Name: Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 whole pretzel rods (1 10/12 oz. bag); 12 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, chopped; 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening; 1 teaspoon corn syrup; 3 ounces vanilla/white almond bark, chopped (optional); Sprinkles, crushed candy canes, toffee bits, mini candies, chopped nuts, crushed Oreos/cookies, shredded coconut, etc. (optional, quantity as desired)

Crunchy, salty pretzels meet rich, smooth chocolate in this delightful treat you can whip up anytime. This Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks Recipe is a perfect mix of sweet and salty that’s fun to make and even better to eat — trust me, they disappear fast around here!

A row of long pretzel sticks lies on white marbled surface, each dipped in dark or white chocolate coating about two-thirds of their length. The chocolate is decorated with different types of sprinkles: small red, green, and white round candies, larger white pearl-like beads, and some gold sugar crystals. Some pretzels have extra white icing drizzled over the chocolate in thin zig-zag lines. The pretzel ends are bare, showing their golden brown, textured surface. The colors contrast brightly against the smooth chocolate and rough pretzels, making a festive and colorful look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making chocolate covered pretzel sticks is a little ritual I’ve come to treasure. They’re wonderfully simple yet can be dressed up any way you like. Plus, the combination of textures and flavors always wins over everyone in my family.

Quick and Easy: You need just a handful of ingredients and about an hour from start to finish—not a bad trade for homemade chocolate magic.
Customizable Toppings: Mix and match sprinkles, nuts, crushed cookies, or candy to suit your mood or occasion.
Perfect Snack or Gift: These stick treats make for an eye-catching party snack or a thoughtful homemade gift.
Great for All Ages: Kids love helping dip and decorate while grown-ups adore the sweet-salty flavor combo.

Five long pretzel rods lie side by side on a white marbled textured surface. Each rod is coated halfway down from the top in different layers of smooth chocolate and white icing, with colorful round sprinkles covering or decorating the chocolate. The first pretzel has a dark brown chocolate base covered by a mix of red, green, and white round sprinkles; the second is coated with dark chocolate drizzled with white icing in a zigzag pattern; the third is fully coated in white icing with red, green, and white round sprinkles; the fourth is dipped in dark chocolate and covered with a white icing drizzle and small golden sprinkles; the fifth is partially visible but shows a mix of chocolate, white icing, and red sprinkles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks Recipe plays its part to deliver crunch, snap, and that luscious chocolate coating. I always recommend using quality chocolate and fresh pretzels for the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of whole pretzel rods arranged neatly, a small pile of chopped semisweet baking chocolate chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of coconut oil, a small white ceramic bowl with clear corn syrup, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chopped vanilla almond bark, a white ceramic bowl containing crushed candy canes, a white ceramic bowl with colorful sprinkles, a white ceramic bowl of chopped nuts, and a white ceramic bowl of shredded coconut, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pretzel Rods: Straight pretzel rods are perfect for dipping and have that satisfying crunch you want with chocolate.
Semisweet Baking Chocolate: Provides the right balance of sweetness without overwhelming the salty pretzel.
Coconut Oil or Vegetable Shortening: Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and gives the coating a nice shiny finish.
Corn Syrup: Adds gloss and helps keep the chocolate coating soft enough to bite into easily.
Vanilla/White Almond Bark (optional): Ideal for drizzling without the fuss white chocolate sometimes gives — it melts easily and sets quickly.
Toppings: Your playground! Sprinkles, crushed candy canes, nuts, cookies, and more for extra flavor and visual appeal.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap toppings depending on the season or my mood, and I encourage you to try your own fun combos too.

Variation: Once, I added a sprinkle of chili powder for a surprise kick. It was a hit at a game night! Don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected flavors like sea salt flakes, cinnamon sugar, or even crushed freeze-dried fruit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

I always start by lining a large baking sheet or counter space with parchment paper—that way, your pretzels have a clean spot to dry without sticking. Get your toppings ready too; having everything within arm’s reach makes the whole process smoother.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Combine the semisweet chocolate, coconut oil (or shortening), and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 60 seconds, stir well, then continue heating at 30-second intervals until silky smooth. Stir between each burst — trust me, this keeps the chocolate from scorching and getting grainy.

Step 3: Dip the Pretzels

Transfer the melted chocolate to a glass or narrow container — it makes dipping easier. Dip each pretzel rod about two-thirds of the way in, gently twisting so the chocolate covers evenly. Hold it over the bowl to let excess drip off, then place it on the parchment.

Step 4: Add Your Toppings

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your favorite toppings over the pretzel sticks. This is where the magic happens—whether it’s toffee bits, crushed Oreos, or festive sprinkles, it adds flavor and personality. If you want to drizzle white almond bark later, hold back on adding some toppings now so they’ll show under that pretty drizzle.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Set the pretzels on the counter for about 30-40 minutes at room temperature to harden. Resist the temptation to pop them in the fridge—the rapid chill can cause the chocolate to bloom (those pesky white streaks) and pooling at the base.

Step 6: Optional White Chocolate Drizzle

Melt the vanilla almond bark with a little coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth but not too thin. Pour the melted almond bark into a small plastic bag, snip a tiny corner, then drizzle over the pretzels as you like. If you want, sprinkle a few more toppings on top while the drizzle is still wet.

Step 7: Final Set and Enjoy

Let everything set again at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm. Then, it’s time to enjoy your beautifully crunchy, chocolaty pretzel sticks!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks Recipe probably dozens of times, and a few small tweaks really make a difference to how perfect your treats turn out.

Chocolate Tempering Shortcut: Melting chocolate slowly at half power in the microwave and stirring well keeps the texture smooth and shiny—don’t rush this step!
Keep It Dry: Make sure your dipping tools and pretzels are dry; even a drop of water can turn your chocolate lumpy or seize it up.
Work Fast When Dipping: Chocolate cools and thickens quickly, so work in small batches to avoid re-melting multiple times, which can dull the finish.
Parchment Paper is Key: Never skip lining your surface; it prevents the chocolate from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks Recipe

chocolate covered pretzels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a mix of colorful nonpareils or festive crushed candy canes when the seasons roll around. Toasted chopped nuts add a lovely crunchy contrast, and shredded coconut brings a tropical flair that’s surprisingly addictive. Choose your garnishes to match the occasion or your taste buds.

Side Dishes

These pretzel sticks pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk — perfect for dipping and dunking. I sometimes serve them alongside fresh fruit or a simple vanilla yogurt dip for an easy dessert platter anyone can enjoy.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange my chocolate covered pretzel sticks in mason jars tied with twine or placed upright in a decorated flowerpot filled with colorful foil or shredded paper. They also make fun edible “bouquets” when gathered in a wrapped bouquet sleeve—a guaranteed conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once set, store your chocolate covered pretzel sticks in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat and humidity. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to a week — just make sure they’re kept dry to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Yes, freezing works well! I wrap pretzels individually in parchment paper and lay them flat in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying. The chocolate's texture stays surprisingly good after freezing.

Reheating

These treats are best served cold or at room temp, so reheating isn’t really needed. If you want to soften the chocolate slightly, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave (watch carefully!) can help — but don’t overdo it or you’ll lose that crisp chocolate shell.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of semisweet?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate makes for a creamier, sweeter coating while dark chocolate gives a richer, more intense flavor. Just be mindful that the sweetness and melting points vary a bit, so you may want to adjust the coconut oil amount slightly for smooth dipping.

Why do I need corn syrup in the chocolate?

Corn syrup gives the chocolate a beautiful glossy finish and keeps it from cracking or getting too hard when it sets. If you don’t have corn syrup, you could try a teaspoon of honey or golden syrup, but the texture might not be quite the same.

How do I prevent the chocolate from blooming or turning white?

Blooming happens when chocolate cools too quickly or has moisture exposure. Avoid refrigerating the pretzels to set the chocolate; instead, let them set at room temperature. Also, ensure everything's dry and work in a warm but not hot environment for best results.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the pretzel rods for gluten-free pretzel sticks, which are widely available at most grocery stores or online. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels to be sure.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks have become a staple in my kitchen—not just because they’re delicious, but because making them feels like a small celebration. Whether you're whipping up a batch for an afternoon snack, a party favor, or a holiday treat, they bring a little extra joy. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do—after all, life’s better with a little chocolate and crunch!