Get ready for some fun fall treats with pumpkin pretzel rods! These crunchy snacks are dipped in creamy pumpkin-flavored chocolate, making them sweet and salty at the same time.
Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during a cozy movie night, these pretzel rods are a cute way to celebrate the season. I can’t resist pairing them with a warm drink! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzel Rods: These provide the salty base for your treat. You can use regular pretzel rods or go gluten-free by choosing gluten-free pretzels. They are both delicious!
Orange Candy Melts: Candy melts are perfect for coating because they harden nicely. If you can’t find orange candy melts, you can always use white chocolate mixed with orange food coloring. It’s a simple swap!
Chocolate Chips: The optional dark or milk chocolate adds variety. If you want a different taste, try using white chocolate or flavored chips like peanut butter or butterscotch.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend captures the essence of fall. If you don’t have it, you can make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Just about 1/4 tsp of each should do the trick!
Sprinkles: Get creative with sprinkles! If you don’t have orange and white, try any seasonal sprinkles, or even chopped nuts or coconut for a different look.
How Do I Melt Candy Melts Without Burning Them?
Melted candy melts can easily burn if not monitored closely. To avoid this, follow these tips:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, 30 seconds at a time.
- After each interval, stir the melts even if they don’t seem fully melted. This helps them heat evenly.
- Don’t overdo it – if they still have some lumps, keep stirring until smooth.
- Consider using a double boiler if you’d prefer stovetop melting, where you place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
This careful melting will give you that perfect dip for your pretzel rods!
How to Make Pumpkin Pretzel Rods
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 40 pretzel rods
- 12 oz orange candy melts (or white chocolate with orange food coloring)
- 6 oz dark or milk chocolate chips (optional for variety)
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (optional, for flavor)
- Orange and white round sprinkles (or any fall-themed sprinkles)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll want to chill the pretzel rods for about 15–20 minutes until everything is set. In less than an hour, you’ll be ready to enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Workspace:
Start by preparing a clean baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This way, your pretzel rods won’t stick as they cool!
2. Melt the Orange Candy Melts:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the orange candy melts. Heat them in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval until they are smooth and melted. If you’d like, mix in the pumpkin pie spice for an extra burst of autumn flavor!
3. Melt the Chocolate Chips (Optional):
If you’re using dark or milk chocolate chips, melt them in a separate bowl using the same method: heat in 30-second intervals and stir until smooth.
4. Dip the Pretzel Rods:
Take a pretzel rod and dip it halfway into the melted orange candy melts (or chocolate). Allow any excess coating to drip back into the bowl. Make sure to cover it generously!
5. Add the Sprinkles:
Immediately sprinkle the dipped part with your orange and white sprinkles before the coating sets. Get creative with your sprinkle choices if you’d like! It’s a fun way to make them festive.
6. Cool the Coated Pretzels:
Place the coated pretzel rods on the lined baking sheet. Let them cool completely until the coating hardens. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes to set quickly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the coating is hard, arrange your beautiful pumpkin pretzel rods on a serving platter. Enjoy these sweet treats at a fall gathering, or pack them up as fun gifts for friends! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Your deliciously sweet and crunchy pumpkin pretzel rods are ready for snacking! Perfect for celebrating the fall season!
Can I Use Regular Chocolate Instead of Candy Melts?
Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips instead of candy melts. Just melt them the same way, but be aware that they may not harden as firmly as candy melts, so handle them carefully after dipping.
How Long Do These Pretzel Rods Last?
Pumpkin pretzel rods can last for about 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure they are kept away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain their freshness!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pretzel rods as a substitute for the regular ones. They’ll still provide that satisfying crunch!
What Other Sprinkles Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can use any type of sprinkle you have on hand, such as chocolate sprinkles, colored sugar, or even nuts for a different texture. It’s a fun way to personalize your pretzel rods!
