Pretzel Pumpkins

These mini pretzel pumpkins are a quick and festive treat that anyone can make. With just pretzels, candy melts, and a few simple decorations, you can create pumpkins that look party ready in minutes. They are easy enough for kids to help with! No special tools are required, just use what you already have in your kitchen.

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If you are looking for a simple, creative treat, these mini pretzel pumpkins are it. With candy melts, pretzels, and a few easy decorations, you can whip up pumpkins that look party ready without a lot of effort.

The best part is that they are easy for kids to join in on. I’ve shared plenty of seasonal ideas over the years, and these little pumpkins fit right in because they are festive, fun, and stress free. Teachers and parents especially love how quick they are to set out for a group activity.

There is no need for fancy tools here. Use a plastic bag instead of a piping bag, or grab a spoon or butter knife to spread the candy. This is meant to be easy, flexible, and doable with what you already have on hand.

Ingredients + Substitutions for Pretzel Pumpkins

These adorable Fall-themed pretzels only require 3 ingredients. You can jump to the recipe card for the full recipe with instructions. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mini Pretzels: You could also use circle pretzels
• Tootsie Rolls: You could substitute for brown M&Ms, green M&Ms or green sour straws.
• Orange Candy Melts: You could also use white candy melts or almond bark tinted orange with food coloring.

How to Make Pretzel Pumpkins

Here’s an overview of how to make these pumpkin pretzels. You can jump to the recipe for the full instructions.

1. Melt candy. Melt the candy wafers according to the package directions, or place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 50% power in 2-minute intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.

2. Fill pretzels. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and arrange the mini pretzels with space between each. Use a small spoon to fill the centers with the melted candy, creating pumpkin shapes framed by the pretzels. If the candy starts to firm up, simply reheat.

3. Make stems. Once all the pretzels are filled, allow them to set while you prepare the stems. Cut a very small piece off a Tootsie Roll, then cut that in half. Shape and twist the pieces into little pumpkin stems and set aside.

4. Finish details. Then melt another package of candy melts and transfer it to a squeeze bottle or piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Outline the pretzels, then pipe vertical lines to mimic pumpkin ridges. Add a dot of melted candy where the pretzel arches meet.

5. Add extra details. For extra detail, sprinkle orange sanding sugar over the outline while it’s still wet. Press a Tootsie Roll stem on the dot. Use a toothpick to adjust the position if needed.
6. Let candy set. Let the pumpkins sit until the candy sets, about 30 minutes. Peel off the parchment.

More Pumpkin Recipes

• Pumpkin Donuts
• Mini Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats
• Pumpkin Blossom Cookies
• Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes

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Mini Pretzel Pumpkins

By: Beth

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Setting Time: 30 minutes minutes

Pin Rate Print

These mini pretzel pumpkins are a quick and festive treat that anyone can make. With just pretzels, candy melts, and a few simple decorations, you can create pumpkins that look party ready in minutes. They are easy enough for kids to help with! No special tools are required, just use what you already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• ▢ Mini Pretzels
• ▢ Tootsie Rolls, 5
• ▢ Orange Candy Melts, I recommend at least 2 bags
• ▢ Orange Sanding Sugar

Instructions 

• Melt the candy wafers according to the package directions, or place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 50% power in 2-minute intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
  Orange Candy Melts
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and arrange the mini pretzels with space between each. Use a small spoon to fill the centers with the melted candy, creating pumpkin shapes framed by the pretzels. If the candy starts to firm up, simply reheat.
  Mini Pretzels
• Once all the pretzels are filled, allow them to set while you prepare the stems. Cut a very small piece off a Tootsie Roll, then cut that in half. Shape and twist the pieces into little pumpkin stems and set aside.
  Tootsie Rolls
• Then melt another package of candy melts and transfer it to a squeeze bottle or piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Outline the pretzels, then pipe vertical lines to mimic pumpkin ridges. Add a dot of melted candy where the pretzel arches meet. For extra detail, sprinkle orange sanding sugar over the outline while it’s still wet. Press a Tootsie Roll stem on the dot. Use a toothpick to adjust the position if needed.
  Orange Sanding Sugar
• Let the pumpkins sit until the candy sets, about 30 minutes. Peel off the parchment.

Notes

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels.
To Store: Store in a ziploc bag or airtight container.
To Make Ahead: Prepare through step 2, then resume with step 3 when ready.

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Nutrition Disclosure

All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

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