Welcome to a delightful world where simplicity meets seasonal charm! Our **Back-to-School Chocolate Covered Pretzels** are not just another treat; they’re a beloved tradition in our home, perfect for celebrating new beginnings, showing appreciation, or simply enjoying a moment of sweet indulgence. These charming apple-themed pretzels offer an easy, creative, and utterly delicious way to mark the start of the academic year. Whether you’re searching for the ideal homemade gift for dedicated teachers, a fun and engaging activity to do with your children, or a unique snack to brighten up lunchboxes, these chocolate-dipped pretzels tick all the boxes. They combine the irresistible salty crunch of pretzels with rich, smooth chocolate, adorned with a whimsical apple design that’s sure to bring smiles.
For years, this recipe has been a staple, a cherished activity that my son and I have shared. We’d prepare batches to surprise his teachers on the first day of school, a small token of gratitude that always left a lasting impression. Of course, no batch was complete without making a generous extra supply for us to enjoy at home! It’s incredible how such a straightforward recipe can create so much joy and foster wonderful memories. If you’re a fan of crafting themed treats for special occasions or heartwarming gifts, then this delightful Back-to-School Chocolate Covered Pretzel recipe is absolutely for you. Dive into the fun and discover how easy it is to create these edible masterpieces!
YOUR GUIDE TO PERFECT CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For these charming Back-to-School Chocolate Covered Pretzels, we highly recommend using the classic, smaller pretzel twists. Their traditional shape provides an excellent base for creating the apple design, and their compact size makes them perfect for individual servings and gifting. However, if you’re aiming for a more substantial treat or want to make a bolder statement, you can certainly opt for larger twisted pretzels. Just keep in mind that using larger pretzels might require you to increase the quantity of your melting chocolate and M&M’s to ensure full coverage and decoration. The key is to choose pretzels that are fresh and crisp, as this will contrast beautifully with the smooth chocolate coating.
For consistently smooth and vibrant results, Wilton white melting chocolate wafers are undoubtedly the best choice for these chocolate covered pretzels. This specific brand and type of chocolate melt incredibly well, creating a silky-smooth consistency that adheres perfectly to the pretzels without becoming too thick or lumpy. Crucially, Wilton wafers are designed to blend seamlessly with food coloring, allowing you to achieve that rich, desirable red “apple” color without the chocolate seizing or hardening prematurely. While white is ideal for coloring, Wilton also offers pre-colored red melting chocolate wafers, which can save you a step. You can typically find Wilton melting chocolates in the baking aisle of larger supermarkets like Walmart, or at most craft stores in their baking and candy-making sections. Avoid regular chocolate chips, as they often require tempering or added fat to achieve a smooth dipping consistency, which can be tricky for beginners.
Cutting small candies like M&M’s can indeed be a bit challenging, but with the right technique and caution, it’s quite manageable. The most effective method is to use a very sharp knife. A serrated knife can sometimes cause the candy shell to crack unevenly, so a smooth, sharp blade is preferred. Place the M&M on a stable cutting board and carefully press down with the knife to halve it. Remember, this step requires precision and should always be performed by an adult to ensure safety. If you find cutting the M&M’s too difficult or if they don’t split cleanly, don’t worry! You can absolutely use whole brown M&M’s for the stem and whole green M&M’s for the leaf. It gives the pretzels a slightly different, but equally adorable, look.
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While red chocolate covered pretzels perfectly mimic apples for a back-to-school theme, you can easily adapt the colors to suit any occasion or preference. Imagine making them green for “green apples,” creating a delightful mix of red and green apple pretzels that would be incredibly adorable and add a vibrant touch to any platter. For other holidays, you could use orange chocolate for pumpkins at Halloween, blue or pink for baby showers, or various pastel colors for spring celebrations. The creative possibilities are endless – simply adjust the food coloring or choose pre-colored melting wafers to match your desired theme!
Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious chocolate covered pretzels fresh and crispy. Once the chocolate has fully set, transfer the pretzels to an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. They will maintain their quality and delightful crunch when stored at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, these pretzels are also freezer-friendly! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. When stored correctly in the freezer, they can last for up to six months. To enjoy them after freezing, simply defrost them in the refrigerator for a few hours or on the countertop until they reach room temperature. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead treat!
INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR DELIGHTFUL BACK-TO-SCHOOL TREATS:
- **Wilton White Melting Chocolate Wafers:** Approximately 10 ounces. These are crucial for a smooth melt and ideal for coloring. You can also opt for pre-colored red melting wafers to save a step.
- **Red Food Coloring:** A few drops of gel-based food coloring will give you a vibrant red. Gel coloring is preferred over liquid as it won’t thin the chocolate or cause it to seize.
- **Pretzel Twists:** About 1.5 cups, or enough to dip with your chocolate. Smaller, traditional twists work best for the apple shape.
- **Green and Brown M&M’s:** These candies will serve as the “leaves” and “stems” for your apple pretzels. You’ll need to halve them for the most authentic look.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: CRAFTING BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS
Creating these adorable apple-themed chocolate covered pretzels is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time:
- **Melt the White Chocolate:** Begin by placing your Wilton white melting chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. It’s important to melt the chocolate slowly and gently to prevent it from scorching or becoming grainy. Microwave on low power for 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue this process until the chocolate is completely melted and beautifully smooth. Consistency is key here for easy dipping.
- **Color the Chocolate:** Once your white chocolate is fully melted, it’s time to add the red food coloring. Start with a few drops of gel-based red food coloring and stir well. Gradually add more coloring, drop by drop, until you achieve your desired vibrant red hue that perfectly mimics a crisp apple. Gel food coloring works best as it provides intense color without altering the chocolate’s smooth texture.
- **Prepare for Dipping:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent your chocolate-dipped pretzels from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- **Dip the Pretzels:** Carefully pick up each pretzel twist and dip it into the melted red chocolate. Ensure about two-thirds of the pretzel is covered, leaving the bottom portion bare to resemble the base of an apple. Gently tap the pretzel against the side of the bowl or use a fork to allow any excess chocolate to drip off. This helps create a smooth, even coating.
- **Place and Decorate:** Immediately after dipping, place each chocolate-covered pretzel onto the prepared parchment paper. While the chocolate is still wet and pliable, take a halved brown M&M and gently place it on the top curve of the pretzel to form the “stem.” Then, take a halved green M&M and position it slightly below and to the side of the brown M&M to create the “leaf.” The warm chocolate will act as an adhesive, securing the candies in place.
Continue dipping and decorating each pretzel until you have used all your melted chocolate. Efficiency in this step is helpful, as the chocolate can start to set. If your chocolate begins to thicken, you can microwave it for another 10-15 seconds on low power, stirring well, to restore its smooth consistency.
- **Chill to Set:** Once all your pretzels are dipped and decorated, carefully transfer the baking sheet with the parchment paper and pretzels into the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and firm to the touch. This chilling process ensures the chocolate hardens quickly, preventing smudges and giving your pretzels a professional finish.
- **Enjoy!** Once fully set, your adorable Back-to-School Chocolate Covered Pretzels are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a festive snack, pack them into lunchboxes, or arrange them beautifully as gifts.
These treats are not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. The combination of salty pretzels and sweet, apple-flavored chocolate, topped with a crunchy M&M, creates a taste sensation that kids and adults alike will adore. Get creative, have fun, and celebrate the back-to-school season with these charming homemade delights!
CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS AND EASY RECIPES?
If you loved making these fun chocolate covered pretzels, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other delightful recipes that are perfect for snacks, desserts, and gifts. Explore more simple, crowd-pleasing treats that are sure to become family favorites:
- Back-to-School Apple Shaped Oreo Truffles
- Dirt Cups
- Peanut Butter Cheerio Balls
- Pretzel Rolo Turtles
- Harvest Chex Mix
- Chocolate Covered M&M Pretzel Bites
Back-to-School Chocolate Covered Pretzels
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Ingredients
- 10 ounces white melting chocolate wafers (I used Wilton brand)
- red food coloring
- 1.5 cups Pretzel twists (this is an estimate)
- green and brown M&Ms
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate wafers on low power for 30 second increments, stirring between each increment until chocolate is fully melted.
- Add in red food coloring to the white chocolate until you get your desired color of red.
- Dip each pretzel twist into the melted chocolate, making sure the excess drips off. Place on a sheet of parchment paper.
- Before the chocolate has set, add half a brown M&M on for the stem and half a green M&M for the leaf.
- Repeat until you use all the white chocolate.
- Place your parchment paper with pretzels in the refrigerator until chocolate is completely set (about 15 min). Enjoy!
Notes
- For convenience, you can purchase pre-colored red melting chocolate wafers instead of using white chocolate and food coloring.
- Gel food coloring typically yields a richer, deeper red color compared to liquid food coloring. Wilton also offers high-quality gel food colorings.
- Wilton brand chocolate wafers are widely available in the baking aisles of major supermarkets like Walmart, or in the baking sections of most craft stores.
- Always use a sharp knife when cutting M&M’s for clean halves, and ensure an adult handles this step.
- These pretzels can be frozen for extended storage; refer to the FAQ section above for detailed freezing and defrosting instructions.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 146g |
Protein: 15g |
Fat: 62g |
Sodium: 697mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 112g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.