These Pumpkin Pretzel Rods are a fun and tasty treat! Crunchy pretzel sticks are coated in sweet pumpkin spice candy, making them perfect for fall snacking.
They always remind me of cozy autumn days. I love grabbing a few to enjoy while watching a movie. A simple treat that brings smiles—who can resist that combination? 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzel rods: These provide a nice salty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the sweet coating. You can swap them for regular pretzels or even thin breadsticks if you prefer.
Candy melts: Orange candy melts give a bright color and sweetness. If you can’t find them, white chocolate or even dark chocolate works just fine, just color it with a little orange food coloring.
Pumpkin pie spice: Adding this spice enhances the pumpkin flavor. If you don’t have it, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can be a great substitute!
Sprinkles: While fall-themed sprinkles add a festive touch, you can use regular colored sprinkles instead. Get creative with colors based on the season!
How Do I Melt Candy Melts Smoothly?
Melting candy melts can be tricky, but if you follow these simple steps, you’ll have a smooth coating!
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the melts in 30-second intervals to avoid overheating.
- Stir after each interval to check the consistency—this helps distribute the heat evenly.
- If the melts seem too thick, add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out.
Following these tips will give you a perfect melting experience every time! Enjoy making your Pumpkin Pretzel Rods with a smooth and even coating.
How to Make Pumpkin Pretzel Rods
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 12 ounces) pretzel rods
- 10 ounces orange-colored candy melts (pumpkin spice or plain orange)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fall-themed sprinkles (orange, black, and white)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a little time for the candy to cool and harden, usually around 20–30 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before your delicious Pumpkin Pretzel Rods are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Surface:
Start by preparing a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make clean-up easier and to prevent the pretzels from sticking.
2. Melt the Candy:
Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add your orange candy melts. Heat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir the melts until they’re completely smooth. This prevents them from burning and keeps everything nice and gooey!
3. Add Flavor (Optional):
If you want to kick up the flavor a notch, now’s the time to stir in that pumpkin pie spice. Mix it well with the melted candy until it’s evenly incorporated.
4. Coat the Pretzels:
Take a pretzel rod and dip it into the melted candy. You can use a spoon to help coat the pretzel evenly, but leave the top inch or so uncoated for easy handling later.
5. Add the Sprinkles:
After dipping, gently shake off any excess candy. Immediately sprinkle the coated areas with your fall-themed sprinkles. Do this quickly, so the sprinkles stick before the candy hardens!
6. Cool and Set:
Place the coated pretzels on your prepared baking sheet. Let them cool at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes until the candy coating is completely set and hard.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the candy has hardened, arrange your delightful Pumpkin Pretzel Rods on a serving platter or package them up as sweet gifts for friends and family. Enjoy this crunchy, seasonal treat!
Happy snacking with your festive Pumpkin Pretzel Rods!
Can I Use Different Types of Pretzels?
Absolutely! While pretzel rods are great for this recipe, you can use regular pretzel twists or even thin breadsticks as a fun alternative. Just make sure they can be dipped easily!
What Can I Substitute for Candy Melts?
If you don’t have candy melts on hand, you can use white chocolate or dark chocolate instead. Simply melt it down the same way. Just remember to add a few drops of orange food coloring if you want that signature pumpkin color!
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Rods?
Store any leftover Pumpkin Pretzel Rods in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to soften, you can pop them back in the fridge for a little crunch!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare these a day or two in advance! Just make sure they are completely cooled and stored in an airtight container. They’ll be just as delicious when you’re ready to enjoy them!
