These White chocolate peppermint pretzels are officially my favorite Christmas treat that I have made to date. I absolutely love anything candy cane flavoured and when mixed with the salty crunch of pretzels they are truly a match made in heaven. I originally got the idea after going on holiday to Palm Springs and making many trips to Trader Joes (a store we don’t have in Canada). I wandered the aisles in full kid-in-a-candy-store but the thing that completely stole my heart were their white chocolate peppermint pretzels. They taste like holiday cheer in the most snackable form possible. I loved them so much I packed several bags home with me in my suitcase, determined to recreate that exact magical combination in my own kitchen, and I’ve gotta say, I completely nailed it.
Why You Will Love These:
- They’re the perfect no-bake treat to tuck into your kids’ school lunches or gift to friends during the holidays.
- You can make this crunchy snack days in advance and keep it at room temperature.
- They’re incredibly easy; just melt, dip, sprinkle, and you’re done.
- Whether you like salty snacks or your sugar cravings are calling, these are the perfect solution.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- Pretzel Crisps: Use braided pretzels or pretzel rods, whichever you prefer.
- White Chocolate: I used Baker’s chocolate, but you can use a bar of your favorite brand, white chocolate chips, or white chocolate melting wafers.
- Peppermint Extract: Look for oil-soluble peppermint extract, chocolate hates water and if you add a water-based extract, even a tiny bit can make the chocolate seize and turn grainy. If you can only find water based extract that is fine, you will just need to add a teaspoon or two more oil to loosen the chocolate.
- Oil: You’ll want to use a neutral oil or melted refined coconut oil.
- Candy canes: Use mini candy canes, large candy canes, or crushed peppermint candies.
Clumpy Chocolate
If the melted chocolate is too thick, add another teaspoon or two of oil.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need:
- Glass Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Spatula
- Large Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels:
- Place the candy canes in a ziploc bag and crush them into small pieces. Transfer to a bowl.
- Place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 20-30 second increments until the chocolate has melted.
- Stir in the oil and then add the peppermint extract. Add another teaspoon of oil if the chocolate becomes too firm.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Dip each pretzel into the chocolate, ensuring it is fully covered, then transfer it to the parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining pretzels until none remain.
- Sprinkle the pretzels with crushed candy canes.
- Transfer the tray to the fridge (or freezer if you are in a rush) and leave until the chocolate has set.
How to Modify:
- Use your favorite white chocolate bar or white chocolate melting wafers for smooth and creamy results.
- You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate, and they will both deliver delicious results.
- Whether you use mini candy canes, regular candy canes, or little peppermint candies, you can’t lose.
- Omit the peppermint extract if you want the peppermint flavor to only come from the candy.
- Swap the pretzel crisps for traditional pretzels or pretzel sticks
Dietary Customizations:
- Dairy-Free: They make delicious dairy-free white chocolate chips that would work wonderfully for these.
- Gluten-Free: You can absolutely use gluten-free pretzels, and no one would even know!
Serving Suggestions:
Package them as gifts in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for an easy treat for you and your kids to hand out during the holidays.
Serve them on a Christmas dessert board alongside cookies, Cranberry, Brie, and Pecan Crostini, Air Fryer Crispy Artichokes, or Prosciutto, Pear, and Gorgonzola Bites.
I also highly recommend a seasonal Fruit Platter, too.
Common Questions
Yes! They keep well for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container, so you can prep them well ahead of time.
Store your leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. You can also store them in the freezer for a hidden treat to be enjoyed for 2-3 months.
Absolutely! Gluten-free pretzels work perfectly and still deliver the same sweet-crunchy flavor. No one will even know!
There could be two reasons for this 1) It may be overheated. Reheat in 5-second increments and stir well, or add a teaspoon of coconut oil to smooth it out. 2) Because of the water based peppermint extract, add more oil to thin out the chocolate.
Definitely—swap the peppermint for festive sprinkles, crushed cookies, or drizzle with dark chocolate.
More Finger Foods You Will Love:
- Caramelized Onion and Brie Puff Pastry Bites
- Spicy Tuna Wonton Cups
- Poached Salmon Spread
- Honey Mustard Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- Balsamic Zucchini and Pepper Crostini
If you make these White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels, let me know in the comments section below. I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram. I love seeing your photos!
White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels
Ingredients
- 12-15 pretzel crisps make sure they are whole/not broken
- 6 oz white chocolate
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 2-3 tsp neutral oil or melted coconut oil
- 5 mini candy canes or 2 large candy canes
Instructions
- Place the candy canes in a ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to break the candy canes into small pieces. Transfer to a bowl.
- Place the white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and working in increments of 20-30 seconds microwave until the chocolate has melted.
- Stir in the 2 tsp of oil and then add the peppermint extract. If the chocolate begins to seize and become firm, add another teaspoon or two of oil to thin it out.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip each of the pretzels into the bowl of chocolate, flip to ensure they are coated all over in chocolate and then use a fork to transfer the pretzel to the parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining pretzels until there are none left.
- Sprinkle the top of the pretzels with the crushed candy canes.
- Transfer the tray to the fridge (or freezer) and leave until the chocolate has set.
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a comment below and let us know how it was!
