Description
These Pretzel Christmas Trees are a delightful and easy-to-make festive treat, perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or a fun activity with kids. They combine the salty crunch of pretzels with the sweetness of almond bark and the colorful charm of Christmas sprinkles. These adorable trees require minimal ingredients and no baking, making them a stress-free addition to your holiday celebrations. They are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Ingredients:
- 30 Pretzel sticks
- 4 squares Almond bark (or white chocolate chips/candy melts)
- Christmas ball sprinkles
- Star sprinkles
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Lay down a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper on a flat surface. This will prevent the pretzels from sticking and make cleanup easy. Arrange the pretzel sticks on the paper, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 2: Melt the Almond Bark Break the almond bark into smaller pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval to prevent burning. Continue until the almond bark is completely melted and smooth. Let it cool for about 4 minutes, so it thickens slightly but is still easy to pipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Piping Bag Transfer the melted almond bark into a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, a Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off will work just as well.
Step 4: Decorate the Pretzel Trees Starting from the middle of each pretzel stick, pipe the melted almond bark in a zig-zag motion back and forth towards the tip, creating a Christmas tree shape. Ensure the entire pretzel stick is covered with the melted almond bark.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles and Star Immediately after piping the almond bark, gently place a star sprinkle at the top of the pretzel tree. Then, generously sprinkle the Christmas ball sprinkles all over the melted almond bark before it sets.
Step 6: Cool and Harden Allow the decorated pretzel trees to cool and harden completely. This will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.
Step 7: Enjoy! Once the almond bark is firm, carefully peel the Pretzel Christmas Trees off the parchment paper. They are now ready to be enjoyed, shared, or packaged as gifts!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy and quick to make – perfect for last-minute treats.
- Requires minimal ingredients.
- Fun for kids to help with, making it a great family activity.
- Festive and visually appealing, adding a touch of holiday cheer to any occasion.
- Delicious combination of salty and sweet.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a festive snack at holiday gatherings.
- Package them in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift.
- Add them to a dessert platter for a variety of treats.
- Serve with hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy winter treat.
Tips:
- Use high-quality almond bark or white chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the almond bark is not too hot when piping to prevent it from running off the pretzels.
- Work quickly when adding sprinkles, as the almond bark sets fast.
- Store the finished pretzel trees in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
- Experiment with different types of sprinkles to customize your trees.
- If you don’t have pretzel sticks, you can use mini pretzels or pretzel snaps.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for melting almond bark)
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 30-60 minutes for cooling)
Nutrition Information: (Estimates, will vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: Approximately 50-75 per tree
- Protein: Less than 1g
- Sodium: Approximately 20-30mg
Conclusion
These Pretzel Christmas Trees are a simple yet delightful way to spread holiday joy. Their ease of preparation and charming appearance make them an ideal treat for all ages. Whether you’re making them with family, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them yourself, these festive trees are sure to be a hit!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use white chocolate instead of almond bark?
- Yes, you can substitute white chocolate chips or white candy melts for almond bark. Make sure to melt them in the same way, using 30-second intervals in the microwave and stirring in between to prevent burning.
- How do I prevent the almond bark from hardening too quickly while decorating?
- Keep the bowl of melted almond bark warm by placing it over a bowl of hot water or reheating it in the microwave for a few seconds if it starts to thicken too much. Work quickly while decorating to ensure the sprinkles adhere properly.
- Can I use different types of sprinkles?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use any sprinkles you like to customize your Pretzel Christmas Trees. Green sprinkles, edible glitter, or any other festive sprinkles will work perfectly.
- How should I store the finished Pretzel Christmas Trees?
- Store the Pretzel Christmas Trees in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent the pretzels from becoming soft.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make these a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their quality.
