Create the ultimate sweet and salty snack – dipped pretzel rods! Perfect for any event, these chocolate covered pretzel rods are an absolute delightful.
Combining the crunchiness of pretzels with the smoothness of caramel and the richness of chocolate, these treats are a dream come true for anyone who loves a sweet and salty combo. Trust me, they’re super easy to whip up and are always a hit at any party or special occasion.

Ingredients Needed:
- Pretzel rods – I use the honey wheat breaded because their flavor is excellent and the size is larger than pretzel sticks. You can also use regular pretzel rods and cut them in half
- Caramel – homemade or store-bought
- Chocolate
- Whipping cream optional, for store-bought caramel
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional and highly recommended)
- Candy melting wafers for color (optional)
Recipe Overview:
*Find the full recipe and instructions below on the recipe card.*
Alright, let’s get started! First, you’ll need to grab some pretzel rods. You can choose between honey wheat breaded or regular – both work great.
Then, dip these rods into some smooth caramel or, for a more caramelly bite, press a piece of softened caramel around the rod.
Lastly, once the caramel has set, give each rod a dip in some melted chocolate. Feel free to go wild with decorations, like sprinkles or colorful candy melting wafers. It’s a simple, fun, and tasty process that ends with an irresistible treat.

Recipe Tips:
- If using long pretzel rods, break them in half. This makes them easier to coat and eat. Dip the broken end of the pretzel rod into the caramel and chocolate for a cleaner look.
- In a time crunch? Opt for store-bought caramel. Use the caramel squares or bites. Add 1-2 tablespoon of whipping cream to every 1 cup of caramel to soften it’s firmness when chilled. Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments (1-3 times) stirring in between.
- If you’re a caramel lover, use cooled, firm caramel. This lets you add more caramel by shaping it around the rod before dipping it in chocolate.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Feel free to try different coatings like peanut butter or white chocolate instead of caramel.
- Mix it up with various types of chocolate for dipping. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even flavored chocolates can add a new twist.
- For a festive touch, use different sprinkle colors or shapes to match the holiday or theme of your event.
- Experiment with other types of pretzels for a unique twist. Mini pretzels or pretzel sticks can also work well.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these pretzel rods in advance?
Absolutely! You can make these several days ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
How should I store the finished pretzel rods?
Once they’re done, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for a couple of weeks if stored properly. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause the pretzels to soften and chocolate to bloom – whiteness that forms on the outside of the chocolate.
Can I use different types of pretzels for this recipe?
Yes, you can! While I prefer using honey wheat breaded pretzel rods for their size and ease of handling, feel free to experiment with mini pretzels, pretzel sticks, regular pretzel rods or even different shapes for a fun variety. Avoid using any savory flavored pretzels.

Other Recipes You May Like:
If you’re loving these Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods, you should definitely check out some other recipes I have. The Glazed Pecans I used on a Valentine’s inspired Dessert Charcuterie Board are an absolute treat – sweet, crunchy, and perfect for snacking. And if you’re looking for something super easy yet delicious, give the Rolo Pretzel Turtles a try.
HAVE EXTRA CARAMEL OR CHOCOLATE?
If you have extra caramel or chocolate here are a few recipes you might enjoy.
My Homemade Twix Bars use both caramel and chocolate. We love using extra caramel for apple dipping or to make Caramel Apples.
Dipped Pretzel Rods Recipe Card:

Caramel Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods
Caramel chocolate pretzel rods, with crunchy, salty pretzel rods, soft caramel, and rich chocolate, are sweet 'n' salty perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 bag PRETZEL RODS, Honey wheat breaded (they're about 3 inches long) or large pretzel rods broke in half (to be about 3 inches)
- 1-2 cups HOMEMADE SOFT CARAMELS (printable recipe can be found below this recipe card) or store-bought caramel squares (add 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream to 1 cup caramel squares to help soften)
- 1-2 cups CHOCOLATE CHIPS, chocolate or white chocolate
- SPRINKLES
Instructions
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This will help the chocolate and caramel dipped rods release when ready.
DIPPED CARAMEL (warmed caramel=thinner caramel layer):
*If using homemade caramel recipe immediately after making, let the caramel cool slightly for a thicker coat.
*If using store-bought caramel add 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream to 1 cup caramel squares. Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments stirring in between. Heat 2-3 times until smooth.
- Dip rods (dip broken end if using regular pretzels) into warm caramel.
- Place caramel-dipped rods on the prepared cookie sheet. Place cookie sheet in the freezer to allow rods to cool and set (chocolate will set quicker and look better if the caramel layer is cold and firm).
WRAPPED CARAMEL (room temperature caramel=thicker caramel layer):
If you desire a thicker coat of caramel, use room temperature homemade caramel or store-bought squares with cream added, heated then cooled to room temperature. This will give the rods a much thicker layer of caramel.
- Cut small chunks of caramel, flatten into a silver dollar size pancake then wrap caramel around the rod. Shape the caramel as needed.
- Wrapped caramel rods can be dipped immediately or set in the freezer to chill (chocolate will set quicker and look better if the caramel layer is cold and firm).
FINISHING RODS:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips in 15-30 second increments stirring after each. Heat 2-3 times until there are only small lumps. Stir until lumps melt. DO NOT OVERHEAT.
- Dip chilled caramel pretzel rods into melted chocolate chips. Tap extra chocolate off the rod.
- Place on prepared cookie sheet.
- Immediately add sprinkles before chocolate sets.
- Enjoy once the chocolate has set.
Notes
Have extras? Store in an airtight container or bag in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks or longer.
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Originally Posted: 02.12.2021 Updated: 02.06.2024
The pretzel rod was not crunchy…. sort of a stale texture, why??
Hi Mary. Did you happen to try the pretzel rods before dipping? Where they stale to begin with? I’ve never had a problem with pretzel rods going stale after dipping if they are stored in a cool dry place.
The only other thing that I would think could cause them to go stale after dipping is that your caramel is too soft and your pretzel rod absorbed the extra moisture.
I hope this helps. We make these every year with no problems. Good luck!