Christmas Chocolate Pretzels Recipe

As we dig out our favorite sweaters and queue up the classic holiday tunes, there’s another tradition that I eagerly anticipate: whipping up batches of scrumptious Christmas Chocolate Pretzels. Every year, these delightful treats grace our holiday table, and the joy they bring is as heartwarming as the first snowfall.

For those who have yet to indulge in this festive fusion of salty and sweet, let me share the magic of my go-to holiday recipe. From the satisfying crunch of the pretzels to the velvety caress of the melted chocolate draping over them — these pretzels are more than just a snack; they’re a celebration in every bite. And the best part? With just a few simple ingredients and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create these edible treasures that promise to be as fun to make as they are to eat.

How to make Christmas Chocolate Pretzels

Christmas Chocolate Pretzels are a festive treat that combines pretzels with chocolate and other seasonal toppings. They’re a popular holiday snack because they offer a delightful combination of salty and sweet flavors and can be easily customized for Christmas-themed presentations.

Ingredients

• Pretzels: You can choose any shape you like, such as traditional twists or fun holiday shapes like stars and trees.
• Chocolate: You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate. Consider quality chocolate bars or melting wafers for easier handling.
• Toppings: For an added crunch, you can add a variety of festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even finely chopped nuts.
• Optional: Add additional flavors like sea salt, caramel drizzle, or white chocolate drizzle for a contrast in color and taste.

Instructions

Preparation:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to place your dipped pretzels on.
2. If using chocolate bars, chop the chocolate into small, even pieces for uniform melting.

Melting the Chocolate:

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. For the double boiler method, put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
2. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.

Dipping the Pretzels:

1. Dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate. Gently shake off any excess chocolate and scrape the backside of the pretzel against the rim of the bowl. This helps achieve an even coating without clumps.
2. Lay the coated pretzel on the prepared baking sheet.

Adding Toppings:

1. Sprinkle your choice of toppings over the chocolate while it’s still wet. If you’re using multiple toppings, create a pattern or a decorative design.

Setting the Chocolate:

1. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature until hard. To ensure a quicker setting, refrigerate the pretzels for about 15 minutes.
2. For an extra festive touch, use a fork or a piping bag to drizzle melted chocolate in a contrasting color over the set pretzels.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Chocolate Pretzels

• Avoid Water: Do not let water get into your melting chocolate; even a small drop can cause it to seize up and become grainy.
• Temperature Control: When melting chocolate in the microwave, the key is low and slow; overheating can burn the chocolate.
• Creative Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. A mix of colors and flavors (like sweet and salty) can elevate the taste and appearance.
• Set Completely: Ensure the chocolate is completely set before storing or packing the pretzels to prevent them from sticking together.

What to serve with

Christmas Chocolate Pretzels are incredibly versatile and can be served with various holiday beverages and snacks.

Beverages

• Hot Chocolate: A classic pairing – the richness of hot chocolate goes perfectly with the crunch of chocolate pretzels.
• Mulled Wine: The spices in mulled wine complement the sweetness of chocolate beautifully.
• Eggnog: This creamy holiday staple pairs well with the salty pretzel base.
• Coffee and Espresso: A cup of coffee or a shot of espresso is a lovely counterpart to the sweetness, providing a balance of flavors and a caffeine kick.
• Peppermint Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, peppermint tea can enhance the chocolate flavors while offering a refreshing note.

Sweet Snacks

• Christmas Cookies: Various cookies such as gingerbread, sugar cookies, or snickerdoodles can make for a sweet and indulgent snack table.
• Candy Canes: These peppermint-flavored candies can add a pop of color and refreshing taste.
• Fruit Platter: Sliced winter fruits like oranges, pears, and apples provide a fresh and juicy contrast to the rich chocolate pretzels.

Savory Snacks

• Mixed Nuts: Combining them with roasted almonds, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios can offer a variety of textures and flavors.
• Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, paired with crackers can balance the palate after something sweet.
• Charcuterie: Sliced meats, such as salami or prosciutto, can bring a savory and hearty element to the mix.

Desserts

• Ice Cream: When serving pretzels as a dessert, pair them with vanilla or peppermint ice cream.
• Cheesecake: The richness of cheesecake works well with the crunchy texture of the pretzels.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Christmas Chocolate Pretzels is a fun and festive kitchen activity, but sometimes you might not have all the ingredients on hand. Don’t worry; there are plenty of substitutes that can help you customize and still create delightful treats.

Pretzels

Substitute: If you lack pretzels, you can use salted crackers or saltines as a base. These items similarly provide a crunchy and salty component that contrasts well with the sweetness of the chocolate. Mini rice cakes or popcorn can also be drizzled with chocolate for a similar salty-sweet experience.

Chocolate

• Milk Chocolate: If you’re out of milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate can be melted as an alternative. These might offer a richer taste. For a non-dairy alternative, use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• White Chocolate: White chocolate can be substituted with almond bark or candy melts if you want a similar aesthetic but have dietary restrictions or preferences. Candy melts come in various colors, which can add a vibrant touch to your treats.

Toppings

• Sprinkles: If you don’t have sprinkles, crushed candy canes or chopped nuts (almonds, pecans) make for festive and tasty alternatives. Freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries can also add a pop of color and a slight tartness.
• Coconut: Shredded coconut can be substituted with finely chopped nuts or oat flakes for a different texture.
• Sea Salt: For a gourmet twist, if you’re out of sea salt, try using a pinch of flavored salt like smoked salt, or simply omit it if you prefer.

Shortening (if used for thinning chocolate)

Substitute: Coconut oil is a great alternative to shortening when melting chocolate. It helps keep the chocolate smooth and thin enough for dipping or drizzling without significantly affecting the flavor.

Final Thoughts

Remember, making Christmas Chocolate Pretzels is all about having fun and being creative. The essence of this treat is the delightful contrast between salty and sweet, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of bases, chocolates, and toppings based on what you have available or prefer. No matter your substitutes, the resulting treats will surely bring holiday cheer.

More Chocolate Recipes:

• Starbucks Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Recipe
• White Chocolate Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
• Dunkin’ Toasted White Chocolate Latte Recipe
• White Chocolate Alfredo Recipe