If you’re like me and love that perfect mix of sweet, salty, and spicy in your snacks, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels cozy and festive, yet comes together in no time, making it my go-to treat every fall. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the addictive combo of rich white chocolate infused with pumpkin spice and crunchy pretzels. Ready to whip up a batch that’ll have your family and friends asking for seconds? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: It takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for when you want a festive treat without fuss.
- Perfect Fall Flavors: The pumpkin pie spice blends beautifully with creamy white chocolate, creating that cozy vibe we all crave in autumn.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Using gluten-free mini pretzels means everyone can enjoy this snack, even those avoiding gluten.
- Snackable and Shareable: These little pretzels are bite-sized and irresistible, making them great for parties, gifting, or an anytime pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here play their part to make this Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe a standout fall treat. From creamy white chocolate to that warm pumpkin pie spice, each element brings just the right touch. Here’s a quick rundown with some tips so you can pick the best stuff while you’re shopping.
- White Chocolate Chips: I always go for Hershey’s Premiere White because they melt smoothly and have a great flavor that’s not too sweet.
- Coconut Oil: This helps give the white chocolate a nice sheen and smoother consistency when melted—plus it prevents it from being too thick.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Look for a good quality pumpkin pie spice blend for those classic fall notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
- Gluten-Free Mini Pretzel Twists: I recommend Snyders GF if you can find them; they have the perfect crunch and saltiness.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: I like Enjoy Life brand for the dark chocolate drizzle—it adds a beautiful contrast that balances the sweet white chocolate.
Variations
One of the best things about this Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe is how easy it is to play around with. Whether you want to dial up the spice, switch chocolates, or make them extra fancy, the options are endless. Here are a couple of ways I’ve tweaked it over the years.
- Add a Drizzle: I love drizzling extra dark chocolate on top for a professional look and a flavor boost—that bittersweet edge pairs so well with the pumpkin spice.
- Use Milk Chocolate: For a sweeter treat, swap out the dark chocolate drizzle with milk chocolate or even caramel drizzle—it’s a family favorite twist!
- Spice It Up: If you like things a bit bolder, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Holiday Mix: Around winter, I swap pumpkin spice for peppermint extract and crushed candy canes instead—super festive and tasty.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by lining two half sheet pans with Silpat mats or parchment paper — trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier and keeps the pretzels from sticking. Setting this up first helps you move quickly later when the chocolate’s ready to coat those little pretzels.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate With Pumpkin Spice
In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips with the coconut oil. Microwave for 40 seconds, then stir well. If it’s not smooth yet, microwave for 30 seconds more and stir. Sometimes it takes small 10-second bursts after that to get it perfect—be patient! Once melted and silky, stir in the pumpkin pie spice until it’s evenly distributed. This step is crucial because the spice infuses the chocolate, which makes this recipe so magical.
Step 3: Dip Those Pretzels
Hold each mini pretzel by the corner and dip it into the melted pumpkin spice white chocolate, then scrape the bottom on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Place each dipped pretzel carefully onto your lined sheet pans. If at any point the chocolate starts to thicken and gets hard to work with, pop it back in the microwave for 15 seconds and stir to smooth it out again. This happened to me the first time I made it and reheating works wonders!
Step 4: Chill and Set
Once all the pretzels are dipped, transfer the sheets to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This lets the chocolate set up nicely so your pretzels aren’t sticky and hold their shape perfectly. After chilling, they’re ready to peel off and enjoy immediately.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
- Gentle Melting: Stir the chocolate frequently while microwaving to prevent scorching and ensure a silky smooth dip.
- Use Room Temperature Pretzels: Take pretzels out of the bag ahead of time so they’re not cold, which helps the chocolate adhere better.
- Work Quickly: Chocolate sets fast when cooled, so dunk and place pretzels promptly to avoid lumps or thick spots.
- Storage Awareness: Store in a cool, dry place—avoid humidity which can cause chocolate to bloom or get sticky.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt or crushed pecans on top right after dipping for an extra crunch and balanced taste. Sometimes, I toss in just a hint of edible gold dust for holiday parties—it gives these pretzels a festive shimmer that guests always comment on!
Side Dishes
This snack pairs beautifully with hot apple cider or a creamy latte when you want something cozy. For parties, I often include it alongside cheese boards or discrete bowls of spiced nuts for a sweet-and-salty spread that keeps everyone nibbling happily.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the pretzels in small mason jars or clear cellophane bags tied with orange or brown ribbons for gifting. Another fun idea I’ve done is stacking them in layers with wax paper between, then wrapping with twine as a hostess gift—always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your pumpkin spice chocolate covered pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature if your kitchen isn’t too warm. They stay fresh and crunchy for about 5 days, but realistically, these usually disappear much faster in my house!
Freezing
I’ve frozen these pretzels successfully by placing them in a single layer on parchment, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature—no need to microwave, and they keep their snap!
Reheating
Because these pretzels are best enjoyed with that crisp chocolate coating, I don’t recommend reheating. If they lose their snap or feel a bit soft, chilling them in the fridge for a little while usually brings back the perfect texture.
FAQs
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Can I use regular pretzels instead of gluten-free for this Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe?
Absolutely! Regular pretzels work just as well if you’re not avoiding gluten. Just choose your favorite crunchy mini pretzels and the chocolate coating process stays the same.
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What if I don’t have coconut oil? Can I skip it?
You can skip the coconut oil, but your chocolate might be a bit thicker and harder to dip the pretzels into smoothly. If you don’t have coconut oil, a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening would be a decent substitute.
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How long do these pumpkin spice chocolate covered pretzels last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they keep well for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep them away from heat or humidity to prevent melting or stickiness.
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Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes! These are perfect make-ahead treats. Prepare them a day or two before your event, store in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and tasty right up until serving.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe brings a little festive joy into every bite. It’s a simple recipe, but the flavors are so comforting and bright—it’s hard to stop at just one! I hope you’ll take a few minutes to make a batch (or two) and enjoy this cozy, crunchy treat yourself. I promise it’ll quickly become your seasonal favorite for gifting, snacking, or sharing with your favorite people.
PrintPumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels combine the warmth of pumpkin pie spice with sweet white and dark chocolate, coated over crunchy gluten-free pretzels for a perfect sweet-and-salty fall treat. This easy no-bake recipe is great for holiday snacks or gifting.
Ingredients
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (Hershey’s Premiere White recommended)
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (Enjoy Life recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Pretzels
- 3 cups gluten free mini pretzel twists (Snyders GF recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheets: Line two half sheet pans with silpat mats or parchment paper, and set them aside to keep pretzels from sticking after dipping.
- Melt white chocolate mixture: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave for 40 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the chocolate is smooth. If needed, microwave in 10-second intervals and stir until completely melted. Stir in 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice until fully combined.
- Dip pretzels: Hold each mini pretzel by the corner, then dip it into the melted white chocolate mixture, scraping excess chocolate off on the bowl’s edge. Place dipped pretzels onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Reheat chocolate if needed: If the white chocolate thickens while dipping, microwave it for 15 seconds and stir until smooth again to continue coating.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the baking sheets with dipped pretzels for 15 minutes or until the chocolate coating is firm. Once set, gently peel pretzels off the silpat or parchment and enjoy.
Notes
- Pumpkin, spice and everything nice — that’s what Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels are made of! This sweet and salty fall treat is irresistible and perfect for seasonal snacking or holiday gift baskets.
- Use gluten-free pretzels to keep this snack gluten free, ideal for those with dietary needs.
- Adjust pumpkin pie spice to taste if you prefer a stronger or more subtle pumpkin flavor.
- For extra decoration, sprinkle a few pretzels with additional pumpkin pie spice or crushed nuts before chilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25 cup
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 959 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg