White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels

White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Crisps offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty with a festive peppermint twist. They come together quickly and effortlessly, making them an ideal holiday treat for sharing or gifting. I first made these during a last-minute holiday party, and they disappeared faster than I could plate them, now they are a holiday staple in my home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pretzel crisps: choose your favorite brand for the best crunch and flavor
• 12 ounces white chocolate chips: melts smoothly to coat each pretzel perfectly
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: thins the chocolate for easy dipping and even coverage
• Half cup crushed peppermint candies: adds a refreshing minty crunch and festive look, use fresh to avoid moisture
• Pinch of sea salt: optional but helps balance sweetness and enhance flavor, choose coarse sea salt for texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet thoroughly with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple

Melt the White Chocolate:

Place white chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts and stir well each time until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy. Being patient during melting avoids burning or grainy texture

Coat the Pretzel Crisps:

Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each pretzel crisp fully into the melted chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip off carefully for a smooth coating. Arrange coated pretzels on the prepared baking sheet with some space between them

Add Crushed Peppermint:

While the chocolate is still wet and soft, sprinkle each pretzel with crushed peppermint candies. The pieces will stick well and add vibrant color and fresh peppermint flavor

Chill to Set:

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely. This step is essential for crisp finished texture and easier handling

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My favorite ingredient has to be the crushed peppermint candies—when I was little, my grandmother and I would crush candies together while sharing stories. That tradition carries on every holiday with this recipe

Storage tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks for best freshness
• You can keep them at room temperature in a cool dry spot for about a week if eaten sooner
• Separating layers with parchment paper prevents sticking and preserves crispness

Ingredient substitutions

• Regular or chocolate-covered pretzels work too if you want a different texture or flavor profile
• You can swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for richness and a less sweet option
• For peppermint topping, crushed candy canes or peppermint bark make good alternatives

Serving suggestions

• Arrange pretzels on a festive holiday tray alongside other sweets for a beautiful dessert display
• Package pretzels in decorative jars or boxes for great homemade holiday gifts
• Pair with a warm mug of cocoa or coffee for the ultimate cozy winter treat

Cultural context

Combining chocolate and peppermint is a classic holiday flavor in many Western cultures especially during Christmas time. The pretzel adds a salty element which balances the sweetness of the chocolate and has roots in German baking traditions

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular pretzels instead of pretzel crisps?

Yes, regular pretzels can be used but they offer a different crunch and shape, altering the texture and visual appeal of the final treat.

→ How do I melt the white chocolate properly?

Heat white chocolate chips with a bit of vegetable oil in short 30-second intervals, stirring frequently to avoid grainy texture and ensure smooth melting.

→ What’s the best way to set the coated pretzels?

Place the coated pretzels on parchment-lined trays and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is firm to the touch.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Absolutely. Store the coated and set pretzels in an airtight container and keep them fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

→ Are there flavor variations I can try?

Yes, try swapping white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate to add a richer taste or use crushed sugar-free candies to reduce sweetness.

→ How can I prevent pretzels from sticking together when stored?

Separate layers of pretzels with parchment paper inside your storage container to keep each crisp intact and prevent sticking.