White Chocolate Pretzels
These white chocolate pretzels are seriously addictive. I made them last weekend for a family get-together and they disappeared faster than anything else on the dessert table! The perfect combo of sweet and salty, with that satisfying crunch when you bite into them. White chocolate pretzels are super easy to make but look impressive enough for gifts or special occasions. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep making these year-round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest – store-bought chocolate pretzels can be disappointing. Either the chocolate coating is too thin or the pretzels are stale. This recipe solves all that by letting you control the quality and thickness of the white chocolate coating.
I first made these white chocolate covered pretzels when my kids had friends over unexpectedly. I was panicking about not having enough snacks when I remembered I had pretzels and some white chocolate chips in the pantry. The kids went crazy for them! Now they’re my go-to when I need something quick that looks like I spent way more time on it.
The best part? You can customize these a million ways – add sprinkles, crushed candy, or drizzle with dark chocolate for contrast. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or just because you’re craving something sweet and salty.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these amazing white chocolate pretzels:
For the Base Recipe:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) mini pretzels – I prefer the traditional twist shape but pretzel rods work great too
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or white chocolate baking bars – higher quality white chocolate melts better
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening – helps thin the chocolate for smoother dipping
For Decorating (Optional):
- Sprinkles – seasonal colors work great
- Crushed nuts – pistachios look amazing against the white chocolate
- Crushed candy canes – perfect for Christmas
- Sea salt – just a tiny pinch brings out the sweetness
- Colored candy melts – for drizzling
I honestly prefer using white chocolate baking bars instead of chips because they melt more smoothly, but chips work fine if that’s what you have. If you’re dairy-free, you can sub white chocolate alternatives, but they might need more coconut oil to get the right consistency.
How to Make White Chocolate Pretzels
Making these pretzels dipped in chocolate is super straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Prep your workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure you have space in your fridge or a cool place to set the chocolate.
- Melt the white chocolate: Place white chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until just melted. Be careful not to overheat! The chocolate should be smooth and glossy. If it seems too thick, add a bit more coconut oil.
- Dip the pretzels: Working with one pretzel at a time, dip it halfway into the melted white chocolate. Use a fork to gently tap off excess chocolate. For fully covered pretzels, drop the pretzel in completely, then lift out with a fork, tapping to remove excess.
- Add toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on any toppings you’re using. Work quickly as white chocolate sets faster than you’d expect!
- Set the chocolate: Place dipped pretzels on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Put them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes or let them set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
The white chocolate should look set and not be tacky to touch when they’re ready. The surface will go from shiny to slightly matte when completely set.
Tasty Variations
Want to take your white chocolate pretzels to the next level? Try these awesome variations:
Birthday Cake Pretzels: Mix colorful sprinkles into the white chocolate and add more on top for a funfetti look.
Cookies & Cream: Crush some Oreos and mix them into the white chocolate before dipping, or sprinkle on top.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the white chocolate covered pretzels and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Peppermint Crunch: Mix crushed candy canes into the white chocolate or sprinkle on top for a holiday favorite. These chocolate dipped pretzels christmas treats are always a hit at parties.
Tuxedo Pretzels: Dip pretzels in white chocolate, let set, then dip halfway in dark chocolate for an elegant look.
White Chocolate Pretzels
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Fork
Ingredients
- 8 oz about 2 cups mini pretzels (traditional twist shape or pretzel rods)
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or white chocolate baking bars
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening for smoother dipping
Optional Toppings:
- Sprinkles seasonal colors
- Crushed nuts e.g., pistachios
- Crushed candy canes perfect for Christmas
- Sea salt a tiny pinch for sweetness balance
- Colored candy melts for drizzling
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Place the white chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, add more coconut oil.
- Dip each pretzel halfway into the melted white chocolate, using a fork to tap off excess. For fully covered pretzels, dip completely and lift with a fork, tapping to remove excess.
- Add your desired toppings while the chocolate is still wet.
- Place the dipped pretzels on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes or set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is set.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ
How to melt white chocolate for dipping?
The microwave method works best for melting white chocolate for dipping pretzels. Use 50% power and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening makes it smoother for dipping. If you notice any lumps or the chocolate seems thick, keep stirring rather than heating more – sometimes the residual heat will melt the remaining pieces. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer.
Can you use white chocolate chips for dipping pretzels?
Yes, you can definitely use white chocolate chips for dipping pretzels! They’re actually super convenient. Just be aware they contain stabilizers that make them hold their shape in baking, so they sometimes need a bit more help to get smooth. Adding coconut oil or shortening helps create the right consistency. If your melted chips seem thick or clumpy, try adding a bit more oil.
What white chocolate chips melt best?
Ghirardelli and Guittard white chocolate chips consistently melt better than other brands. They have a higher cocoa butter content which means smoother melting. Store brands often contain less cocoa butter and more stabilizers, making them harder to work with. In a pinch, any brand will work if you add enough coconut oil, but the premium brands definitely make the process easier for this recipe for white chocolate pretzels.
Are white chocolate covered pretzels healthy?
Let’s be real – white chocolate covered pretzels aren’t exactly health food, but they’re not the worst treat either. Pretzels are generally lower in fat than many snacks, and if you make these at home, you control the amount of chocolate. You can make them somewhat healthier by using dark chocolate (which has antioxidants) instead of white chocolate, using yogurt coating, or just doing a partial dip to reduce the amount of chocolate. Everything in moderation!
What happened to the painted pretzel after Shark Tank?
The Painted Pretzel, featured on Shark Tank in 2012, got an investment from Mark Cuban and has been pretty successful since then. Owner Raven Thomas expanded from a home kitchen business to a commercial operation. The company still exists today and sells gourmet chocolate covered pretzels online and in select stores. Their white chocolate with pretzels products are among their bestsellers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something almost magical about the combination of crunchy pretzels and smooth white chocolate. Whenever I make these white chocolate pretzels, I think about how food brings people together. My mom used to make chocolate covered pretzel rods for special occasions, and now I’m continuing that tradition with my own twist.
These treats hit that perfect balance between fancy and approachable. They look impressive on a dessert table but are simple enough for beginners to make. Whether you’re making them as gifts, for a party, or just because it’s Tuesday, these white chocolate covered pretzels never disappoint.
Give this recipe a try and make it your own – experiment with different toppings, try various pretzel shapes, or mix up the chocolate types. Whatever you do, just be warned: they vanish quickly!