This Christmas pretzel rod recipe is a classic Christmas treat. They are easy to make, look beautiful, and taste delicious. Serve these Christmas pretzel rods at your next party or gathering.

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chocolate covered pretzel rods placed on a plate

Christmas pretzel rods recipe

One thing I love about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. The Christmas pretzel rods are a no bake treat. You simply melt the almond bark, dip the chocolate, and then decorate them. The almond bark is quickly melted in the microwave (only taking about 30-60 seconds). Then the pretzel rods are ready to be dipped and decorated. I am always surprised how quickly the pretzels dry so make sure to decorate fast. You don’t have to wait very long to enjoy them.

I made 2-3 dozen of these pretzel rods when I prepared this recipe. In order to free up space on the parchment paper, I moved the pretzel rods to a large rectangle food storage container once they were dry. This allowed me to continue to dip more pretzels and make a large quantity.

This is one of my family’s favorite Christmas treats to make each year. I typically make a large variety of no bake Christmas treats – Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Trees, Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats, and Cookie Butter Puppy Chow to name a few. I can give them to neighbors or bring them to goodie swaps. They are always a hit and enjoyed by all!

Ingredients in Christmas pretzel rods

Pretzel rods: You will want the full sized pretzel rods.
Chocolate and vanilla almond bark: It melts perfectly for the pretzels to be dipped in. Use both colors for a lovely color contrast and to use the opposite color to drizzle.
Christmas sprinkles: grab any festive Christmas sprinkles you like.

How to make chocolate covered pretzel rods

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place chocolate and vanilla almond bark in separate microwave safe bowls.
Melt the almond bark according to package instructions (usually its about 1 minute of microwaving). Stir the almond bark to ensure it is smooth and completely melted. Microwave in additional 20 second increments if needed.
Pour the almond bark into two tall glasses to make it easier to dip (one glass for vanilla and one for chocolate).
Dip the pretzel and then give it a gentle shake and allow some of the excess chocolate to run off.
Lay the pretzel on the parchment paper.
Decorating with sprinkles: Before the almond bark dries, toss on sprinkles.
Decorating with almond bark drizzle: Allow the pretzel to completely dry and then use a spoon to drizzle on almond bark of the opposite flavor. Drizzle in a back and forth motion.
Allow them to dry and transfer to a platter to serve.

Why you will love this recipe

Easy and quick: These chocolate covered pretzel rods are very fast to make. The almond bark dries quickly so they are ready to enjoy!

Make ahead: This can easily be made ahead and can be in stored in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Kid friendly: This recipe is a hit among kids. They enjoy making them and eating them.

Fun family activity: This is a great recipe to make as a family. My kids can assist with dipping the pretzels or tossing on the sprinkles. I should warn you though, if you make this with kids there is a lot of almond bark and sprinkles consumed during the process!

Equipment needed

9 x 13 baking pan
Microwave safe bowl to melt the almond bark
Spoon to drizzle

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FAQ

Store in an air tight container on the countertop so they do not go stale.

Yes, almond bark can be melted on the stovetop instead of in the microwave. You will need to use a double boiler to melt the almond bark on the stovetop. This will use steam to melt the almond bark and prevent it from burning.

I use a large spoon to dip into the vanilla almond bark and then drizzle it in a back and forth motion over the chocolate dipped pretzel rod. The color contrast is beautiful and it tastes delicious.

After you have dipped the pretzels, give them a gentle shake to let excess chocolate fall back into the dipping container. If your pretzels still have excess almond bark that dries when you lay them down you can simply break it off once they are dry.

Substitutions

Almond bark: “Candy melts” or “Chocolate candy wafers” can be used in substitution for almond bark.

Christmas sprinkles: You can also decorate with mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, or red and green mini m&ms. I would recommend the “mini” versions of the all the things mentioned as they will stick easier to the pretzel rod.

Christmas pretzels rods laid out on a plate to display

What to serve Christmas pretzel rods with

Christmas pretzel rods are a classic Christmas treat. Serve them alongside other Christmas treats or pair them with any dinner recipe! See below for more Christmas themed treats.

More Christmas treats to enjoy

Add these Christmas treats to your next Christmas gathering! They are quick and easy to prepare. Many of them are no bake recipes for even more ease.

Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Trees

Festive Christmas Rice Krispie Treats

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars without Eggs

Cookie Butter Puppy Chow (without Peanut Butter)

Peanut Free No Bake Cookies

How to store

Once the pretzels are completely dry, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them on the countertop.

Tips for success

Have the parchment paper ready to go before you melt the almond bark.
Pour the melted almond bark into a tall glass to make dipping easier.
After you have dipped the pretzel rod, shake it gently and allow some of the excess chocolate to run off before laying it on the parchment paper.