Red, White, and Yum: Candy-Coated Pretzel Rods for Summer
Get ready to add a burst of patriotic pizzazz to your summer shindig with our star-spangled candy-coated pretzel rods! These crunchy, sweet treats are dipped in red, white, and blue candy melts, then showered with sprinkles that scream “USA!” louder than your Uncle Bob at the Fourth of July parade. Perfect for your backyard BBQ or as a festive snack while watching fireworks, these pretzels are as fun to make as they are to eat. Just be prepared for the kids to turn into sprinkle-covered superheroes by the end of it! So, grab your apron, channel your inner Betsy Ross, and let’s get dipping!
Why this recipe works:
- Super easy and delicious snack everyone loves.
- Make them ahead and in bulk!
- These red, white, and blue pretzels are perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, 4th of July, and Memorial Day.
Red, White, & Blue Patriotic Pretzel Rods
Servings: 12 pretzel rods
Prep Time: 10 minutes / Decorating Time: 20 minutes / Setting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 pretzel rods
- ½ cup of red candy melts
- ½ cup of white candy melts
- ½ cup of blue candy melts
- 2 tablespoons of patriotic sprinkles (red, white, and blue)
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a double-boiler or microwave, melt the candy melts. If using a microwave, melt candy in 30 second increments, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
Dip one pretzel rod into the melted candy, tilting the bowl and using a spoon to help cover the pretzel evenly. Coat about half the length of the pretzel rod or as much as you like.
Gently shake off any excess candy melt before placing the pretzel rod on the parchment paper.
While the candy coating is still wet, sprinkle the patriotic sprinkles over the pretzel. You can sprinkle them by hand or roll the wet, candy-coated section of the pretzel rod in a bowl of sprinkles for fuller coverage.
Allow the candy melts to harden completely at room temperature, which should take about 15-30 minutes. For quicker setting, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
Serve the pretzel rods once the candy melts have set. If not serving immediately, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the pretzels from becoming soft.
Notes: It’s easier to work with one color of candy melts at a time.
Variations:
- Red, white, and blue tinted sugar.
- Red, white, and blue edible glitter.
- Crushed nuts, like peanuts or pistachios.
- Use food-coloring tinted almond bark or white chocolate instead of candy melts.
- Double-dip – dip pretzel rods in melted chocolate and allow it to cool before coating with candy melts.
FAQ
Can I use any type of pretzels for this recipe?
Absolutely! While we recommend using thicker pretzel rods for easier dipping and a satisfying crunch, you can use any size or shape that you prefer.
How do I prevent the candy melts from clumping?
To avoid clumping, melt the candy melts slowly in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil can also help achieve a smoother consistency.
Can I make these pretzel rods ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These patriotic pretzel rods can be made up to a week in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and crunchy.
What if I don’t have patriotic sprinkles?
No worries! You can get creative with other toppings like colored sugar, edible glitter, or even crushed candies. The goal is to make them festive and fun, so feel free to improvise!
Now that you know how to make these patriotic pretzel treats, you might also want to check out:
