We’ve been dipping pretzels for years. You just can’t deny that salty sweet combo, it’s the best.
Treasured memories from Christmas past are the time spent with my mom and sisters in the kitchen making holiday treats to deliver to our neighbors. We all had our own assignments, for this was no small undertaking! The most sought-after assignment was the chocolate-dipped pretzels, probably because they were the quickest to make and the easiest to sample!
Back then, we used a double boiler or a microwave to melt the chocolate. Each of those methods had drawbacks, though. Boy, oh boy, do I have an easier way to make these tasty treats! Using a slow cooker to melt the chocolate requires much less “babysitting” and keeps the chocolate at just the right temperature and consistency for dipping.
What kind of chocolate can you melt in a slow cooker to dip pretzels?
There are several options for dipping chocolate to choose from. In the past, we’ve used bakers chocolate and even chocolate chips. Hands down, the easiest to use are the Wilton Candy Melts. They’re easy to find, and they melt evenly and quickly. They’re available in a variety of colors and flavors as well.
What You Need To Dip Pretzels in a slow cooker?
- Pretzels: The choice is yours as to what kind of pretzels you’d like to use! From festive-shaped pretzels, to pretzel rods, to traditional pretzel knots, the choice is yours!
- Candy Melts: We prefer to use the bright white vanilla flavored melts rather than the regular white melts.
- Toppings: We used Peppermint Pixie Dust to sprinkle on ours! The directions are included below.
- Slow Cooker (crock pot)
- Slow Cooker Liner
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper Sheets
How To Make Dipped Pretzels With Candy Melts:
- Line your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour the candy melts into the slow cooker.
- Turn the slow cooker on to low.
- Check back frequently. Once the melts begin to melt, stir regularly to prevent burning on the bottom of the slow cooker. Depending on the slow cooker, it should take between 30 – 60 minutes to melt completely.
- Using a fork, dip the pretzel into the candy melts until completely coated. Or use your hand to hold the pretzel if you are not dipping the pretzel entirely.
- Carefully lift the pretzel, tapping the fork gently against the rim of the slow cooker so the excess drips back into the slow cooker.
- Transfer the pretzel to the prepared baking sheet, using a toothpick to carefully slide the pretzel off the fork.
- Sprinkle with Peppermint Pixie Dust before the melts firm up.
**You can also dip just a portion of the pretzel in the candy melts, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with Peppermint Pixie Dust.
How To Make Peppermint Pixie Dust
Peppermint Pixie Dust is a SNAP to make! Any peppermint candy cane will work! Also, as a side note, candy canes have a long shelf life. Buy them on clearance after Christmas and save them to make Peppermint Pixie Dust with next year! Just be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. We keep this on hand because its so good to add to hot chocolate, icing for cupcakes and sugar cookies, or to sprinkle on ice cream. YUM!!
To make Peppermint Pixie Dust, unwrap the candy canes, add them to your blender or food processor, then blend until powdery. Store any extra in a tightly-sealed jar, like a mason jar, to prevent it from becoming a solid piece. If that does happen, though, you can mix it back up with a fork and you’ll be good to go.
How Far In Advance Can I Dip Pretzels?
The pretzels will store well in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they are completely set up first, and then I would recommend adding parchment paper between the layers.
How To Dip Pretzel Rods
The best way to dip pretzel rods is to use a measuring cup to transfer the melted candy melts to a glass that is about the same height as the pretzel rods. Holding onto one end, immediately dip the pretzel rods into the glass. Lift out and allow the excess to drip back into the glass, then place on a prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with Peppermint Pixie Dust.
More topping ideas for dipped pretzels:
- Sprinkles
- Toffee Bits
- Candy Bits
- Chopped Nuts
- Toasted Coconut
- Drizzle with another flavor of candy melts
Slow Cooker Dipped Pretzels
Dipped pretzels make easy salty sweet treats for neighbors, family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 12 oz bags bright white candy melts
- 1 bag pretzels
- candy canes to make Peppermint Pixie Dust
Instructions
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Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Line a slow cooker with a slow cooker liner.
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Add the candy melts to the slow cooker and turn to low.
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The melts take 30 - 60 minutes to melt completely. Check the slow cooker every 10 minutes or so and give the melts a stir to prevent burning.
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While the melts are doing their thing in the slow cooker, add the candy canes to a food processor or blender and pulverize to make Peppermint Pixie Dust.
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Once the melts are completely melted, add a portion of the pretzels to the slow cooker. Coat completely.
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Using a fork, remove the pretzels one at a time. Gently tap the fork on the side of the slow cooker so the excess will drip off, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Continue this step for the remaining pretzels.
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Sprinkle with Peppermint Pixie Dust immediately.
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The candy melts will harden in about 20 - 30 minutes; speed the process up by adding to the refrigerator.
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Enjoy!
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Have Leftover Pretzels?
Our favorite treat to make with left-over pretzels are No Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars. Give them a try! I promise, they won’t last long!!
More Pretzel Recipes:
–Pink Peppermint Pretzels
–White Chocolate Caramel Pretzels
–Peanut Butter Rudolph Cookies
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