If you are looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely addictive treat to brighten up your holiday gatherings, you’ve got to try this Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels Recipe. These sweet and salty bites combine crunchy pretzels with creamy white candy coating and a refreshing hit of candy cane peppermint that melts your heart and tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for gifting, party snacks, or just indulging yourself, this recipe captures the spirit of the season in every delightful crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels Recipe is wonderfully simple to make, which is part of what makes it so perfect for the holidays. Each ingredient is essential, delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make these pretzels unforgettable.
- Mini pretzel twists or pretzel crisps: Choose small, sturdy pretzels that hold up well to the candy coating and give you that irresistible salty crunch.
- White candy melts: These melt smoothly and create a creamy, sweet shell that contrasts perfectly with the pretzel’s saltiness.
- Crushed candy canes: Freshly crushed for a vibrant peppermint flavor with an eye-catching pop of red and white color.
- Parchment paper: Essential for easy cleanup and to keep your pretzels from sticking while setting.
How to Make Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step makes sure your pretzels won’t stick and sets you up with a clean surface to work on. Having everything ready before you begin dipping means you can keep the process flowing smoothly!
Step 2: Melt the White Candy Coating
Follow the package directions to melt the white candy melts. Whether you’re using a microwave or double boiler, aim for a smooth, glossy finish with no lumps. This creamy coating will envelop each pretzel, so it’s worth the little extra care to get it just right.
Step 3: Coat the Pretzels
Grab a pretzel with a fork and fully dunk it into the melted candy. Shake gently to remove excess coating, ensuring a thin but thorough layer that won’t drip everywhere. This step is where the magic begins, as you transform simple pretzels into little snowy treasures.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Crushed Candy Canes
While the candy coating is still wet, generously sprinkle crushed candy canes over each pretzel. The peppermint crunch will stick perfectly, adding bursts of festive flavor and a beautiful splash of color. Repeat this process with all your pretzels to complete your batch.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Allow the Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels to rest on the parchment paper until the candy coating hardens completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once set, your pretzel treats are ready to enjoy or package up as charming gifts!
How to Serve Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few whole mini candy canes alongside the pretzels on your serving tray. Fresh mint leaves can also complement the peppermint flavor beautifully if you want a pop of green to balance those reds and whites.
Side Dishes
These sweet peppermint pretzels pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or even a creamy eggnog. Their crisp texture and cool peppermint bites can refresh your palate between rich desserts or savory plates during holiday meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels Recipe in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for gorgeous homemade gifts. You can also arrange them in decorative holiday bowls or create a candy buffet with them featured prominently as a showstopper treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your pretzels fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crunchy and delicious for about a week, making them perfect for preparing in advance for parties or gift-giving.
Freezing
You can freeze Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature to keep the coating from becoming sticky or losing its crisp texture.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if the candy coating feels a bit soft after storage, simply let the pretzels rest in a cool spot to regain their firmness before serving.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white candy melts?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate adds a different, richer flavor that pairs nicely with the pretzels and peppermint, although it won’t offer the same bright, snowy look as white candy melts.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place candy canes inside a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This method keeps cleanup easy and gives you control over the size of the peppermint pieces.
Can I use regular-sized pretzels?
You can, but mini pretzels or pretzel crisps are easier to coat and eat as bite-sized treats. Larger pretzels may require more candy coating and can be harder to handle.
Do I need to temper the candy melts?
No need to temper when using candy melts, as they’re designed to melt smoothly and set hard without extra fuss. Just melt gently to avoid burning.
How long will the pretzels stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the pretzels stay fresh for about a week. Just be sure to keep them away from humidity to maintain their crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels Recipe is truly a holiday treasure, combining easy steps with festive flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for yourself, friends, or family, they bring joy in every crunchy, pepperminty bite. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this delightful treat part of your seasonal traditions—it’s a simple way to spread sweetness and smiles!
Print
Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels are a festive and easy-to-make holiday treat combining crunchy pretzels coated in smooth white candy melts and topped with crushed peppermint candy canes. Perfect for gift-giving or a sweet snack, these candy-coated pretzels bring a delightful mix of salty and minty flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 30 – 35 mini pretzel twists or pretzel crisps
- 12 oz. white candy melts
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to ensure the coated pretzels can cool and harden without sticking.
- Melt Candy Coating: Melt the white candy melts according to the package directions, typically by microwaving in short intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Coat Pretzels: Using a fork, dip each mini pretzel twist completely into the melted white candy coating, making sure it is fully covered. Gently shake the fork to allow excess coating to drip off.
- Sprinkle Candy Cane: Transfer the coated pretzel onto the prepared parchment paper and immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top so they stick before the candy hardens. Repeat this process for all pretzels.
- Set and Harden: Allow the candy-coated pretzels to sit at room temperature until the candy coating hardens completely, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes, before serving or packaging.
Notes
- If white candy melts are not available, white chocolate chips can be used but may require added oil or shortening to thin properly.
- For easier cleanup, use disposable gloves or dip pretzels on a fork to keep hands clean.
- Store finished pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Crush the candy canes to small but not powdered pieces for the best texture and minty kick.
- These treats can be customized by using colored candy melts or different crushed candies as toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
