Okay, you guys, let’s talk about something that’s dangerously easy to Make but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen: Christmas Pretzel Bark. I remember the first time my grandma made this; the whole house smelled like chocolate and peppermint. It instantly became a holiday staple. If you love the simplicity of making Rice Krispie treats but crave something a little more… festive… then you absolutely *need* this recipe in your life. It’s basically Christmas magic, in edible form, and this Christmas Pretzel Bark is the way to go!
What is Christmas Pretzel Bark?
Think of it as a leveled-up chocolate bark, but instead of just chocolate, you have this salty, crunchy pretzel base topped with melted chocolate and all sorts of festive goodies. It’s essentially a no-bake dessert that’s perfect for gifting, parties, or just a late-night treat (guilty!). The pretzels add this amazing salty counterpoint to the sweet chocolate, and the toppings? Well, that’s where you get to really get creative and make it your own. Plus, it’s super easy to customize for different holidays or even just to use up whatever you have in your pantry.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Christmas Pretzel Bark is how easy it is to throw together. Is it foolproof? If you can melt chocolate, you could make this.
- Flavor Explosion:What are some of the best combinations of salty pretzels, rich chocolate, and peppermint sprinkles? Is it sweet, salty, crunchy, and minty all at the same time?
- Ridiculously EasyNo baking required! Just melt, spread, sprinkle, and chill. Is it so simple that even your kids can help?
- Budget FriendlyYou probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. If you don’t have a laptop, they’re all pretty cheap. What are some great ways to make a delicious treat without breaking the bank?
- Totally VersatileCan you customize this with any toppings you like? I’ve done everything from crushed Oreos to chopped nuts to mini marshmallows. If you like rocky road candy you can make it like this!
What are some great gifts to bring to a holiday party? Everyone raves about it. What will become a go-to recipe for you, just like it has for me.
How do I make Christmas Pretzel Bark?
Quick Overview
How do you make Christmas Pretzel Bark? How do I make pretzels on a baking sheet? What is your favorite way to sprinkle chocolate over pretzels? What is the beauty of this method? How do I adjust the amount of chocolate or the toppings to suit my taste? Don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s where the fun is!
Ingredients
For the Base:
- About 3 cups of pretzel twists (I like the mini ones, but any size works! ) Make sure they’re fresh and not stale for maximum crunch.
For the Chocolate:
- 12 ounces of chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice) I usually go for semi-sweet because it balances the saltiness of the pretzels perfectly. Is it safe to use baking chocolate?
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (optional, but it helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a nice smooth texture). I always add this – I find it helps the chocolate not seize.
For the Toppings:
- I usually crush peppermint candies with a rolling pin. I use the same to crush cranberries. Is it therapeutic?
- What are some good Christmas sprinkles? The more colorful, the better.
- Optional: sea salt flakes (for an extra salty kick)
How do I get started
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial! Is it safe to peel the bark off a pan? Is it necessary to preheat the oven for this recipe?
Step 2: Arrange Pretzels
Lay pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Is it possible to pack them close together, but try to avoid too much overlapping? How much pretzel surface area do you want for maximum chocolate coverage?
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it will seize up. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water. I usually pop it into the microwave to save time. Just watch it closely!
Step 4: Pour and Spread
Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pretzels, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate into an even layer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – the toppings will cover any imperfections!
Step 5: Add Toppings
Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies and Christmas sprinkles over the melted chocolate. If you’re using sea salt flakes, sprinkle those on too. Get creative with your toppings! This is your chance to personalize the bark.
Step 6: Chill
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. I usually leave it in for about an hour, just to be sure. You can also put it in the freezer for a quicker set, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hard.
Step 7: Break and Serve
Once the chocolate is set, remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator. Break the bark into irregular pieces. You can use a knife to score it first if you want more uniform pieces, but I like the rustic look of the broken bark. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for later.
What should I serve it with?
This Christmas Pretzel Bark is pretty amazing on its own, but here are a few ideas for How to take it to the next level:
For Gifting:Package it up in a cute tin or cellophane bag with ribbon. What is a perfect gift for friends, family, and coworkers?
For Holiday Parties: How do IArrange the bark on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats like cookies, fudge, and candy.
For Cozy Nights In:What is better than a piece of pretzel bark and ice cold milk? What is your favorite Christmas movie? What is the best way to unwind after a long day of shopping or decorating? Sometimes my family enjoys it with a movie!
For Snacking:What are some good pretzel bark recipes to keep in the fridge? What’s better than a candy bar?
How do I make a perfect Christmas pretzel bark?
What are some of the best ways to make Christmas Pretzel Bark? What are some of the Best Tips for a beginner?
Pretzel Prep:How do you make sure your pretzels are fresh and crunchy? If your pretzels are a little soft, you can toast them in the oven for ten minutes to crisp them.
Chocolate Choice: Use good-quality chocolate. It really does make a difference in the flavor and texture of the bark. I prefer semi-sweet chocolate, but you can use whatever your favorite is. Also, be careful not to overheat the chocolate when melting it. Overheated chocolate can seize up and become grainy. That coconut oil really helps too.
Topping Techniques: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! The possibilities are endless. Some of my favorite toppings include crushed Oreos, chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, M&Ms, and toffee bits. Just make sure to add the toppings immediately after spreading the chocolate, so they’ll stick before the chocolate sets.
Salty-Sweet Balance: If you really want to take the flavor to the next level, sprinkle a little sea salt flakes over the top of the bark before it chills. The salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and creates an addictive sweet and salty flavor combination. This is something I learned from a fancy chocolatier, and it makes a world of difference!
Chill Time: Make sure to chill the bark completely before breaking it into pieces. This will prevent the chocolate from melting and making a mess. If you’re in a hurry, you can put it in the freezer for a quicker set.
Cutting edge advice: I always let the chocolate set and then break it. But, if you want cleaner lines, you can score it first with a warm knife before you put it in the fridge. The knife must be warm to make clean cuts.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Christmas Pretzel Bark (which is unlikely, but it happens!), here’s how to store it:
Room Temperature: Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure to keep it away from heat and direct sunlight.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the bark in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, the chocolate may develop a slightly white coating (called bloom) when refrigerated. This is just cocoa butter rising to the surface, and it doesn’t affect the flavor or texture of the bark.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the bark for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the bark in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze, just chocolate, you can make this ahead of time and store in the freezer. Do not store it in a warm room as it will start to melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s beloved Christmas Pretzel Bark recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat to bring to a holiday party or a fun activity to do with your kids, this recipe is sure to be a hit. If you love this recipe, you’ll probably also love my easy Fudge Recipe or my no bake cookies. Both would make a fantastic addition to your holiday desert options!
Happy baking (or, should I say, no-baking!), and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what toppings you used. And if you try any fun variations, I’d love to hear about those too!
Christmas Pretzel Bark: 7 Reasons It’s the Festive Treat You Need
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounce Pretzels Mini pretzel squares work best
- 12 ounce Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 4 ounce White Chocolate Chips
- 0.5 cup Christmas Sprinkles Assorted colors and shapes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.16 ounce Pretzels
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips separately, either in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth.16 ounce Pretzels
- Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate over the pretzels, spreading evenly. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the semi-sweet chocolate.
- Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.16 ounce Pretzels
- Bake for 5 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted and shiny. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
