Christmas Pretzels Recipe

The holiday season is all about indulgent treats, and one of the most fun and festive snacks you can make is Christmas pretzels. With their sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors, these pretzels are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or even gifting to loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a fun activity to do with kids, or simply want to add a little sparkle to your Christmas treats, these Christmas pretzels are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making soft pretzels and transforming them into Christmas-themed treats. With colorful coatings, festive toppings, and a touch of magic, these pretzels are not only a delightful snack but a way to bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious Christmas pretzels that will surely leave everyone asking for more.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Pretzels

1. Versatile: Whether you like your pretzels sweet, salty, or with a festive coating, there’s a variation for everyone.
2. Fun to Make: Making pretzels from scratch is a fun, hands-on activity that the whole family can enjoy.
3. Great for Gifting: These pretzels make wonderful gifts. You can wrap them up beautifully in gift bags or boxes and spread some holiday cheer.
4. Customizable: You can change the toppings, glazes, and colors to make them fit any holiday or occasion.
5. Perfect for Holiday Parties: Serve these pretzels as a treat at your holiday parties or gatherings and impress your guests.

Making the Soft Pretzel Dough

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is activated and ready to use.

Step 2: Make the Dough

2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Add the melted butter and continue mixing until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, or knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface.
3. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water until you reach the right consistency.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

4. Lightly oil another bowl and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Shaping and Boiling the Pretzels

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Boiling Water

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set them aside for later.
2. In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a simmer and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. This will create the classic pretzel crust when dipped into the water.

Step 5: Shape the Pretzels

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
2. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 24 inches in length. Shape the ropes into pretzels by looping them into a U shape, then twisting the ends over each other and securing them at the bottom.

Step 6: Boil the Pretzels

1. Carefully lower each shaped pretzel into the simmering water for about 30 seconds. This step helps to create the chewy texture of the pretzel. Once boiled, remove the pretzel with a slotted spoon and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash and Sprinkle with Coarse Salt

1. Brush each pretzel with the egg wash, giving them a golden, shiny finish when baked. Sprinkle with coarse salt for the traditional pretzel topping.
2. Bake the pretzels for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Decorating the Christmas Pretzels

Step 8: Prepare the Glazes

1. While the pretzels are baking, prepare the glazes. In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the white chocolate chips and candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until completely smooth.

Step 9: Dip the Pretzels

1. Once the pretzels have cooled slightly, dip each one halfway into the white chocolate or colored candy melts. Use a spoon to drizzle any excess chocolate back into the bowl.

Step 10: Add the Festive Toppings

1. Immediately sprinkle the dipped area with festive toppings, such as Christmas-themed sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or mini marshmallows. You can also drizzle more chocolate over the top for an extra festive look.

Step 11: Add the Finishing Touches

1. If desired, dust the pretzels with edible glitter for an extra touch of sparkle, making them look like a true holiday treat. Allow the chocolate to set for about 15 minutes at room temperature, or place the pretzels in the refrigerator for faster setting.

Serving Your Christmas Pretzels

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the chocolate has hardened and the toppings have adhered, your Christmas pretzels are ready to serve! Arrange them on a festive platter for an eye-catching holiday treat. These pretzels are sure to be the highlight of any gathering.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Pretzels

1. Don’t Skip the Boiling Step: Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water is what gives them their signature chewy texture. This step is essential for making traditional soft pretzels.
2. Customize Your Toppings: Use your favorite holiday toppings—perhaps even drizzle with caramel or chocolate chips for a more indulgent twist.
3. Make Mini Pretzels: If you’re serving these at a party, consider making mini pretzels for easy grab-and-go snacks. Just reduce the size of the dough portions and boil for slightly less time.
4. Use High-Quality Chocolate: When it comes to the chocolate or candy coating, opt for high-quality chocolate to ensure the smoothest and creamiest glaze. This will also make the pretzels more indulgent.
5. Get Creative with Colors: You can easily customize the pretzels for other holidays or themes by using different candy melts and toppings. For instance, you could make red, white, and blue pretzels for Independence Day.

Variations of Christmas Pretzels

1. Peppermint Pretzels: If you love the combination of chocolate and mint, add crushed peppermint candy to your pretzels for a festive, refreshing twist.
2. Caramel Pretzels: Instead of using chocolate, dip the pretzels in caramel sauce and top with chopped nuts or sprinkles.
3. Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels: For a more traditional holiday flavor, dust your baked pretzels with cinnamon sugar before dipping them in chocolate or icing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these pretzels in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pretzel dough and shape it ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before boiling and baking.

2. What can I use if I don’t have candy melts?
If you don’t have candy melts, you can use white chocolate chips or even regular chocolate chips. Just melt them carefully in the microwave or over a double boiler.

3. Can I make these pretzels gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure you’re using a brand that works well for baking, and follow the instructions for gluten-free doughs.

Conclusion

Christmas pretzels are a delightful, versatile treat that can bring a touch of festive cheer to any holiday gathering. Whether you dip them in colorful chocolate, sprinkle them with candy cane pieces, or add a touch of edible glitter, these pretzels will not only taste amazing but look stunning too. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with family, these Christmas pretzels are a must-try addition to your holiday baking list.

Yield: 24 Pretzels

Christmas Pretzels Recipe

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The holiday season is all about indulgent treats, and one of the most fun and festive snacks you can make is Christmas pretzels. With their sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors, these pretzels are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or even gifting to loved ones. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a fun activity to do with kids, or simply want to add a little sparkle to your Christmas treats, these Christmas pretzels are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 24 small pretzels (square or traditional shape)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (or white candy melts)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if using chocolate chips)
• Red and green holiday sprinkles
• 12 small Christmas candies (like M&M’s, peppermint candies, or candy canes)
• Optional: drizzle of dark chocolate for additional decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Prepare the Pretzels:

1. Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet. If you’re using regular pretzels, make sure they are spread out evenly. If you’re using the square pretzels, they work best for topping with the candies later.

3. Melt the White Chocolate:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate chips (or candy melts) with the vegetable oil (if using chocolate chips) in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. If you’re using candy melts, you may not need the oil, as it will melt smoothly on its own.

4. Drizzle and Decorate:

1. Once the white chocolate is melted, use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the melted white chocolate over the pretzels. Be generous but not too much to cover the pretzels completely.
2. Immediately top with festive sprinkles or crushed Christmas candies (such as peppermint pieces or mini M&M’s) for a cheerful look.

5. Set the Pretzels:

1. Let the pretzels set at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens. You can also place the pretzels in the refrigerator for faster setting.

6. Optional - Add Dark Chocolate Drizzle:

1. If desired, melt a small amount of dark chocolate and drizzle it over the pretzels for a fun contrast. Let it cool and harden along with the white chocolate.

Notes

• Add Flavor: For a bit more holiday flavor, consider adding crushed peppermint sticks, cinnamon sugar, or even a bit of orange zest to the white chocolate for an extra festive touch.
• Make It a Gift: These pretzels are perfect for holiday gifting! Package them in cute gift bags or jars with a festive ribbon.