How to make easy, glittery, gourmet chocolate-covered pretzel twists!

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I love finding new ways to make fancy-looking treats that don’t actually require a lot of intricacy. One of my favorite recipes to break out when I want to make something simple and fancy at the same time is this one for my Gourmet Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Twists!

These glitzy and glamorous chocolate pretzels are not only gorgeous but they are beyond delicious! One might even say that they’re addictive. And they are actually really easy to make. There is a lot of layering in this recipe so there are quite a few steps, but the process is very simple overall.

Plus you can swap up colors and decorations to fit any holiday, special occasion, theme, or color preference! These tasty treats can be customized for literally anything. Ready for your new favorite fancy recipe? Let’s get started! Here’s how I easily make gourmet chocolate pretzels.

Candied Pretzel Equipment

First, let me go over my equipment list for making these gourmet chocolate pretzels. Since this recipe involves many layers, I do need a good bit of tools for this process to go smoothly. Here’s everything that I use to make gourmet chocolate-covered pretzel twists:

• Measuring Cup
• Measuring spoons
• Wilton candy melt pot
• Candy melt pot inserts
• Spatulas
• Seashell silicone mold
• Cake Painting Brushes
• Cake Spatula
• 4 Baking sheets
• 4 Parchment paper sheets
• Candy thermometer
• Candy Melt Dipping Tongs
• Candy Dipping Tools Set or fork
• Saucier Drizzle Spoon or spoon
• White paper cupcake box
• White paper shreds

Chocolate Pretzel Ingredients

Now let me break down my simple and sweet ingredient list! Luckily, these gorgeous pretzel treats don’t require a lot of ingredients, just a few simple ones. These are my favorite gourmet chocolate-covered pretzel ingredients:

Pretzel Twists:

• 45 Sourdough Pretzels – medium size
• 1 cup Pink candy melts
• ½ tsp coconut oil
• 1 cup Bright white Wilton Candy Melts
• ½ tsp coconut oil
• 1 cup Orange candy melts
• ½ tsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp Pink luster
• ½ tsp Clear vanilla extract or vodka
• 2 tbsp coconut oil – to thin out chocolate for drizzling, as needed

Chocolate Seashells:

• ½ cup Pink candy melts
• 1 tsp coconut oil

How to Make Gourmet Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Twists

And now it’s time for a little kitchen fun! Let’s make a beautiful batch of gorgeous gourmet pretzels! This recipe is super easy to follow along with but there are several steps and phases so let’s get started. Here’s how I make gourmet chocolate-covered pretzel twists:

Making Chocolate Pretzels:

1. First, measure out the ingredients with the measuring cup and spoons. 
2. Next, combine the white candy melts and ½ tsp. of coconut oil in the candy melting pot. Melt them together on high and stir regularly with a heat-resistant spatula.
3. Then, line a baking sheet with a parchment paper sheet or wax paper.
4. One by one, dip 15 of the pretzel twists into the melted white chocolate until they are completely covered.
5. Use a candy dipping tool to pull the coated pretzels from the white chocolate, then set them on the lined baking sheet.
6. After the first chocolate coating, set the tray of pretzel twists in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
7. Then, starting with a clean insert, melt the pink candy melts and ½ tsp. of coconut oil together in the candy melting pot, stirring occasionally.
8. Then, line another, separate baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
9. Dip another 15 of the uncoated pretzel twists into the melted pink chocolate until they are completely covered, then set them on the lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
10. Next, starting with a clean insert, melt the orange candy melts and ½ tsp. of coconut oil together in the candy melting pot, stirring occasionally.
11. Then, line another, separate baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
12. Dip another 15 of the uncoated pretzel twists into the melted orange chocolate until they are completely covered, then set them on the lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
13. Then, add more coconut oil (1 tsp. at a time, as needed) to the rest of the white, pink, and orange chocolates to make them runny enough to drizzle.
14. Next comes the fun part! Using a saucier spoon, drizzle the melted chocolates over the chocolate-dipped pretzels.
15. Mix and match the colors so you have a fun variety!
    1. For example, I like to add a white drizzle to the orange pretzels, and a pink drizzle to the white pretzels.
16. Then, in a small bowl, combine the clear vanilla extract (or vodka) and the luster until they are completely mixed.
17. Use the cake brush to paint the luster over the hardened chocolate pretzels.

Making Chocolate Seashells:

1. First, set the silicone mold(s) flat on a clean baking sheet.
2. Next, combine and melt the pink candy melts and the coconut oil in the candy melt pot. Remember to stir occasionally.
3. Then, start spooning the melted chocolate into the seashell silicone molds. 
4. Scrape the excess chocolate off with a cake spatula. Tap the tray gently against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Let the chocolates chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.
5. After the chocolate has hardened, carefully remove the chocolates from the silicone molds. Use a small knife to cut away any extra chocolate from the edges.
   1. Try not to handle the homemade candies too much as the body heat from your hands can make the chocolate melt.
6. Then, hold the chocolate seashells with the candy tongs to paint them with the luster mix.
   1. If the luster has started to thicken, add more clear vanilla. 
7. Once the seashells are ready, drop a small amount of melted chocolate onto the chocolate pretzels and immediately attach a chocolate seashell to each of the pretzels.
8. Repeat this process until all of the pretzels have a seashell.

Gift Packaging:

1. First, layer a paper cupcake box with some paper shreds.
2. Then, gently stack several gourmet chocolate pretzels along with the paper shreds. Repeat for as many packages as desired.
3. Finally, close the box(es) and deliver the deliciousness!

Alternative Chocolate-Melting Method

If you don’t have a nifty candy melting pot in your kitchen collection, here is a simple microwave melting method that will work for anyone!

How to Melt Candy Melts in the Microwave:

1. First, pour the candy melts into a heat-safe bowl or silicone measuring cup. 
2. Then, heat the candy melts in the microwave at 50% power, or on a defrost setting, for 1 minute. 
3. Next, stir the candies thoroughly. 
   1. Use a towel or an oven mitt to protect your hand from the heat when handling the bowl or cup.
4. Then, continue to microwave the candies at the same low setting in 15-30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the candy is almost melted.
5. Finally, let the candy sit for about 1 minute to let the residual heat take care of any small unmelted pieces of candy leftover.
   1. If you try another interval of cooking at this point, the candy could overcook and burn so it’s better to let the candy sit and take care of itself.

For more chocolate-melting methods and tips, check out my simple guide on How to Melt Candy Melts.

Storing Chocolate Pretzels

To store chocolate-covered pretzel twists, first transfer them to a large ziploc bag or an airtight container. If desired, you can separate layers with a sheet of parchment or wax paper to keep the pretzels from sticking together. Mark the date on the outside of the bag or container. Store them at room temperature or slightly cooler for 2-3 weeks. I do not recommend storing these candied pretzels long-term in the fridge or the freezer due to the potential of the pretzels softening or going stale from moisture.

Homemade Food Gift Ideas

Sweet and Salty Treats

These gorgeous pretzels can be made for any kind of party, celebration, or special event imaginable! Want even more salty and sweet pretzel recipes? Then check out some of my year-round holiday chocolate-covered pretzel recipes: 

Serve these Gourmet Chocolate-Covered Pretzels at:

• Kids birthday parties
• Beach themed birthday parties
• Baby Showers
• Weddings or receptions
• Graduation celebrations
• Pool parties
• Beach parties
• Summer cookouts

Try these gourmet pretzels with some of my other homemade chocolate toppers:

• Gingerbread Man Chocolates
• Heart-Shaped Chocolates Without A Mold
• Mini Chocolate Bars with Sprinkles
• Mini Mermaid Chocolate Bars
• Chocolate Mermaid Tails
• Homemade Star-shaped Chocolates
• Mini Chocolate Bars
• Chocolate Lips and Hearts

More Pretzel Recipes:

• Carrot Chocolate Covered Pretzels
• Easter Chocolate Covered Pretzel Bunnies and Ducklings
• Chocolate Covered Pretzels for 4th of July 
• Mermaid Pretzel Rods
• Valentine’s Day Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods