Chocolate Pretzel Trees Festive

These Chocolate Pretzel Trees are the perfect festive treat for parties and family gatherings when you want something cheerful and fun without lots of fuss. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of creativity, you get adorable bite-size sweets that look just as good as they taste. Kids love making them as much as they love eating them and they disappear quickly at any holiday spread.

My first batch came together during a holiday movie night and everyone ended up sneaking back to the kitchen for seconds before the opening credits had finished. Now it is a yearly tradition with a new sprinkle mix each time.

Ingredients

• Almond bark or candy melts: this forms the delicious coating and holds the trees together look for fresh almond bark with no chalky spots or off smell
• Mini pretzel sticks: these form the trunks and branches choose brands that are crisp and not broken for the best tree shape
• Sprinkles: any variety you like use colorful ones to add flair for any event avoid any sprinkles with a musty smell or faded color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Arrange Pretzels:

Lay out the mini pretzel sticks on a wax paper lined baking sheet in a loose arrow shape with three or four sticks stacked at an angle for each tree. The sticks should touch at the base to give support but leave plenty of space for the chocolate to fill in gaps.

Melt Chocolate:

Place almond bark or candy melts into a microwave safe bowl and heat for thirty seconds. Stir well to see how much is melted. Continue microwaving in fifteen second bursts stirring very well between each until you have a completely smooth glossy texture. Do not overheat or you risk drying the chocolate.

Prepare for Drizzling:

Spoon the melted chocolate into a sturdy zip-top bag. Squeeze out the extra air then snip a tiny piece off one corner with scissors so you have a small opening for piping just like a pastry bag.

Drizzle Chocolate:

With a slow steady hand drizzle the melted chocolate over each group of pretzel sticks. Begin at the top and zigzag back and forth working down to the base. Make sure to cover the spaces between pretzels so the tree holds together when set.

Decorate:

While the chocolate is still wet quickly add your favorite sprinkles scattering them over the chocolate. Press larger sprinkles in lightly to keep them in place.

Let Set:

Allow the pretzel trees to rest on the counter or in a cool spot for approximately twenty minutes or until the chocolate is fully firm. Once set gently peel them away from the wax paper.

Pin it

I love adding a pinch of edible glitter with the sprinkles for an extra shimmer. My family laughs every time we end up with chocolate fingers after setting them up and someone always sneaks a still melty one straight from the tray.

Storage Tips

Store chocolate pretzel trees in an airtight container layered with parchment or wax paper so they do not stick together. They stay crispy at room temperature for about one week. If your house is warm refrigerate them so the chocolate does not get soft and lose shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

White or dark chocolate chips work instead of almond bark just add a teaspoon of coconut oil for smooth melting. You can swap sunflower seed sticks for pretzels to make a wheat free version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chocolate pretzel trees on a festive tray or wrap them in cellophane for easy gifts. They look beautiful tucked around a cake as edible decorations or strung with a ribbon for edible ornaments.

Pin it

Cultural and Holiday Traditions

Making themed chocolates like this is a tradition in many families especially around Christmas and Hanukkah. Kids love contributing by adding their own sprinkle designs and it makes everyone feel included in the holiday preparations. Chocolate covered treats are also a classic at cookie swaps and church gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chocolate is best for drizzling?

Almond bark or candy melts work well since they melt smoothly and set firmly, making them ideal for coating and drizzling over pretzels.

→ Can I use regular chocolate instead of almond bark?

Yes, but regular chocolate may need to be tempered to prevent blooming. Almond bark and candy melts offer easier handling for this snack.

→ How long do these treats take to set?

Usually about 20 minutes at room temperature; placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator can speed up the process.

→ What sprinkles work best for decoration?

Mini pearls, nonpareils, or colorful sugar sprinkles add festive appeal and stick nicely to melted chocolate.

→ How should I store these chocolate pretzel trees?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their crunch and freshness.

→ Can children help with these treats?

Absolutely! Kids can assist with arranging pretzels and sprinkling decorations, making this a fun family-friendly project.