Pro Tips for Pretzel Rods

As the holidays are among us, so are the parties!! And with that comes the need for some quick, festive treats that are easy on any mom on the go.

Most people are familiar with candy dipped pretzel rods. Always a big hit and add great height to any dessert display. They’re a great mix of salty sweet, they pack easy, and they’re easy on the clock and wallet!

Pro Tips for Pretzel Rods

In my many dessert excursions I have found a few simple tricks to making these guys even easier, tastier, and prettier!

What you’ll need:

• Silicone bowl*
• Smaller spatula
• Candy melt or chocolate wafers
• Paramount Crystals (EZ Thin from Wilton is the same thing)
• Assorted Sprinkles (I prefer the Jimmies style—long skinny sprinkles)
• Pretzel Rods (Snyders brand seem to be the most unbroken when shopping at the store and they have a GF option!)
• Small spoon

What to do:

• Lay out your wax or parchment paper and whatever amount of rods you’re decorating
• Melt your candy melts in the microwave at 30 second intervals stirring each time until melted. Careful not to burn!
• Sprinkle in a few pinches of the Paramount Crystals. This will help to thin the candy melt so you have a longer window of dipping and coating. It also helps the consistency of the melt so it coats nice and evenly.
• Now dip! I like to dip the rod into the bowl then use a spoon to coat evenly. Once coated shake the pretzel up and down like a ketchup bottle to remove excess.
• Lay the pretzel down on the paper and sprinkle away!**

*Why silicone? Because it helps melt more evenly in the microwave, keeps your hands from getting burned while holding the container, and keeps the candy melt at a good temperature longer. It really really does matter!

**I like to pre-mix my sprinkles ahead of time. I’ve found that mixing colors of the Jimmies type (long skinny sprinkles) with a few nonpareils (the little tiny balls) give the pretzel a nice texture and crunch!
Now you can bag them up as gifts, put some tissue paper in the bottom of a vase and stack them out for the snacking, or just lay them out on a tray. Either way, they will go fast and be a favorite every time!

Happy Holidays!!
Caitlin — Mom of Odin