Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Wedding Favors: A Sweet And Salty Treat

Chocolate-covered pretzels are a fun and easy treat to make for wedding favours. They are a sweet and salty classic, and can be customised with different coloured sprinkles, crushed candies, or toffee bits. You can use any type of pretzel you like, from traditional twists to long rods or mini twists, and any type of chocolate, from milk to dark or white chocolate. The process is simple: melt your chocolate, dip your pretzels, add any decorations, and let the chocolate set. You can also add extra chocolate drizzle or a peanut butter drizzle.

Melting the chocolate

For either method, it's important to use good-quality chocolate. Avoid chocolate chips as they contain additives that keep them soft, making it difficult for the chocolate to harden after dipping. Instead, opt for baking chocolate or couverture chocolate, which will give you a smooth and glossy finish. If you're using white chocolate, check the ingredients to ensure it contains cocoa butter, as this will melt better for coating. You can also add a little coconut oil or shortening to your chocolate to create a smooth, creamy consistency and make the dipping easier.

When melting the chocolate, be careful not to overheat it. Stop heating when most of the chocolate is melted and mix until smooth. The residual heat will melt the remaining chocolate. Additionally, work in batches to prevent the chocolate from setting before you have a chance to add your sprinkles or other decorations.

Dipping the pretzels

Now for the fun part: dipping the pretzels!

First, you'll need to decide whether you want to coat your pretzels fully or only halfway. If you're using rods, you'll likely want to dip them halfway, twisting as you do so to ensure they are evenly coated. If you're using mini pretzels, you can use a fork to submerge them completely in the chocolate.

If you're using a microwave to melt your chocolate, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning. You'll also need a pot holder to protect your hands when removing the bowl from the microwave. If you're melting your chocolate on the stove, fill a small saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and place a heatproof bowl on top, ensuring the bottom of the bowl hovers above the water. Stir constantly as the chocolate melts.

Once your chocolate is melted, it's time to start dipping! If you're coating your pretzels fully, use a fork to submerge them in the chocolate, then tap off any excess chocolate and place them on a lined baking sheet. If you're coating pretzel rods halfway, hold the mug of chocolate at an angle and dip each rod 3/4 of the way in, twisting as you do so to ensure they are evenly coated. Then, tap off any excess chocolate and place them on wax paper to set.

Work in batches so that the chocolate doesn't set before you've had a chance to add any sprinkles or other toppings. If you're adding a drizzle of chocolate, you can do this at the end, once all your pretzels have been coated and topped.

If you're making a large quantity of chocolate-covered pretzels, you may need to reheat your chocolate and add more as you go. If it starts to harden, simply follow the same melting process again.

Once your pretzels are coated and topped, let them dry. You can place them in the fridge to speed up the process.

Adding toppings

For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces over the tops of the pretzels while the chocolate is still warm. This will give your pretzels a peppermint bark vibe. You can also use white chocolate for a drizzle or to create a "V" shape on the pretzel, which can be used to create "bride and groom" pretzel favours.

If you want to add a bit of crunch to your pretzels, try using toffee bits or coconut flakes. You can also use candy melts in various colours to add some extra sweetness and a pop of colour.

When adding toppings, work quickly before the chocolate sets. Have your toppings ready and add them in batches to make the process easier. You can also dip and decorate in batches to ensure the chocolate doesn't harden before you're finished.

Packaging the pretzels

Once your chocolate-covered pretzels are ready, it's time to package them! Here are some tips and ideas to make your wedding favors look elegant and impressive:

• Biodegradable Plastic Pouches: Skinny biodegradable plastic pouches can be a great option to hold your pretzel favors. You can order these in the perfect size to hold one or two pretzel sticks or rods. Add a cute ribbon and a personalised tag to make them extra special.
• Clear Cellophane Bags: If you've made bride and groom pretzel rods, you can package them in small clear cellophane bags. Before placing them in the bags, match each bride to a similar-sized groom so they fit nicely together. Place the pretzels on top of any additional folds in the plastic, and make the fold right at the top to hold them securely in place.
• Pretzel Boxes: For a more elegant option, consider using custom pretzel boxes. You can design the box labels with your wedding initials, date, or any other special message. Include personalised boxes in hotel welcome bags for out-of-town guests, or display them on a dessert table for a cute and tasty favour.
• Bridal Boxes: For a chic presentation, offer your bridal party chic white and gold boxes filled with chocolate-covered pretzels and wedding-themed sprinkles. It's a thoughtful and delicious way to pop the question to your bridesmaids and maid of honour.
• Display Ideas: When setting up a favour table, consider using a framed sign with a fun message like "Something Sensible and Something Sinful" to indicate the treats on offer. Alternatively, display your pretzel favours on a dessert table alongside the wedding cake and coffee.

Presentation ideas

Chocolate-covered pretzels are a fun and easy treat to make for wedding favours. Here are some ideas for their presentation:

Packaging

For a professional look, consider using skinny biodegradable plastic pouches or clear cellophane bags to package your chocolate-covered pretzels. This will not only keep them fresh but also make them look more appealing. You can tie the pouches with a ribbon and add a fun tag with a "thank you" message or your wedding initials and date.

Display

If you're planning to display the pretzels at your wedding, consider using a variety of platters, stands, or trays of different heights to create a visually appealing table. You can also use colourful boxes or bags with personalised labels that match your wedding theme or colours. For a more elegant and classic look, opt for white chocolate-covered pretzels decorated with white sprinkles.

Creativity

Get creative with your pretzel designs! You can make bride and groom-themed pretzel rods by dipping them in white and milk chocolate and adding sprinkles, sugar pearls, or other decorations. You can even create buttons and bow ties using chocolate and a toothpick. For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces over the tops of the pretzels.

Combination

Combine the chocolate-covered pretzels with other treats or gifts. For example, you can offer your guests "something sensible and something sinful" by pairing the pretzels with bottles of water. This will not only satisfy their sweet tooth but also provide a refreshing drink.

Frequently asked questions