Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Trees

These Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Trees bring together sweet and salty in a playful, festive way perfect for holiday gatherings. They are easy to make, fun to decorate, and always a crowd-pleaser that adds a homemade touch to your celebrations. I first made these with my kids a few years ago, and now it has become a holiday tradition that everyone looks forward to each year.

Ingredients

• Four cups mini pretzels: their small size makes it easy to build tree shapes and provides a satisfying crunch
• Two cups chocolate chips: you can choose dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference, look for good quality chips to ensure smooth melting and rich flavor
• One tablespoon coconut oil: optional helps the chocolate melt more evenly and adds a glossy finish
• One cup green candy melts: these create that classic Christmas tree color, pick a brand that melts smoothly without clumping
• One cup assorted candies such as M&Ms and sprinkles: these are the decorations that add color and festive charm, choose your favorites or seasonal-themed candies
• Green edible glitter: optional adds sparkle and a magical look to the finished trees

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit which ensures the pretzels are slightly warmed and ready for assembly without melting the chocolate later.

Arrange the pretzels in tree shapes:

Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet and form clusters of mini pretzels that stack into small triangular tree shapes. Take your time to arrange them firmly so they hold their shape.

Melt the chocolate and coconut oil:

Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well each time until smooth and fully melted. This step is crucial for a silky coating.

Dip the pretzel trees in chocolate:

Using a fork or skewer, carefully dip each pretzel tree into the melted chocolate, making sure it is fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off back into the bowl.

Decorate while chocolate is wet:

Place the chocolate-coated trees onto fresh parchment paper and quickly add your candies so they stick well to the wet chocolate surface for a festive look.

Chill until set:

Transfer the decorated trees to the refrigerator and chill for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the chocolate harden completely so the decorations stay in place.

Drizzle green candy melts:

Melt your green candy melts in a microwave or double boiler. Using a piping bag or spoon, drizzle the candy melts over the trees in a random or patterned way to mimic pine needles and add color.

Optional sparkle:

For a festive finishing touch, sprinkle green edible glitter over the trees while the candy melts are still wet for extra shine and magic.

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Storage Tips

Store the finished pretzel trees in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. Keeping them cool prevents the chocolate from becoming sticky or melting. These treats keep well for up to a week but are best enjoyed within a few days for maximum freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap pretzels for small cookies or crackers for a different texture. If you do not have coconut oil, just use chocolate chips alone though the coating may be less glossy. Any small candy decorations like mini gumdrops or crushed peppermint can replace candy melts or sprinkles if you want a different holiday look

Serving Suggestions

These pretzel trees are perfect as edible gifts or party favors when wrapped in clear bags with ribbons. Serve alongside hot cocoa or holiday punch for a complete festive snack table. They make charming cupcake toppers or can be incorporated into dessert platters to add crunch and color

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chocolate works best for coating?

Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips all melt well and can be chosen based on your preferred sweetness and flavor.

→ Can I use different pretzels for this treat?

Mini pretzels with a crunchy texture work best, but feel free to experiment with other sizes or shapes for variation.

→ How can I decorate the pretzel trees?

Use colorful candies like M&Ms or sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet, and add a drizzle of green candy melts for a festive touch.

→ Is there a way to add extra shine or sparkle?

Yes, sprinkling green edible glitter after decorating adds a beautiful sparkle that enhances the holiday feel.

→ How should I store these treats to keep them fresh?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain crunchiness and prevent the chocolate from melting.