Everything you need to know about How to Decorate Pretzels: An easy to make treat or dessert with the perfect combo of sweet and salty. Perfect for any occasion with tons of variations. This post will give you step by step instructions on how you can decorate pretzels like a pro along with several videos. Stop paying someone else to make your treats—find out how easy it is to make them yourself! Scroll down for different techniques, videos and ideas. PRETZEL POCKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE! WHAT’S A PRETZEL POCKET? FIND OUT BELOW↓

IN THIS POST YOU WILL LEARN 10 DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES FOR DECORATING PRETZELS

MELTED CANDY
COVERING IN SPRINKLES
DRIZZLE
DRIZZLE AND SPRINKLES
COVERING IN CARAMEL
USING FREEZE DRIED FRUIT
MARBLING
COMBINING CARAMEL AND MARBLING
DRIPPING OVER SPRINKLES
USING STORE BOUGHT FROSTING
PLUS LOTS OF TIPS!

HOW TO KEEP ONE SIDE FROM GETTING FLAT

RICE! I fill a container with rice, stick the freshly decorated pretzels in the rice and then into the refrigerator to harden. TIP: Make sure the container you use is deep enough to handle the height of the pretzel.

Having a Problem with Candy Melts?

HERE IS A POST DEDICATED TO CANDY MELTS! Everything You Need To Know About Candy Melts: Candy melts are the most versatile treat medium, scroll down to find tons of tips and tricks. From what’s the best thinner to use, how to heat candy melts, what can be created with candy melts ,and more!

THE MANY USES OF DECORATED PRETZELS

ADD TO A DESSERT TABLE
USE AS A CENTERPIECE ON A KIDS TABLE
FILL SMALL CONTAINERS (like buckets) AND LINE THEM DOWN THE CENTER OF A TABLE TO SERVE AS A RUNNER
PACKAGE THEM UP IN PRETZEL TREAT BAGS AND HAND THEM OUT AS PARTY FAVORS
DECORATE MINI PRETZELS AND PUT IN PLASTIC CANDY CANES (pictured above)
FILL AN EMPTY DECORATED CAN WITH MINI PRETZELS AND GIVE AS A GIFT—MAKES A GREAT SECRET SANTA GIFT! (pictured above)
ADD MINI DECORATED PRETZELS TO PUSH UP POPS AND CREATE A FUN DISPLAY (pictured above)

ADDING COLOR TO CANDY WAFERS OR CANDY MELTS.

GOOD NEWS! If you can’t find the color you want or if the color scheme of your party is not a color offered in wafers or candy melts you can color your own, allowing you to create unique colors. You can add color to melted candy BUT….ONLY USE AN OIL BASED COLOR. Candy wafers and candy melts are made from an oil base THEY DO NOT LIKE WATER. Here is a great article from Wilton (the maker of candy melts) explaining→HOW TO COLOR CANDY MELTS CANDY

HOW TO STORE DECORATED PRETZELS

The easiest way is to store decorated pretzels is in an airtight container at room temperature. Provided everything is fresh to begin with and the container is clean, dry, and has a tight seal, partially covered pretzel rods can stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks.

HOW TO DECORATE PRETZELS—Techniques

DECORATE PRETZELS WITH MELTED CANDY—Let’s start with FIVE basic techniques

Candy Melts from Wilton is my candy of choice. They are easy to find (Michael’s or Walmart) and easy to work with.

Place a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Pour candy into a microwave safe bowl.
Melt the candy in 30 second increments, stirring between each time.
TIP: If your candy melts don’t get loose enough to dip into add a little shortening—that will loosen the candy and make it easier to coat your pretzels.
The key to coating the pretzel without the candy dripping everywhere is in the temperature of the candy—not too hot and not too cold.
Once the candy is the right consistency it’s time to dip.
Put pretzel tip in the bowl and use a spoon to drizzle and coat the pretzel.
Putting candy melts (already melted) into a small mason jar is also a great way to dip your pretzels (all you have to do is submerge the pretzel).
Swirl the pretzel to let any extra candy drip off and tap on the side of the bowl or jar.
AT THIS POINT—USE THE COVERING IN SPRINKLES TECHNIQUE OR THE DRIZZLE TECHNIQUE

***MY FAVORITE TOOL FOR MELTING CANDY AND KEEPING IT MELTED! PERFECT FOR LARGE JOBS.***

DECORATE PRETZELS BY COVERING IN SPRINKLES TECHNIQUE

***TIP: USING THE SAME COLOR OF CANDY MELTS WITH THE SAME COLOR SPRINKLES WILL HELP MAKE YOUR PRETZELS POP WITH COLOR!***

Coat only 4 to 5 pretzels at a time with the melted candy for this method.
Add sprinkles immediately.
For adding sprinkles— put the sprinkles into a larger bowl and spoon the sprinkles over the pretzel making sure to keep twisting it around (this helps cool off the candy and stops it from dripping into the sprinkles).
Let the extra sprinkles fall into the bowl.
Place finished pretzels on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet OR insert them into a container filled with rice.
Scoop up the leftover sprinkles to use again.

DECORATE PRETZELS WITH THE DRIZZLE TECHNIQUE

A GREAT WAY TO ADD SEVERAL COLORS AND SPRINKLES!

Complete the first step of covering the pretzels with melted candy.
Place covered pretzels on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the refrigerator until the candy has hardened (about 10 minutes).
Melt the candy melts the same as you did with for the coating.
Put melted candy into squeeze bottles, zip top bags or piping bags with the tips cut off. TIP: Only melt one color at a time. Start with the darkest color and end with the lightest.
Drizzle over pretzels in a back and forth motion and melt your next color….
OR…if you have a melting pot (pictured above), melt all the colors. Pour each color into a piping bag, close the top of each bag with a rubber band DO NOT SNIP THE END. Place the filled piping bags into a hot melting pot. This will keep all the colors piping hot so be careful when handling. Sometimes I have to use a paper towel as a barrier. Lay pretzels next to each other (single file) leaving some space for the candy to fall. Snip the end of each piping bag as you use them. In a back and forth sweeping motion add the drizzle.
Make sure to start with the darkest color working up to the lightest.
Set aside to harden or add sprinkles.

Another great tip for the drizzle technique:

Once you have added the drizzle onto the pretzels—lift them straight up and transport them to a clean sheet of parchment—leaving behind the extra melted candy and letting the pretzels harden on a clean sheet.

DECORATE PRETZELS WITH THE DRIZZLE AND SPRINKLE TECHNIQUES:

Complete the melted candy covered pretzel step—and then the drizzle method.
Lightly sprinkle the sprinkles on top of the drizzle.
NOTE: You still want to see the drizzle effect through the sprinkles.

DECORATE PRETZELS WITH THE CARAMEL TECHNIQUE

CREATE A PRETZEL WITH A LITTLE SURPRISE INSIDE…CARAMEL!

How to Decorate Pretzels with Caramel — 1 cup of caramel bits or chopped caramels to 1 tablespoon of water will cover approximately 20 pretzel rods.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Place the caramel and water in a microwave safe bowl.
Whisk together and heat in 15 second increments.
Cover the pretzels with the melted caramel (as pictured).

Finish with the melted candy and drizzle techniques

ADD FLAVOR WITH FREEZE DRIED FRUIT TECHNIQUE

Create fun flavors with freeze dried fruit! Grind up freeze dried cinnamon apples and create delicious apple pie pretzels! CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW—->>>>APPLE PIE DECORATED PRETZELS

MARBLING TECHNIQUE

When you look at my technique for the marbling effect you may see that their is some waste. Remember this…..you will be creating TWELVE incredible looking party pretzels for under $10. Most techniques call for a tub of melted candy (the main color), drizzling the other colors on top and then dipping the pretzel in through the drizzled colors—it’s hard to keep the colors from becoming muddy looking. I don’t think that technique works as well as the one I do here. View the video below for the full details—and click here for the post—->>>>OUT OF THIS WORLD GALAXY DECORATED PRETZELS

COMBINING CARAMEL AND MARBLING TECHNIQUE

This uses two of my favorite techniques. I love caramel on my pretzels and the look of the melted candy when it’s marbled. View the video below for the full details—and click here for the post—->>>> UNICORN PRETZELS

DRIPPING TECHNIQUE

This simple technique may be simple—it adds another layer of interest to your decorated pretzels. View the video below for the full details—and click here for the post—->>>>HALLOWEEN VAMPIRE PRETZELS

USING STORE BOUGHT FROSTING TECHNIQUE

Yes, you read that right…I used store bought frosting to create these delicious Frosting Dipped Decorated Pretzels! When you’re in a pinch and all you have is a couple cans of frosting you go with it! Create a fun festive treat in minutes with an assortment of toppings. Click here for the post—->>>>HOW TO DECORATE PRETZELS WITH STORE BOUGHT FROSTING

Use any flavor of frosting!
Substituting frosting for candy melts is a great way of adding flavor to your decorated pretzels.
Use white, add a drop or two of food coloring and customize your pretzels to match your party colors.
TIP: Mix colors together to make unique colors.

NOTE: Use a micro plane to take off any excess candy.

When the melted candy has spread—use this tip!

Carefully scrape off the excess melted candy with a micro plane. NOTE: CANDY MUST BE HARD FOR THIS TO WORK

HOW TO KEEP MELTED CANDY IN A LIQUID STATE

No one likes rushing to get something coasted with melted candy only to have it harden before finishing the coating step. Here’s how I solve that problem and this is not only handy to know for coating pretzels but for anything that requires a candy coating.

Using Wilton Melting Pots (this is my favorite). These handy pots are not just for melting candy, they also work amazing at keeping the candy melted. For the drizzle method I melt the candy, pour it into piping bags, seal the end tightly with a rubber band. Place the piping bags in a heated pot without the insert. The pot will keep the candy piping hot so be careful when handling. If using squirt bottles, pour hot water into the pot (without the insert), use high setting, fill bottles with melted candy, place in the water. This will also keep the candy melted.
Electric Skillet. All the above can also be achieved by using an electric skillet except ALWAYS have water in the skillet. Also, the candy melts can not be added directly to the skillet. They MUST be in a heat proof container like a mason jar or bowl.

Decorated Pretzel Pockets

WHAT IS A PRETZEL POCKET? Take your decorated pretzels a step further and drop them in a decorated pocket! Placing the pretzels in a pocket allows for easy handling…NO MESSY HANDS!

DECORATED PRETZELS—HALLOWEEN—

Decorated Pretzels are the PERFECT HOSTESS treat. They can be made days in advance, they’re easy to make, colorful and delicious! 1. HALLOWEEN VAMPIRE PRETZELS 2. WICKED WITCH FINGER HALLOWEEN PRETZELS 3. HALLOWEEN PARTY EYE OF NEWT PRETZELS 4. HOCUS POCUS HALLOWEEN DECORATED PRETZELS→CLICK HERE FOR OVER 35 DECORATED PRETZEL IDEAS→DECORATED PRETZELS←

DECORATED PRETZELS—CHRISTMAS—

Adding decorated pretzels to a dessert party table is an easy way of filling an empty spot and adding a pop of color. Handing them out as party favors is another great idea. 1. EGGNOG CHRISTMAS PRETZELS 2. WINTER ICICLE PRETZELS 3. DARK CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS DECORATED PRETZELS 4. MINI HOLIDAY PRETZEL STICK STOCKING STUFFERS→CLICK HERE FOR OVER 35 DECORATED PRETZEL IDEAS→DECORATED PRETZELS←

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS—I WILL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER THEM! ♥

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Comments

Everything you need to know about How to Decorate Pretzels — 36 Comments

Judy on October 5, 2014 at 11:37 am said:

Can not wait to try this. Thanks for sharing!

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- Sheryl on October 5, 2014 at 9:26 pm said:
  
  YAY Judy! This is my favorite treat to make. It looks awesome and taste good too.
  
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Diana Strey on October 25, 2014 at 3:59 pm said:

Can’t wait to try.

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- Sheryl on October 26, 2014 at 11:24 pm said:
  
  Hi Diana, Once you try these you’ll keep making them. They are so good, look great and are easy to make. 🙂
  
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Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling on June 26, 2015 at 9:08 pm said:

You are definitely a pretzel decorating pro! Great tips!

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Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet on June 27, 2015 at 7:13 pm said:

So many great tips! I love chocolate covered pretzels!

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Rachael on June 29, 2015 at 8:15 am said:

I love chocolate dipped pretzels! Mine never turn out this cute!

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Kristi on July 3, 2015 at 9:22 am said:

Love them!!!!

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- Sheryl on July 3, 2015 at 9:37 am said:
  
  Me too Kristi, In face a made a few for my granddaughters today. 🙂
  
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Lynn gartly on December 23, 2015 at 11:17 pm said:

This was so helpfully first time making them thanks for sharing and merry Christmas

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Maria on August 12, 2016 at 6:35 pm said:

I want to thank u so so much for showing me how u make ur dip pretzels it’s my first time wish me luck thanks again

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- Sheryl on August 12, 2016 at 10:09 pm said:
  
  You’re Welcome Maria! You’ll do great! 🙂
  
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Jen on October 30, 2016 at 1:51 pm said:

Thank you SO MUCH for this video! I tried a batch of these coated pretzels by just using Pinterest instructions from someone else, and after watching your video the difference is night and day! You definitely saved me from what was a Pinterest fail! Wish I had watched your video first!!!

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- Sheryl on November 1, 2016 at 7:08 am said:
  
  Awww…..thanks Jen! I’m so glad it was helpful. 🙂
  
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Katlynne on January 29, 2017 at 6:44 pm said:

Question! How far in advance can I make these? I’m hoping to make them for a baby shower. How many days will they stay fresh?

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- Sheryl on January 30, 2017 at 10:40 am said:
  
  Hi Katlynne, They will be good as long as the pretzels stay fresh (at least a week). 🙂
  
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Jessica on April 13, 2017 at 5:30 am said:

With your candy melts do you use vanilla flavored or non flavored? Thank you for sharing this information..

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- Sheryl on April 13, 2017 at 8:54 am said:
  
  Hi Jessica, All candy melts are flavored. Most of them are vanilla unless otherwise stated. 🙂
  
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Danielle on March 28, 2018 at 6:23 pm said:

Thank you so much for all the helpful tips, Wonderful!

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- Sheryl on March 29, 2018 at 9:04 am said:
  
  You’re Welcome Danielle, Thanks for visiting!
  
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yvette on April 26, 2018 at 7:35 am said:

hey i want to know how do you get the candy melts to be so smooth

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- Sheryl on April 26, 2018 at 2:32 pm said:
  
  Hi Yvette, If your candy is too thick You can add a tablespoon of shortening for a whole bag of candy melts or 1/2 a tablespoon for half a bag. Just place the shortening in the bowl with your candy melts and melt together. This should make the consistency perfect of dipping. Some color melt better than others. I always have a hard time with pink.
  
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- Jerri on June 24, 2022 at 12:32 pm said:
  
  I can’t get the candy melt to stick to the pretzel!
  How do I correct this?☹️
  
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  - Sheryl on June 24, 2022 at 1:52 pm said:
    
    Hi Jerri, I need more information. What is the texture of the melted candy? Did you add water or fat to the melted candy?
    
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thilini on October 19, 2018 at 8:46 am said:

thank you so much for sharing.

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- Sheryl on October 19, 2018 at 10:57 am said:
  
  You’re Welcome Thilini!
  
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Terri Taylor on December 14, 2019 at 5:34 pm said:

I bought one of the wilton candy melt pots it is great for this you can also buy e z thin to thin out your melted chocolate it works great..I tried to do it in a pot on very low heat and failed over and over. I really like how you use the micro plane great idea.

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- Sheryl on December 15, 2019 at 6:31 pm said:
  
  Thanks Terri, Yes….I love the melting pot too! I can’t find the e z thin. So I use shortening.
  
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Carrol on February 29, 2020 at 4:54 pm said:

Will this work if I have the vanilla almond bark blocks instead of the candy melts?

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- Sheryl on March 1, 2020 at 1:53 pm said:
  
  Hi Carrol, Yes, the two are pretty much the same thing.
  
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Jean Nieberding on June 19, 2020 at 8:33 am said:

How far in advance of the party is it recommended to decorate the pretzels ? How long are they good for ? Thanks , jean

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- Sheryl on June 19, 2020 at 10:35 am said:
  
  Hi Jean, As long as you keep them protected from dust ( I usually just lay something over the top of them) you can safely make them a week in advance.
  
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Terri on April 14, 2021 at 5:10 am said:

How do you keep them from getting flat on one side?

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- Sheryl on April 14, 2021 at 8:00 am said:
  
  Hi Terri, RICE! I fill a container with rice, stick the freshly decorated pretzels in the rice and then into the refrigerator to harden. TIP: Make sure the container you use is deep enough to handle the height of the pretzel.
  
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  - Terri on April 14, 2021 at 2:12 pm said:
    
    Wow! Would’ve never guessed that! Thank you!
    
    Reply ↓
    - Sheryl on April 18, 2021 at 7:39 pm said:
      
      You’re Welcome! Good Luck.
      
      Reply ↓