Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels are the ultimate holiday treat, combining sweet, salty, and minty flavors in one festive bite. These easy-to-make delights are perfect for cookie trays, gift bags, or as a quick holiday snack. With just three ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks as good as it tastes!
Why You Will Love Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just a few steps, with no baking required.
- Holiday-Perfect: Festive and colorful, they’re ideal for gift-giving or holiday party platters.
- Sweet and Salty Combo: The balance of the salty pretzels and sweet candy coating makes these irresistible.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only three ingredients needed, making this an affordable and stress-free recipe.
Ingredients Notes
- Mini Pretzel Twists or Crisps: Both shapes work well for this recipe. Pretzel twists provide a classic look, while crisps offer a flat surface for easier coating.
- White Candy Melts: These melt smoothly and harden quickly. You can substitute with white chocolate chips, but you may need to add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for better consistency.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Add a festive peppermint crunch. Pre-crushed peppermint pieces or peppermint bark bits are also great alternatives.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Fork (or candy dipping tools, optional)
How to Make Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Melt the Candy Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white candy melts according to package instructions. Typically, this involves microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Pretzels
- Using a fork or candy-dipping tool, dunk each pretzel into the melted candy coating, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Gently shake the fork to remove any excess coating and transfer the coated pretzel to the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Add the Peppermint Crunch
Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over the wet candy coating. Repeat with the remaining pretzels.
Step 5: Set and Serve
Allow the candy coating to harden completely at room temperature or speed up the process by chilling the pretzels in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Once set, they are ready to serve or package.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
- Serve these pretzels on a holiday cookie tray or alongside hot cocoa for a festive treat.
- Wrap them in cellophane bags with a ribbon for a thoughtful edible gift.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: If stored in the fridge, keep them sealed to avoid moisture affecting the candy coating.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels: Swap white candy melts for dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a rich twist.
- Drizzle Design: After coating in white candy melts, drizzle with red or green melted candy melts for added holiday flair.
- Nutty Delight: Add crushed nuts, like pistachios or pecans, alongside the crushed candy canes for extra crunch.
Helpful Notes
- Candy Melt Consistency: If your melted candy coating becomes too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin it out.
- Prevent Mess: Work in small batches to avoid the candy coating hardening in the bowl before you finish coating all the pretzels.
- Peppermint Dusting: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes immediately after coating, as the candy melts harden quickly.
Tips from Well-Known Bakers
- Sally McKenney: “Always use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.”
- Martha Stewart: “Crush candy canes in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin for uniform pieces and minimal mess.”
- Ina Garten: “For an upscale touch, use high-quality chocolate melts and garnish with a light dusting of edible glitter.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use regular white chocolate instead of candy melts?
Yes, but you may need to add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to help it melt smoothly and set properly.
2. How do I prevent the candy melts from hardening too quickly?
Work in small batches and keep the bowl of melted candy coating warm by placing it over a bowl of hot water.
3. Can I use flavored candy melts?
Absolutely! Vanilla, peppermint, or any festive flavor will work beautifully.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these pretzels store well and can be made up to a week in advance.
5. What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet. For finer pieces, pulse them in a food processor.
These Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels are an easy and festive way to sweeten up your holiday celebrations. Whether for gifting or enjoying at home, they’re guaranteed to bring a touch of holiday magic!
