How to make easy and enchanting mermaid candied pretzel rods!

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It is so easy for your hands to get full while trying to plan out a kids birthday party. Even though the day is sure to be filled with fun games and amazing food, we all know that it relies on you, the party- planner, for everything to go smoothly. This kind of pressure can get kind of hectic. Especially in the days leading up to the party with preparing colorful finger foods and trying to get party- themed decorations set out and put up. So how can you save yourself from some of the party- planning hassle this year? By choosing to make fun- filled recipes that are easy, quick, and downright delectable, like these charming Mermaid Pretzel Rods!

My daughter loves everything fairytale- related from mermaids to unicorns, with everything dazzled in glitter and sparkles. So going into this kitchen project, I knew I wanted to incorporate some of that magical charm as a twist to this classic salty snack. The results were phenomenal! She was completely enchanted with these handheld snacks and they were so easy to make ahead of time that I had plenty of time left for other fun party snacks and some last minute gift wrapping. 

On the other hand, if you want to turn this into a fun family project then this recipe also happens to be perfect for cooking with kids of all ages! So you can either surprise your kiddos with a fun snack or a fun snack project to make together. Either way, this recipe makes it easy for you to make the magic happen for your little ones (or with them) but without all the chaos and stress that normally comes along with it.

Candy Coating Equipment

One of the best parts about this easily enchanting recipe is that it only requires a few kitchen tools and simple equipment to make. 

• Wilton Candy Melts Pot
• Spatulas
• Piping bags
• Piping bag ties
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper sheets
• Tall Dipping Container
• Pretzel sticks bag

Kitchen Tip:

I specifically like using my candy melt pot over all other melting methods, including the microwave, for any kind of candy- making projects. It keeps the chocolate at the perfect temperature through the whole process. Plus the silicone lining is super easy to clean and there are no overcooked bits of candy to try and scrape off later.

Mermaid Theme

Salty Sea- Inspired Ingredients

Luckily, simple recipes usually call for only a few simple ingredients, which is extremely helpful on so many levels. Needing fewer ingredients is easier on both the party budget and the clean up that is to come after prepping and cooking.

• 1 bag Pretzel rods
• 1 bag Blue candy melts
• 2 tsp Coconut oil
• ½ cup Lavender candy melts
• ¼ tsp Coconut oil
• ½ cup Pink candy melts
• ¼ tsp Coconut oil
• Flight of the unicorn sprinkles
• 30 Chocolate mermaid tails

Melting into Magic

This enchanting chocolate- covered pretzel rod recipe is wonderfully easy to make and hard to mess up so it’s perfect for bakers with any level of experience, even beginners. Watch closely for my notes in this how- to process to make sure that you too can make this recipe easily without any fuss.

1. First, prepare and measure out all of your ingredients. Then, line a baking sheet with a parchment paper sheet or wax paper.
2. Next, combine the blue candy melts and the 2 tsp. of coconut oil in the candy melting pot. Melt them together on high and stir regularly with a heat resistant spatula.
3. After the candy has melted completely, transfer the melted blue candy to a tall dipping container.
4. Dip each pretzel rod into the melted blue candy and then spread them out over the parchment- lined baking sheet. Transfer the pretzels to the fridge and let the candy coating harden for about 10 minutes.
   1. You could also just let the coated pretzels sit out at room temperature until the candy hardens but the fridge helps to speed up the process.
   2. These could also be hardened in the freezer for about 7-10 minutes.
5. While the first candy layer is hardening, rinse out the silicone lining of the melting pot. After drying, repeat the melting and stirring process for the lavender candy melts and the ¼ tsp of coconut oil.
6. When the lavender candy is ready, transfer it to a piping bag and tie it off with a piping bag tie. Then, cut ⅛ inch from the tip of the bag for easy drizzling. Drizzle the lavender candy over the hardened blue candy.
7. Rinse and dry the melting pot one more time. Then, combine the pink candy melts with the ¼ tsp. of the coconut oil and melt them together while stirring.
8. When it is ready, transfer the melted pink candy to a piping bag and tie it off with a piping bag tie. Then, cut ⅛ inch from the tip of the bag for easy drizzling.
9. Next, drizzle a final candy layer of the melted pink candy over the pretzel rods and sprinkle each one with the Flight of the Unicorn Sprinkles while the melted candy is still wet.
10. Finally, drip a small amount of melted chocolate to the top of each pretzel rod and then stick a homemade Chocolate Mermaid Tail on top. Let the mermaid pretzel rods harden completely before serving.

Storing Candied Pretzel Rods

Whether you are making these ahead of time for party day or you need to save some leftover candied pretzel rods afterwards, it is actually pretty easy to store some for later. If you’re wrapping these up for party favors, try using some of these food- safe party favor bags. 

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

Serving Up Smiles

It’s easy to serve up enchantment with a big side of smiles with these simple mermaid pretzel rods. They are just perfect for adding a touch of splendor and magic to any birthday party or summer bash.

For magical snacking fun, serve at a:

• Kids birthday party
• Summer party
• Playdate
• Beach party/ Pool party
• Baby shower
• Wedding or engagement shower
• School parties or bake sales

For a totally enchanting fairytale- inspired party serve these with:

• Unicorn Cake
• Unicorn Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Unicorn Meringue Cookies
• Unicorn Meringue Pops
• Unicorn Rainbow Cupcakes

Other Holiday- inspired Candied Pretzel Rods:

• Carrot Chocolate- Covered Pretzels
• Chocolate Covered Pretzels for 4th of July 

Food photography props used in this photoshoot

Some of the props might no longer be available in stores. I selected props as close as possible to match those items.