↓
 

Lady Behind the Curtain

Bringing the simplicity of entertaining into your life

Everything you need to know about How to Decorate Pretzels

Lady Behind the Curtain Posted on by

Everything you need to know about How to Decorate Pretzels: Who can resist the irresistible combination of salty and sweet? Whether you’re munching on a soft, warm pretzel at a baseball game or indulging in a chocolate-dipped pretzel for a midnight snack, there’s something undeniably satisfying about this versatile snack. But have you ever thought about taking your pretzels to the next level and decorating them? With the rise of Instagram-worthy snacks, pretzel decorating has become a popular trend, and it’s not just for the professionals. In this post, I will cover everything you need to know about how to decorate pretzels, from the best types of pretzels to use to creative topping ideas. Get ready to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends with your pretzel-decorating skills!

Everything You Need to Know About Decorating Pretzels

It is an easy-to-make treat or dessert with the perfect combo of sweet and salty. Perfect for any occasion with tons of variations. This post will give you step-by-step instructions on how you can decorate pretzels like a pro, along with several videos. Stop paying someone else to make your treats—find out how easy it is to make them yourself! Scroll down for different techniques, videos, and ideas. PRETZEL POCKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE! WHAT’S A PRETZEL POCKET? FIND OUT BELOW↓

In this Post, You Will Learn 10 Different Techniques for Decorating Pretzels

  1. MELTED CANDY
  2. COVERING IN SPRINKLES
  3. DRIZZLE
  4. DRIZZLE AND SPRINKLES
  5. COVERING IN CARAMEL
  6. USING FREEZE-DRIED FRUIT
  7. MARBLING
  8. COMBINING CARAMEL AND MARBLING
  9. DRIPPING OVER SPRINKLES
  10. USING STORE BOUGHT FROSTING
  11. PLUS LOTS OF TIPS!

How to Keep One Side From Getting Flat

RICE! I fill a container with rice, insert the freshly decorated pretzels into the rice, and then place them in the refrigerator to harden. TIP: Ensure that the container you use is deep enough to accommodate the height of the pretzel.

Have a Problem with Candy Melts?

HERE IS A POST DEDICATED TO CANDY MELTS! Everything You Need To Know About Candy Melts: Candy melts are the most versatile treat medium. Scroll down (in the candy melt post) to find tons of tips and tricks. From what’s the best thinner to use, how to heat candy melts, what can be created with candy melts, and more!

The Many Uses of Decorated Pretzels

  • ADD TO A DESSERT TABLE: The perfect size for small spaces and adds a pop of color.
  • USE AS A CENTERPIECE ON A KIDS TABLE: Edible centerpiece? Perfect!
  • FILL SMALL CONTAINERS (like buckets) AND LINE THEM DOWN THE CENTER OF A TABLE TO SERVE AS A RUNNER
  • ADD DECORATED PRETZELS TO A PRETZEL TREAT BAG AND HAND THEM OUT AS PARTY FAVORS
  • DECORATE MINI PRETZELS AND PUT IN PLASTIC CANDY CANES (pictured above)
  • FILL AN EMPTY DECORATED CAN WITH MINI PRETZELS AND GIVE AS A GIFT—MAKES A GREAT SECRET SANTA GIFT! (pictured above)
  • ADD MINI DECORATED PRETZELS TO PUSH UP POPS AND CREATE A FUN DISPLAY (pictured above)

How to Add Color to Candy Wafers or Candy Melts

GOOD NEWS! If you can’t find the color you want or if the color scheme of your party is not a color offered in wafers or candy melts, you can color your own, allowing you to create unique colors. You can add color to melted candy BUT….ONLY USE AN OIL-BASED COLOR. Candy wafers and candy melts are made from an oil base, and THEY DO NOT LIKE WATER. Here is a great article from Wilton (the maker of candy melts) explaining→HOW TO COLOR CANDY MELTS CANDY

How to Store Decorated Pretzels

The easiest way is to store decorated pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature. Provided everything is fresh, to begin with, and the container is clean, dry, and has a tight seal, partially covered pretzel rods can stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks.

How to Decorate Pretzels—Techniques

Decorate Pretzels with Melted Candy—Let’s start with FIVE basic Techniques

Candy Melts from Wilton is my candy of choice.  They are easy to find (Michael’s or Walmart) and easy to work with.

  • Place a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet. 
  • Pour candy into a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Melt the candy in 30-second increments, stirring between each time. 
  • TIP:  If your candy melts, don’t get loose enough to dip into it. Add a little shortening, which will loosen the candy and make it easier to coat your pretzels.  
  • The key to coating the pretzel without the candy dripping everywhere is the temperature of the candy—not too hot and not too cold.
  • Once the candy has the right consistency, it’s time to dip. 
  • Put the pretzel tip in the bowl and use a spoon to drizzle and coat the pretzel. 
  • Putting candy melts (already melted) into a small mason jar is also a great way to dip your pretzels (all you have to do is submerge the pretzel). 
  • Swirl the pretzel to let any extra candy drip off, and tap on the side of the bowl or jar.
  • AT THIS POINT—USE THE COVERING-IN-SPRINKLES TECHNIQUE OR THE DRIZZLE TECHNIQUE

MY FAVORITE TOOL FOR MELTING CANDY AND KEEPING IT MELTED! PERFECT FOR LARGE JOBS.

Covering Pretzels with Sprinkles Technique

TIP: USING THE SAME COLOR OF CANDY MELTS WITH THE SAME COLOR SPRINKLES WILL HELP MAKE YOUR PRETZELS POP WITH COLOR!

  • Coat only 4 to 5 pretzels at a time with the melted candy for this method. 
  • Add sprinkles immediately. 
  • For adding sprinkles— put the sprinkles into a larger bowl and spoon the sprinkles over the pretzel, making sure to keep twisting it around (this helps cool off the candy and stops it from dripping into the sprinkles). 
  • Let the extra sprinkles fall into the bowl. 
  • Place finished pretzels on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet OR insert them into a container filled with rice.
  • Scoop up the leftover sprinkles to use again.

Drizzle Technique Over Candy Dipped Pretzels

A GREAT WAY TO ADD SEVERAL COLORS AND SPRINKLES!

  • Complete the first step of covering the pretzels with melted candy. 
  • Place covered pretzels on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the refrigerator until the candy has hardened (about 10 minutes). 
  • Melt the candy melts the same as you did with the coating. 
  • Put melted candy into squeeze bottles, zip-top bags, or piping bags with the tips cut off.  TIP: Only melt one color at a time.  Start with the darkest color and end with the lightest.  
  • Drizzle over pretzels in a back-and-forth motion and melt your next color….
  • OR…if you have a melting pot (pictured above), melt all the colors. Pour each color into a piping bag, and close the top of each bag with a rubber band. DO NOT SNIP THE END. Place the filled piping bags into a hot melting pot. This will keep all the colors piping hot, so be careful when handling. Sometimes, I have to use a paper towel as a barrier. Lay pretzels next to each other (single file), leaving some space for the candy to fall. Snip the end of each piping bag as you use them. In a back-and-forth sweeping motion, add the drizzle.
  • Make sure to start with the darkest color and work up to the lightest.
  • Set aside to harden or add sprinkles.

Another Great Tip for the Drizzle Technique:

Once you have added the drizzle onto the pretzels—lift them straight up and transport them to a clean sheet of parchment—leaving behind the extra melted candy and letting the pretzels harden on a clean sheet.

Decorate Pretzels with the Drizzle and Sprinkle Techniques

  • Complete the melted candy-covered pretzel step, and then use the drizzle method.
  • Lightly sprinkle the sprinkles on top of the drizzle. 
  • NOTE:  You still want to see the drizzle effect through the sprinkles.

Decorate Pretzels with the Caramel Technique


CREATE A PRETZEL WITH A LITTLE SURPRISE INSIDE…CARAMEL!

I have experimented with four different caramel options in the past and thought I would share them again in this post. You can decide which one is your favorite. Some of the caramel options are easier than others.

CARAMEL BITS

CARAMEL BITS: Heat the caramel bits for 1 minute, stir, and heat for an additional 30 seconds. Set aside for 5 minutes. Dip the pretzels and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. I wasn’t too impressed with the caramel bits. They were very messy, and I had to dip them twice to get enough caramel coating.

MELTABLES

SALTED CARAMEL MELTING CANDY: I found this melting candy at Michael’s. The brand is Sweet Tooth Fairy Meltables Salted Caramel. If you use the melting candy, pour it into a microwave-safe container ( I used a tall glass cup) and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening. Heat for 1 minute and stir until the candy is melted. Place the dipped pretzels on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. To harden, either set them aside on the counter or, for quicker results, place them in the refrigerator (about 10 minutes).

WRAPPLES

SALTED CARAMEL MELTING CANDY: I found this melting candy at Michael’s. The brand is Sweet Tooth Fairy Meltables Salted Caramel. If you use the melting candy, pour it into a microwave-safe container ( I used a tall glass cup) and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening. Heat for 1 minute and stir until the candy is melted. Place the dipped pretzels on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. To harden, either set them aside on the counter or, for quicker results, place them in the refrigerator (about 10 minutes).

WRAPPED CARAMELS

WRAPPED CARAMELS: If you can’t find the Wrapples caramel wraps, this is the next best option. Use 2-3 caramels per pretzel. Unwrap four caramels, microwave them for 10 seconds, and mold them around the pretzel. Only cover one pretzel at a time; repeat until all the pretzels are covered.

How to Make Wrapples at Home

As I said above, the Wrapples were my favorite of the four caramel options. Since they’re only available in the Fall, I decided to make my own and share it with you!

Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pretzel Rods
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pretzel Rods
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pretzel Rods
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pretzel Rods
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pretzel Rods
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pretzel Rods
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pretzel Rods
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pretzel Rods
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pretzel Rods
  1. Take off all the wrappers from around the caramel. Divide the caramels into threes.
  2. Press two to three caramels (depending on the desired thickness of the caramel) together in your hand to warm them. Then, form them into a disk and place them on a piece of parchment paper. I FOUND THE PATTY SQUARE PARCHMENT PAPERS AT THE DOLLAR TREE
  3. Add another piece of parchment paper on top of the caramel disk, then press it with the palm of your hand as if you were pressing a hamburger patty.
  4. Use a rolling pin to roll the caramel into a 4½ x 4½ inch round.
  5. Roll the pretzel rod on the caramel disk like a burrito.
  6. Use the warmth of your hands to press the caramel to the pretzel.
  7. If needed, roll the coated pretzel between your hands, as shown in the post. Set it aside; once all the pretzels have a caramel coat, prepare to melt the chocolate.

Add Flavor with Freeze Dried Fruit Technique

Create fun flavors with freeze-dried fruit! Grind up freeze-dried cinnamon apples and create delicious apple pie pretzels! CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW—->>>>APPLE PIE DECORATED PRETZELS

NEW….NEW….NEW! TWO-TONE DECORATED PRETZELS

Stars and Stripes Flag Pretzels

Learn how easy it is to add two colors to a pretzel rod and create these amazing Stars and Stripes Flag Pretzels. CLICK HERE TO GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS→PATRIOTIC PRETZEL RODS

Marbling Technique

When you look at my technique for the marbling effect, you may see that there is some waste.  Remember this…..you will be creating TWELVE incredible-looking party pretzels for under $10.  Most techniques call for a tub of melted candy (the main color), drizzling the other colors on top, and then dipping the pretzel in through the drizzled colors—it’s hard to keep the colors from becoming muddy looking.  I don’t think that technique works as well as the one I do here. View the video below for the full details—and click here for the post—->>>>OUT OF THIS WORLD GALAXY DECORATED PRETZELS

Combining Caramel and Marbling Technique

This uses two of my favorite techniques. I love caramel on my pretzels and the look of melted candy when it’s marbled. View the video below for the full details—and click here for the post—->>>> UNICORN PRETZELS

NEW….NEW…NEW! EASY TRIPLE COLOR TECHNIQUE AND MARBLE TECHNIQUE!

TRIPLE COLOR TECHNIQUE

  • Place a pretzel rod in the center of a piece of parchment paper; with a pencil, mark the top of the pretzel, the middle, and the bottom of where the candy will end. So the guests can easily handle the pretzels, I like to leave a couple of inches at the bottom. This step is to be used as an easy guideline, but it doesn’t have to be done. Flip the paper over so the pencil marks are on the bottom.
  1. Place another sheet of parchment paper to the side, another one to the side, and a fourth piece on a cookie sheet.
  2. Pour candy melts into small microwave-safe bowls.
  3. Heat only one color at a time 1 minute for each, stir until melted and creamy.
  4. TIP: The countertops are cold; keep your candy warm longer by placing the bowls on a pot holder.
  1. At the top, using your guideline, spoon a good amount of the white melted candy, follow with the orange, and end with the yellow, making sure to use the bottom line as your guide. NOTE: DO NOT ADD ALL THE CANDY OF EACH COLOR AT ONCE. SAVE SOME FOR LATER.
  2. Dip the tip of the pretzel in the white, then lay it flat and roll it in all three colors.
  1. Swiftly move off the parchment paper with the three colors to a second piece of parchment paper, and lightly tap any excess candy off the pretzel.
  2. Lay on the third piece of parchment paper to rest for a minute. Remember, your countertops are cold, and the candy will set up quickly. While the pretzel is resting, continue coating the pretzels (about 5 more). Once the pretzels have rested and are still wet, pull them straight up off the third piece of parchment paper and place them on the clean piece of parchment paper that’s on the cookie sheet. NOTE: PLACING YOUR PRETZELS CLOSE TOGETHER BUT NOT TOUCHING WILL HELP WITH THE AMOUNT OF PARCHMENT PAPER USED. Place in the refrigerator to harden (about 10 minutes. *SEE BELOW ABOUT CANDY PUDDLES
  3. TIP: As the piles of white, orange, and yellow deplete, spoon on the remaining candy and continue coating the pretzels.
  4. Once all the pretzels have been coated and the candy has hardened, if choosing, it’s time to add the dust luster.
  • DUST LUSTER: This step is totally optional but adds a wonderful iridescence to the pretzels. Mine is in powder form; it can also be purchased in spray form. FOR THE POWDER: Pour some of the powder into a small bowl, using a clean brush, dip in the powder and brush onto hardened candy. BEAUTIFUL!

NEW! NEW! MARBLE TECHNIQUE

  1. Switch it up and also add swirled or marbled candy corn pretzels to the batch.
  2. Once you have made the ombre candy corn pretzels, gather the white, yellow, and orange together (still in their individual colors but touching), and with a skewer or knife, swirl the colors together, making sure not to “mix” the colors. You want to still be able to see all three colors.
  3. Dip the tip of the pretzel and then roll in the marbled candy.
  4. Move to a separate piece of parchment paper and tap off any excess candy. NOTE: As you tap off the excess candy, it will start to swirl with the marbling.
  5. Place on a cookie sheet lined with a clean piece of parchment paper. Set aside to harden and place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  6. See about for the dust luster instructions↑.
  7. *CANDY PUDDLES
  8. HOW DO I GET RID OF THE CANDY PUDDLES?
  9. One of my favorite tips that I use every time I decorate pretzels is using a micro plane tool for the edges that have puddled under the pretzel. Carefully scrape off the excess melted candy. NOTE: CANDY MUST BE HARD FOR THIS TO WORK.
Red, White, and Blue Decorated Pretzels
Red, White, and Blue Decorated Pretzels
Red, White, and Blue Decorated Pretzels

Dripping Technique

This simple technique may be simple—it adds another layer of interest to your decorated pretzels. View the video below for the full details—and click here for the post—->>>>HALLOWEEN VAMPIRE PRETZELS

Using Store-Bought Frosting Technique

Yes, you read that right…I used store-bought frosting to create these delicious Frosting Dipped Decorated Pretzels! When you’re in a pinch, and all you have is a couple of cans of frosting, you go with it! Create a fun, festive treat in minutes with an assortment of toppings. Click here for the post—->>>>HOW TO DECORATE PRETZELS WITH STORE BOUGHT FROSTING

  • Use any flavor of frosting!
  • Substituting frosting for candy melts is a great way of adding flavor to your decorated pretzels. NOTE: FROSTING WILL NOT HARDEN LIKE CANDY MELTS
  • Use white, add a drop or two of food coloring, and customize your pretzels to match your party colors.
  • TIP: Mix colors together to make unique colors.

NOTE: USE A MICRO PLANE TO TAKE OFF ANY EXCESS CANDY

  • When the melted candy has spread—use this tip!
  • Carefully scrape off the excess melted candy with a micro plane. NOTE: CANDY MUST BE HARD FOR THIS TO WORK
  • The result is clean edges!

How to Keep Melting Candy in a Liquid State

No one likes rushing to get something coasted with melted candy only to have it harden before finishing the coating step. Here’s how I solved that problem. This is not only handy for coating pretzels but for anything that requires a candy coating.

  • Using Wilton Melting Pots (this is my favorite). These handy pots are not just for melting candy; they also work amazingly at keeping the candy melted. For the drizzle method, I melt the candy, pour it into piping bags, and seal the end tightly with a rubber band. Place the piping bags in a heated pot without the insert. The pot will keep the candy piping hot, so be careful when handling it. If using squirt bottles, pour hot water into the pot (without the insert), use a high setting, fill bottles with melted candy, and place them in the water. This will also keep the candy melted.
  • Electric Skillet. All the above can also be achieved by using an electric skillet, except that water is always in the skillet. Also, the candy melts can not be added directly to the skillet. They MUST be in a heat-proof container like a mason jar or bowl.

Decorated Pretzel Pockets

WHAT IS A PRETZEL POCKET? Take your decorated pretzels a step further and drop them in a decorated pocket! Placing the pretzels in a pocket allows for easy handling…NO MESSY HANDS! Click the link below for FREE Pretzel Pocket Collections!

Birthday Party Pretzel Pocket FREE Printable Collection

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE COLLECTIONS→PRETZEL POCKET FREE PRINTABLE COLLECTIONS

DECORATED PRETZELS—HALLOWEEN—

Decorated Pretzels are the PERFECT HOSTESS treat. They can be made days in advance, they’re easy to make, colorful and delicious! 1. HALLOWEEN VAMPIRE PRETZELS 2. WICKED WITCH FINGER HALLOWEEN PRETZELS 3. HALLOWEEN PARTY EYE OF NEWT PRETZELS 4. HOCUS POCUS HALLOWEEN DECORATED PRETZELS→CLICK HERE FOR OVER 35 DECORATED PRETZEL IDEAS→DECORATED PRETZELS←

DECORATED PRETZELS—CHRISTMAS—

Adding decorated pretzels to a dessert party table is an easy way of filling an empty spot and adding a pop of color. Handing them out as party favors is another great idea. 1. EGGNOG CHRISTMAS PRETZELS 2. WINTER ICICLE PRETZELS 3. DARK CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS DECORATED PRETZELS 4. MINI HOLIDAY PRETZEL STICK STOCKING STUFFERS→CLICK HERE FOR OVER 35 DECORATED PRETZEL IDEAS→DECORATED PRETZELS←

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS—I WILL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER THEM! ♥

Everything you need to know about how to decorate pretzels

SIGN UP FOR THE LADY BEHIND THE CURTAIN NEWSLETTER


NEWSLETTER: Receive (twice a month) seasonally themed newsletters full of recipes, tips, and tricks. Click here for the Newsletter→CURTAIN CALL NEWSLETTER

THANKS FOR VISITING♥

Comments

Everything you need to know about How to Decorate Pretzels — 42 Comments

  9. Thank you SO MUCH for this video! I tried a batch of these coated pretzels by just using Pinterest instructions from someone else, and after watching your video the difference is night and day! You definitely saved me from what was a Pinterest fail! Wish I had watched your video first!!!

    Reply ↓

  10. Question! How far in advance can I make these? I’m hoping to make them for a baby shower. How many days will they stay fresh?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Yvette, If your candy is too thick You can add a tablespoon of shortening for a whole bag of candy melts or 1/2 a tablespoon for half a bag. Just place the shortening in the bowl with your candy melts and melt together. This should make the consistency perfect of dipping. Some color melt better than others. I always have a hard time with pink.

      Reply ↓

      • Hi Jerri, I need more information. What is the texture of the melted candy? Did you add water or fat to the melted candy?

        Reply ↓

  15. I bought one of the wilton candy melt pots it is great for this you can also buy e z thin to thin out your melted chocolate it works great..I tried to do it in a pot on very low heat and failed over and over. I really like how you use the micro plane great idea.

    Reply ↓

  17. How far in advance of the party is it recommended to decorate the pretzels ? How long are they good for ? Thanks , jean

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jean, As long as you keep them protected from dust ( I usually just lay something over the top of them) you can safely make them a week in advance.

      Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HTML tags allowed in your comment: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

↑