parchment lined baking sheet.
    • Place ½ cup of green candy melts in a zip top bag. Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute. Mix the candy around in the bag and repeat until it is fully melted.
    • Cut a small tip off the corner of the bag. Use the bag to pipe the green melted candy into a tree-like shape over one* of the pretzel sticks. Starting with longer zig zags at the bottom and working towards smaller zig zags at the top, until it comes to a point.
    • Place a yellow star sprinkle on the top point. Decorate the tree with nonpareil christmas colored sprinkles. Repeat with the rest of the pretzel sticks.
    • Place the baking sheet in your fridge so the candy melts can set. Once the melts have hardened, store pretzels at room temperature. Serve pretzels in clear gift bags or on a snack tray.

    For Christmas Pretzel Rods

    • In a tall narrow glass, combine 2 cups white chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons coconut oil.
    • Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
    • Place ½ cup of green candy melts and ½ cup of red candy melts in separate zip top bags. Microwave both bags on 50% power for 1 minute. Mix the candy around in each bag and repeat until both are fully melted.
      Cut a small tip off the corner of the bag.
    • Dip the pretzel rods into the white chocolate as far down as you can go. Place chocolate covered rods on a parchment lined baking sheet.
    • Immediately drizzle with melted green or red candy melts. Then, top with christmas sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
    • Place the baking sheet in your fridge so the chocolate and candy melts can set. Once both have hardened, store pretzels at room temperature. Serve pretzels in clear gift bags or on a snack tray.

    Notes

    1. Make sure to prepare all the candy ahead of time and work quickly, so the melted kisses, hugs, and rolos don't harden while you're getting things ready.
    2. *For the Christmas tree pretzels, work with 1 at a time so the green candy melts don't harden before you can add the star and nonpareil sprinkles.
    3. Don't leave the pretzels in the refrigerator for too long, as this may cause them to become stale or soggy.
    4. If you over bake the kisses, hugs, or rolos, they will harden and appear as if they need more time to melt. However, they will not melt after a certain point and you won't be able to add the m&ms. Make sure to watch the chocolate carefully and only bake until the chocolate becomes glossy and softened. It will not melt entirely.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 367mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg
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    I'm the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Your Home, Made Healthy! I hope to inspire you to create healthy meals for your family without spending tons of time in the kitchen. Although my recipes focus on healthy eating and fresh ingredients, there is no diet talk here. Click below to find out why!

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