There’s something so joyful about making festive treats that bring both crunch and sweetness together in perfect harmony. These Chocolate Pretzel Trees are the perfect combination of salty pretzels and smooth, rich chocolate, shaped into adorable holiday decorations that make any gathering feel special and celebratory.
Not only do they taste incredible, but these treats are simple and quick to create, making them an ideal festive project for all ages. The contrast between the crunchy pretzel sticks and the creamy almond bark coating is simply irresistible and perfect for gifting or sharing during the holidays.
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and tools.
- Perfectly combines salty and sweet flavors for a satisfying treat.
- Customizable with colorful sprinkles to match any holiday theme.
- Fun activity for families and kids to create together.
Ingredients
- Almond Bark or Candy Melts (24 oz): Smooth, meltable coating that provides a glossy, sweet finish for the pretzel trees.
- Mini Pretzel Sticks (108 pieces): Crunchy salty base to form the tree shape and provide contrasting texture.
- Sprinkles (Any variety): Decorative sugar pearls or festive sprinkles to add vibrant colors and a fun visual appeal.
Instructions
- Arrange Pretzel Sticks in Tree Shapes
Place mini pretzel sticks onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet in an arrow or triangle formation to mimic a tree shape. Position them close enough to secure with chocolate, but leave enough gaps for the drizzle to flow through for a natural look.
- Melt the Almond Bark
Heat the almond bark in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir well to ensure smoothness. Continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring in between until fully melted and glossy. This careful melting process prevents lumps and achieves the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Prepare the Chocolate for Drizzling
Transfer the melted almond bark into a ziplock bag and carefully snip a tiny corner. This allows for controlled piping and easy drizzling over the pretzel trees to bind and decorate them simultaneously.
- Drizzle Chocolate Over Pretzel Trees
Starting at the tree tops, drizzle the melted chocolate in a zigzag pattern downward to cover and secure most pretzels. Fill in any gaps to create a cohesive look that mimics the shape of a festive tree.
- Add Sprinkles for Decoration
Immediately sprinkle colorful sugar pearls or other sprinkles over the wet chocolate to add sparkle and charm. Choose a mix of colors to evoke holiday cheer and make each tree uniquely festive.
- Allow the Chocolate to Set
Leave the baking sheet in a cool area for about 20 minutes until the almond bark hardens and the trees become firm to the touch. Proper setting ensures the trees keep their shape and are easy to handle or gift.
- Melted chocolate thickens quickly; keep it warm or gently reheat to maintain easy drizzling.
- Use wax paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal once set.
- Experiment with holiday-themed sprinkles for personalized decoration.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Chocolate Pretzel Trees in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crispness. Keep them away from heat or humidity to avoid melting or sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these treats on a festive platter alongside hot cocoa or mulled wine for cozy winter gatherings. They also make delightful edible gifts when packaged in cellophane and tied with a ribbon.
- Use high-quality almond bark or candy melts for a smooth finish and better melting behavior.
- Lightly toast pretzel sticks for an added depth of flavor and crunch.
- Keep a paper towel handy to quickly clean drizzling tool tips between trees for neat results.
FAQs
- Can I use regular chocolate instead of almond bark?
Regular chocolate can be used but may require tempering to set properly. Almond bark is easier for quick melting and firming without tempering.
- How long will the Chocolate Pretzel Trees stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain fresh for up to 1 week.
- Can I use different types of pretzels?
Mini pretzel sticks work best for shape and size, but larger pretzels can be used creatively for different designs.
- Is this recipe nut-free?
Check the almond bark ingredients, as some brands may contain tree nuts or be processed in facilities with nuts. Choose nut-free candy melts to make it safe.
- Can I add flavors to the chocolate?
Yes, add a few drops of peppermint or orange extract to the melted chocolate for a festive twist before drizzling.
Chocolate Pretzel Trees
Equipment
- 1 microwave-safe bowl
- 1 wax paper-lined baking sheet
- 1 ziplock bag for piping melted chocolate
Ingredients
- 24 oz almond bark or candy melts
- 108 mini pretzel sticks
- sprinkles any variety you like
Instructions
- Arrange pretzel sticks in an arrow formation on a wax paper-lined baking sheet to form the tree shape.
- Melt the almond bark or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds, stirring well for smoothness.
- Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and pourable.
- Transfer the melted chocolate into a ziplock bag and cut a small corner for easy drizzle piping.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pretzel formations using a zigzag motion from top to bottom.
- Sprinkle mini sugar pearls or colorful sprinkles on top to decorate.
- Let the trees set on the baking sheet for 20 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.
Notes
- Experiment with different sprinkles for unique designs.
- Keep melted chocolate warm to maintain its pourable consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
