12 Days of Holiday Gifts: Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks

Homemade gifts have special meaning when your kids lend a helping hand. These simple and fun chocolate covered pretzels are a great cold weather activity.

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pretzel sticks

We're kicking off the holiday season with 12 Days of Holiday Gifts -- gifts that are both homemade and gifts you can buy at the store for your loved ones this season. Day 1: Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Sticks that you can make with your kids.

Homemade gifts have special meaning when your kids lend a helping hand. These simple and fun chocolate covered pretzels are a great cold weather activity (they kept my 3 busy for over an hour!). Maybe that’s why they’re one of the most popular holiday treats in my neighborhood.

A Sweet and Salty Delight

Who doesn’t love the combo on salty and sweet? With 30 calories per pretzel rod, it’s a calorie-controlled snack that won’t bust your waistline.

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks
Yield: 24
24 salted pretzel rods
8 ounces of chocolate: dark, white, or milk chocolate

¾ cup of toppings (suggestions: sprinkles, non-pareil décor, or chopped nuts)

Nutrition Info (per pretzel)
Calories: 101
Fat: 5 grams
Saturated fat: 2 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Total carbohydrates: 13 grams
Sugar: 4 grams
Total fiber: 1 gram
Cholesterol: 1 milligram
Sodium: 204 milligrams
Procedure

Pour selected toppings onto plate and set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt chocolate. Stir continuously so chocolate doesn’t stick to the sides. Let cool for 2 to 3 minutes.

Pour melted chocolate into tall glass and dip pretzel rods. Scrape off excess chocolate on side of the glass and roll in topping of choice. Place decorated pretzel on a flat plate covered with wax or parchment paper, being sure to separate decorated rods by 1-inch. Place plate in refrigerator for about 8 to 10 minutes, until chocolate sets.

Gift-Giving

There are so many creative ways to package these pretzels. Wrap in cellophane or place in a small vase or glass and wrap with a bow.

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Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »

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