Get ready to discover your new favorite holiday addiction! These Peppermint Pretzel Bites are the ultimate sweet and salty treat, combining crunchy pretzels, smooth white chocolate, and a festive sprinkle of crushed candy canes. They are incredibly easy to make, require no baking, and are perfect for last-minute parties, homemade gifts, or simply enjoying on a cozy winter evening. If you’re looking for a simple recipe that delivers a huge holiday impact, you’ve found it.
This recipe is all about simplicity and festive flavor. In just a few minutes, you can whip up a batch of these delightful bites that everyone will love. They have the perfect crunch, a satisfying sweetness, and that signature cool peppermint finish. Let’s get started on these irresistible Peppermint Pretzel Bites!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Pretzel Bites Recipe
No-Bake & Quick: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with absolutely no oven time required. It’s the perfect treat for busy holiday schedules.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need three simple ingredients to create these festive bites. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a decorative tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a beautiful and delicious homemade gift.
Sweet & Salty Perfection: The combination of salty pretzels, sweet white chocolate, and refreshing peppermint is a classic for a reason. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
Pretzel Snaps or Squares: The grid shape of these pretzels is perfect for holding a generous pool of melted chocolate.
White Chocolate Wafers or Chips: Use a good quality white chocolate for the best melting and flavor. Melting wafers are often easiest to work with.
Candy Canes or Peppermint Candies: These provide the essential peppermint crunch and festive look.
A sprinkle of peppermint makes everything more festive!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Peppermint Pretzel Bites is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for perfect results.
1. Prepare Your Workspace and Pretzels
First, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is crucial to prevent the bites from sticking as they set. Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on the prepared sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
2. Crush the Peppermint
Place the unwrapped candy canes or peppermint candies in a heavy-duty zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin, mallet, or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently crush them into small pieces. You want a mix of fine powder and small chunks for the best texture.
3. Melt the White Chocolate
Place the white chocolate wafers or chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each one, until the chocolate is almost completely melted. Continue stirring until the residual heat melts the remaining bits and the chocolate is perfectly smooth. Be careful not to overheat it, as white chocolate can seize easily.
4. Assemble Your Pretzel Bites
Using a spoon, carefully drop a dollop of melted white chocolate onto the center of each pretzel. Before the chocolate sets, generously sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the top. The chocolate acts as the “glue” to hold the festive topping.
Just three ingredients create this irresistible holiday treat.
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Pretzel Bites Every Time
Use Quality Chocolate: Your bites are only as good as your ingredients. A high-quality white chocolate will melt more smoothly and have a richer flavor.
Don’t Rush the Setting: Allow the bites to set completely at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, but be aware that this can sometimes cause the chocolate to “sweat” when it returns to room temperature.
Control the Mess: Crushing candy canes can be messy. Placing the bag on a cutting board helps contain the process and protects your countertops. For more sweet and salty goodness, try these Rolo Pretzel Turtles next!
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a winner, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: For a more decadent version, melt some dark or semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it over the set white chocolate bites.
Add Sprinkles: Mix in some festive holiday sprinkles with the crushed peppermint for extra color and fun.
Different Extracts: Add a tiny drop of almond or orange extract to the melted white chocolate for a unique flavor twist. For another easy holiday treat, check out our M&M Christmas Cookie Bars.
How to Store Your Pretzel Bites
Store your Peppermint Pretzel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If your home is particularly warm, you may want to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from softening. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
The key to melting white chocolate is to go low and slow. Use a microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each one. Stop heating when it’s about 90% melted and just keep stirring until the residual heat melts the rest. This prevents it from getting too hot and seizing.
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these Peppermint Pretzel Bites will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent the chocolate from softening.
You can, but you must use an oil-based extract, not an alcohol-based one. Regular alcohol-based extracts can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy. Add only a very small amount (1/8 teaspoon) of an oil-based peppermint flavoring and stir it in after the chocolate is fully melted.
Absolutely! You can customize these with all sorts of toppings. Try using festive sprinkles, a drizzle of dark chocolate, finely chopped nuts like pecans or pistachios, or even toffee bits for a different flavor and texture.
The easiest and cleanest way is to place unwrapped candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag, seal it, and then gently tap it with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the bottom of a heavy pan until you have a mix of small pieces and fine powder.
These Peppermint Pretzel Bites are more than just a recipe; they’re a chance to create sweet holiday memories. They are so simple to make and yield such delicious, festive results that they are sure to become a yearly tradition. Share them with friends, family, and neighbors to spread the holiday cheer! We’d love to see your creations—share them on Pinterest!
Get the recipe for these addictively delicious Peppermint Pretzel Bites!
Peppermint Pretzel Bites Recipe
FL Recipes
Peppermint Pretzel Bites: The Easiest Holiday Treat
These Peppermint Pretzel Bites are the ultimate no-bake holiday treat! Crunchy pretzels are topped with smooth white chocolate and festive crushed candy canes for a perfect sweet and salty snack that's ready in minutes.
10ozgood quality white chocolate melting wafers or chips
6standard candy canesor 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Equipment
1 Baking Sheet
1 Parchment Paper
1 Microwave-safe bowl
Method
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on the sheet.
Place unwrapped candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or mallet.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Spoon a dollop of melted chocolate onto each pretzel. Immediately sprinkle with the crushed peppermint.
Let the pretzel bites sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely firm. For a quicker set, you can refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 45kcalProtein: 1gFat: 2g
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For best results, use high-quality chocolate melting wafers, as they are designed to melt smoothly and set firmly. Do not overheat the white chocolate, or it may become thick and difficult to work with.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
