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Now you can make perfect chocolate pretzels with zero guesswork because I’ve done all the trial and error so you don’t have to!

an assortment of chocolate covered pretzel rods and twist pretzels on a cutting board with white paper on it, with a bowl of crushed nuts and a bowl of sprinkles beside it

Why We Love This Recipe For Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Chocolate pretzels seem simple, but when you start to make them at home, many people run into issues with the chocolate. It can be hard to achieve the correct temperature when melting chocolate, which leads to issues with the texture and appearance.

Creating a smooth and even layer of chocolate on each pretzel can also be tricky if you haven’t done it before. But, you don’t have to worry about either of those things because I’m walking you through it with all my tried and true tricks!

rows of twist pretzels on a baking sheet coating in chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate, with some rows coated in white chocolate and drizzled with chocolate

When it comes to melting chocolate, common issues can arise like chocolate blooming (when the chocolate develops a dull, whitish appearance) or clumping and thickening. Chocolate blooming can happen when the chocolate is not stored properly or when it experiences temperature fluctuations.

Not only have I tested all the different types of chocolate to determine what works best for dipping, but I’ve spent hours in the kitchen dipping pretzels in chocolate (not a bad job, eh?).

Rest assured I’ve encountered every issue you could have and I’ve found a way to make sure it doesn’t happen. I used my experience to create this guide so you can learn the easiest way to create perfect homemade treats!

Here are just a few more reasons you’ll love this recipe:

Sweet and salty treat
Just 20 minutes of active prep time
Just a few simple ingredients
An easy and fun treat to make with your whole family
Makes a great gift!

over head view of chocolate covered pretzels including semi-sweet chocolate bars, white chocolate bars, coconut oil, rainbow sprinkles, m&ms, crushed nuts and mini marshmallows, twist pretzels and pretzel rods

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Ingredients

Crunchy pretzels dipped in chocolate create the perfect salty sweat treat. You only need a few ingredients!

Get the full recipe with measurements and instructions in the recipe card below, and keep reading for all my best tips and tricks! Here’s what you’ll need:

Pretzels: twists, pretzel rods, whatever you prefer
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate: baking bar or chips. Be sure to read the notes below!
8 oz white chocolate: baking bar or chips. Be sure to read the notes below!
Coconut oil or another neutral oil: for each type of chocolate you melt
You may also want these dipping tools!

an assortment of chocolate covered pretzels stacked and scattered around including chocolate with white chocolate drizzle, white chocolate with chocolate drizzle, and both chocolate and white chocolate coated in rainbow sprinkles

What is the Best Chocolate for Chocolate Covered Pretzels?

I tested 8 different types of chocolate to help you figure out which one to use!

While testing each kind of chocolate, I made detailed notes about how long the chocolate took to melt, the taste, appearance, consistency for dipping, the time it took to dry, the price, and more.

While pretzels are amazing dipped in any delicious chocolate, the guide below will help you elevate your chocolate-covered pretzels! Here are my observations about the chocolate coating:

Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Flavored Melting Wafers

Time to melt: 60 seconds
Taste: Chocolate flavor wasn’t very pronounced. Tasted more sweet than chocolatey.
Dipping consistency: Smooth, easy to melt
Overall appearance: Matte, light brown
Drying time: Quick dry, within minutes
Price: .49 cents/oz
Additional Notes: Quickest to dry, super easy dip.

Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Time to melt: 90 seconds
Taste: Deep, rich chocolate flavor
Dipping consistency: Thick
Overall appearance: Shiny
Drying time: Slow, a few hours to dry
Price: .34 cents/oz
Additional Notes: Best for baking, not a great fruit dipper.

Ghirardelli White Chocolate Chips

Time to melt: 60 seconds
Taste: Not overly sweet, good rich flavor
Dipping consistency: Medium thickness but still easy to dip
Overall appearance: Off-white
Drying time: Quick-dry
Price: .38 cents/oz
Additional Notes: Probably the best white chocolate option in terms of taste and dry time.

Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar

Time to melt: 90 seconds
Taste: Deep, rich chocolate flavor
Dipping consistency: Medium thickness but still easy to dip
Overall appearance: Shiny
Drying time: Slow dry, a few hours to dry
Price: .62 cents/oz
Additional Notes: Had good consistency for dipping.

Ghirardelli White Chocolate Bar

Time to melt: 60 seconds
Taste: Not overly sweet, good rich flavor
Dipping consistency: Medium thickness but still easy to dip
Overall appearance: Off-white
Drying time: Slow dry, a few hours to dry
Price: .72 cents/oz
Additional Notes: Good taste, more expensive and slower dry time.

Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Flavored Melting Wafers

Time to melt: 60 seconds
Taste: Not bitter like normal dark chocolate, way better chocolate flavor than the Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Flavored Melting Wafers
Dipping consistency: easy to melt, smooth
Overall appearance: Matte
Drying time: Quick dry
Price: .49 cents/oz
Additional Notes: Wasn’t bitter like normal dark chocolate! Not super dark either.

Chocolate Almond Bark (Walmart brand)

Time to melt: 60 seconds
Taste: Tasted more sweet than chocolatey
Dipping consistency: Easy to melt, smooth
Overall appearance: Matte
Drying time: Quick dry
Price: .15 cents/oz
Additional Notes: Makes a great drizzle!

White Chocolate Almond Bark (Walmart brand)

Time to melt: 60 seconds
Taste: Tasted more sweet than chocolatey
Dipping consistency: Easy to melt, smooth
Overall appearance: Pure white, whitest of all
Drying time: Quick dry
Price: .15 cents/oz
Additional Notes: Makes a great drizzle!

Which chocolate should I use?

Ultimately, the type of chocolate to use will depend on your personal preference. That being said..

If you are looking for a rich, deep chocolate flavor and you’re okay with waiting for them to dry, use Ghirardelli or Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar.
If you want middle-of-the-road chocolate with a quick dry time, I recommend Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Flavored Melting Wafers.
If you want the most cost-effective option, use Chocolate Almond Bark or White Chocolate Almond Bark.
If you want a pure white color, use Walmart Brand White Chocolate Almond Bark.
The chocolate chips were my least favorite because the mixture was very thick, even after adding additional oil.

How to Make The Best Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Not only is this recipe easy, but it’s so much fun to make. You can even let your kids help!

These are perfect to give as gifts during the holiday season or on Valentine’s Day.

Keep reading for my best tips and get the full recipe in the recipe card below. Here are the easy steps:

Melt chocolate. To melt the chocolate, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 20 second intervals, stirring in between each interval. Usually, it takes about 3-4 intervals. Once you see smaller pieces remaining, stop microwaving and use a spoon to stir, as the residual heat will melt the chocolate.
Add oil to chocolate. Once fully melted, stir ½ teaspoon of oil into each type of chocolate. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency for dipping, give the chocolate a glossy finish, and allow the chocolate to have a softer texture versus a hard crack when you bite it.
Prep baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with wax paper, parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

a twist pretzel being dipped into a clear glass bowl of white chocolate with more pretzels scattered around and a bowl of rainbow sprinkles in the background

a pretzel being lifted out of a bowl of melted white chocolate, coated in white chocolate with more pretzels scattered around and a bowl of rainbow sprinkles

Dip pretzels. Dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tool to fully coat it. Tap off any excess chocolate.

a chocolate covered pretzel being lifted out of a clear glass bowl full of melted chocolate, with a few pretzels scattered around, a white bowl of rainbow sprinkles and a clear glass bowl of melted white chocolate in the background

a chocolate coated pretzel being placed on a baking sheet beside other chocolate covered pretzels, two of which also have rainbow sprinkles on them

Place on baking sheet to set. Place the chocolate-covered pretzels on the lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other. This will allow the chocolate to set without sticking to each other.
Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the chocolate-covered pretzels with toppings like sprinkles, crushed nuts, or sea salt before the chocolate sets.
Let chocolate set. Allow the pretzels to sit at room temperature until the chocolate fully sets. If you want to add a drizzle, place a small amount of chocolate into a piping bag or sandwich bag. Cut a small hole in one corner, then carefully drizzle the chocolate over the pretzels.
Store and enjoy! Once the chocolate has set, you can store the chocolate-covered pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

a row of chocolate covered pretzel rods on a baking sheet with different toppings: first chocolate with mini marshmallows, next white chocolate with rainbow sprinkles, next white chocolate with crushed nuts and chocolate drizzle, next white chocolate with mini rainbow sprinkles, next chocolate drizzled with white chocolate, and then chocolate with m&ms

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Recipe Variations

Besides the standard chocolate or white chocolate pretzels, there are so many ways to customize these to make a festive treat for any special occasion! Here are some ideas:

Choose the right type of chocolate: This will ultimately be up to you and what you prefer, but I recommend reading my guide above on each type of chocolate I tested and what I found for each, so you can choose from there.
Toppings: Before the chocolate sets, you can add any toppings you like. Some ideas are sprinkles, crushed nuts, sea salt, crushed candy like M&Ms, Reese’s pieces, crushed candy canes, or any other candy you like.
Make them festive: Simply using different sprinkles can make these themed for any holiday (think pink and red for Valentine’s Day, orange and black for Halloween, red and green for Christmas). Try my New Year’s Eve version, too!
Any type of pretzels: You can dip any type of pretzels: pretzel twists and rods are the most popular.

two tall glasses, one filled with melted chocolate and the other filled with melted white chocolate, each with a pretzel rod stuck into them, a bowl of m&ms, and more pretzel rods and m&ms scattered around

a pretzel rod being dipped into a glass of melted chocolate with several small bowls of different toppings like m&ms and sprinkles in the background

Tips For Making Homemade Chocolate Covered Pretzels

This is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make, but technique is key. For best results when making this salty sweet treat, follow these tips:

Don’t overheat the chocolate: This is an important tip, as overheating the chocolate will change the texture and consistency. For best results, heat in 20-second intervals until it starts to melt, then use a spoon to stir so the residual heat melts the remaining chocolate.
Lining the sheet pan is key: It’s imperative to line your baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or wax paper. If not, the underside of the pretzels will stick to the pan as they set.
To speed up the setting process: If you’re in a hurry, you can set the pretzels in the refrigerator to make the chocolate set faster.
For pretzel rods: When ready to dip, transfer the melted chocolate into a tall, skinny glass for easy dipping.

Storing

Store chocolate covered pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

How long do Chocolate Covered Pretzels last?

When stored in an airtight container, chocolate covered pretzels can last up to one week.

Can you freeze Chocolate Covered Pretzels?

Yes, freeze the pretzels in an airtight container or ziploc bag for up to 3 months. I recommend separating layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick to each other.

More Pretzel Dessert Recipes

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Chocolate Covered Pretzel Recipe

By: Beth

Prep Time: 20

Set Time: 1

Servings:

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This is the ultimate guide to the best chocolate covered pretzels! I tested eight different types of chocolate and took detailed notes about melting times, taste, appearance, consistency, drying time, price, and more. Now you can make perfect chocolate pretzels with zero guesswork because I've done all the trial and error so you don't have to!

Ingredients

▢ Pretzels, twists, rods, whatever you prefer
▢ 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, *read notes, baking bar or chips, equal to 1 cup
▢ 8 oz white chocolate, *read notes, baking bar or chips, equal to 1 cup
▢ ½ tsp coconut oil or another neutral oil, for each type of chocolate you melt

Instructions

To melt the chocolate, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 20 second increments, stirring in between each interval. Usually, it takes about 3-4 intervals. Once you see smaller pieces remaining, stop microwaving and use a spoon to stir, as the residual heat will melt the chocolate.
Once fully melted, stir ½ teaspoon of oil into each type of chocolate. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency for dipping, give the chocolate a glossy finish, and allow the chocolate to have a softer texture versus a hard crack when you bite it.
Line a baking sheet with wax paper, parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tool to fully coat it. Tap off any excess chocolate. Pro tip for pretzel rods: transfer the melted chocolate into a tall, skinny glass for easy dipping.
Place the chocolate-covered pretzels on the lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other. This will allow the chocolate to set without sticking to each other.
Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the chocolate-covered pretzels with toppings like sprinkles, crushed nuts, or sea salt before the chocolate sets.
Allow the pretzels to sit at room temperature until the chocolate fully sets. If you want to add a drizzle, place a small amount of chocolate into a piping bag or sandwich bag. Cut a small hole in one corner, then carefully drizzle the chocolate over the pretzels.
Once the chocolate has set, you can store the chocolate-covered pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

Notes

Ultimately, the type of chocolate to use will depend on your personal preference.

That being said, if you are looking for a rich, deep chocolate flavor and you’re okay with waiting for them to dry, use Ghirardelli or Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar.
If you want middle-of-the-road chocolate with a quick dry time, I recommend Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Flavored Melting Wafers.
If you want the most cost-effective option, use Chocolate Almond Bark or White Chocolate Almond Bark.
If you want a pure white color, use Walmart Brand White Chocolate Almond Bark.
The chocolate chips were my least favorite because the mixture was very thick, even after adding additional oil.