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These chocolate pretzel trees make for a charming and delicious holiday treat that combines salty crunch with sweet, glossy chocolate and festive sprinkles. Perfect for gift-giving, party favors, or adding a homemade touch to your seasonal celebrations, these trees are simple enough for cooks of all levels and bring a smile to everyone who tries them.
I first made these during a last-minute holiday gathering and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. Now I keep the ingredients stocked year-round because family and friends always ask when I’ll make them again.
Ingredients
- Almond bark or candy melts: twenty-four ounces for smooth melting and glossy coating chose a high-quality brand for the best shine and taste
- Mini pretzel sticks: one hundred eight pieces to form the tree’s structure look for uniform size pretzels for easier assembly
- Sprinkles: your choice of colors and styles add a pop of color and extra festiveness pick non-melting types so they hold up well on the chocolate
Instructions
- Arrange the Pretzel Trees:
- Arrange your pretzel sticks on a wax paper-lined baking sheet in an arrow formation to mimic a tree shape. Place sticks close enough to support drizzled chocolate but leave some space for the chocolate to fill gaps. This base is key to creating the recognizable triangular tree look.
- Melt the Almond Bark or Candy Melts:
- Microwave twenty-four ounces of almond bark or candy melts for thirty seconds initially. Stir vigorously to smooth lumps and aim for a glossy texture. Continue microwaving in 15-second bursts, stirring after each, until fully melted and pourable but not too hot to handle.
- Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle Tool:
- Spoon the melted chocolate into a resealable plastic bag and carefully cut a very small corner tip to ensure fine control when drizzling. This step transforms your bag into a piping tool that allows you to create delicate zigzag lines.
- Drizzle the Chocolate Over Pretzels:
- Starting at the top of each pretzel tree, drizzle the melted chocolate using a zigzag motion downwards, filling empty spaces and binding the sticks together. Make sure to cover the pretzel surface evenly for a solid chocolate coating that will harden beautifully.
- Add Sprinkles for Decoration:
- Sprinkle your chosen mini sugar pearls or sprinkles over the wet chocolate immediately after drizzling so they stick well. Choose a mix of festive colors to create a bright and cheerful holiday look.
- Set the Trees to Harden:
- Allow the arranged trees to sit undisturbed on the baking sheet for about twenty minutes or until the chocolate hardens completely and feels firm to the touch. This patience ensures your trees will hold their shape and be ready to handle gently.
I love how the combination of salty pretzels and sweet almond bark creates a perfect balance in every bite. One year my niece proudly gifted these to her school classmates, calling them her homemade holiday magic, which made the experience even more special.
Storage Tips
Store finished chocolate pretzel trees in an airtight container at room temperature if eaten within a few days. For longer storage place them in the fridge but allow to come to room temperature before serving for best texture. Avoid stacking to prevent breakage.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use white chocolate or colored candy melts instead of almond bark for different looks and flavors. For a touch of holiday spice, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract with melted chocolate before drizzling. Pretzel rods may substitute mini pretzel sticks but will create a chunkier tree shape.
Serving Suggestions
These treat trees pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced cider or a cold glass of milk. Arrange on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies and snacks for a charming seasonal display. They also make cute edible place cards by adding name tags tied with ribbon around the base.
These chocolate pretzel trees are a festive and quick holiday treat that everyone will enjoy making and sharing.
FAQs about Recipes
- → What is the best chocolate to use for coating?
Almond bark or candy melts work best because they melt smoothly and set with a glossy finish, ideal for coating pretzels evenly.
- → How do I make the pretzel trees hold their shape?
Arrange the pretzels close enough in an arrow formation on wax paper so the chocolate drizzle acts as a binder and keeps them together once set.
- → Can I use different toppings besides sprinkles?
Absolutely! Mini sugar pearls, crushed nuts, or small candy pieces add texture and color to your pretzel trees.
- → What is the best way to melt the almond bark?
Microwaving in short intervals while stirring frequently helps achieve a smooth, pourable consistency without burning the chocolate.
- → How long do chocolate pretzel trees take to set?
About 20 minutes at room temperature is usually enough for the coating to harden and hold the shape securely.