Description
These Christmas Pretzel Wreath Treats are a festive and fun snack that’s perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just a sweet treat to enjoy during the Christmas season. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and no baking! The combination of salty pretzels, sweet candy melts, colorful M&Ms, and a charming Twizzler bow makes them a delightful and visually appealing treat that both kids and adults will love. These pretzel wreaths are a great activity to do with children, allowing them to get creative with decorating their own little wreaths.
Ingredients:
- 100 mini twist pretzels
- 1 (12 oz.) package of white candy melts
- ½ cup red and green miniature M&Ms
- ¼ cup green sanding sugar
- 2-3 peel-and-pull Twizzler candies
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare your workspace by laying down a sheet of parchment paper. This will prevent the wreaths from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Make the Twizzler bows. Peel the Twizzler candies into individual strands. Trim about an inch off each strand. Fold the ends of each strand over each other, pressing down in the center to create a bow shape. The bows might initially come loose, but continue pressing the center to help them hold their shape. They will become more secure once attached to the wreaths.
Step 3: Melt the white candy melts. Place the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well in between each increment, until the candy is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the candy, as it can seize up.
Step 4: Dip the pretzels. Hold each pretzel twist by the bottom and dip the other half into the melted candy melts, ensuring it’s well coated. Let any excess candy drip off.
Step 5: Assemble the wreaths. Place the candy-coated pretzel onto the parchment paper, angling them in a circular pattern with the corners touching, to form a wreath shape. Create a first layer of pretzels around the circle.
Step 6: Add a second layer of pretzels, placing them in between the pretzels of the first layer to create a fuller wreath.
Step 7: Decorate the wreaths immediately. Before the candy melts have a chance to set, sprinkle the wreaths with green sanding sugar and add mini M&Ms. Place one of the Twizzler bows you made onto each wreath.
Step 8: Let the wreaths set. Allow the wreaths to sit undisturbed until the candy has completely firmed up. This will usually take about 20-30 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for a shorter amount of time.
Step 9: Enjoy your festive Christmas Pretzel Wreath Treats!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to make: Requires minimal effort and ingredients.
- No baking required: A perfect treat for any skill level.
- Festive and fun: A great way to get into the holiday spirit.
- Customizable: You can easily change the colors of the M&Ms and sanding sugar to match your holiday theme.
- Perfect for gifting: These wreaths make a delightful homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a snack at holiday parties.
- Package them in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for gift-giving.
- Add them to dessert platters for a festive touch.
- Enjoy with a glass of milk or hot chocolate.
Tips:
- If the candy melts start to harden while you’re working, simply microwave them again in 15-second increments until smooth.
- Use high-quality candy melts for the best flavor and texture.
- To prevent the pretzels from breaking while dipping, handle them gently.
- Get creative with your decorations! Use different colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or other small candies.
- Store the finished wreaths in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus setting time)
Nutrition Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 80-100 per wreath
- Protein: Less than 1 gram per wreath
- Sodium: Approximately 50-70mg per wreath
Conclusion:
These Christmas Pretzel Wreath Treats are a delightful and simple way to add some holiday cheer to your kitchen. Their ease of preparation and festive appearance make them a winner for any occasion during the Christmas season. Enjoy making and sharing these adorable treats with your loved ones!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use dark chocolate or milk chocolate candy melts instead of white chocolate? Yes, you can definitely use dark chocolate or milk chocolate candy melts! The white candy melts provide a nice contrast with the red and green M&Ms and sanding sugar, but using other types of chocolate will add a different flavor dimension that you might enjoy.
- What can I use if I don’t have Twizzlers for the bows? If you don’t have Twizzlers, you can use other flexible candies like fruit leather or even fondant. You could also use small pieces of ribbon to create the bows.
- How long will these pretzel wreaths stay fresh? These pretzel wreaths will stay fresh for about a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The candy coating helps to seal the pretzels and keep them from going stale.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can absolutely make these ahead of time! They are a great make-ahead treat for parties or gift-giving. Just make sure to store them properly in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
- What if my candy melts are too thick? If your candy melts are too thick, you can add a small amount of vegetable shortening or coconut oil (about a teaspoon at a time) to thin them out. Stir well after each addition until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much, or the candy melts may not set properly.
