Christmas is coming, and if you’re a fan of chocolate and pretzels, I’ve got a fun treat idea for you. We’re talking about pretzel Christmas trees, a creative and tasty holiday snack.
Whether you enjoy them on their own or use them as festive cupcake toppers, these chocolate-covered pretzels shaped like Christmas trees will surely add cheer to your holiday season.
Let’s dive into how to make these sweet treats!
What Makes These Pretzel Christmas Trees a Must-Try?
A Perfect Sweet & Salty Combo: Holiday treats are usually all about sugar, but these candy melt trees mix the best of both worlds. The saltiness of the pretzel paired with the sweetness of the candy melt creates a taste sensation that’s pure Christmas magic.
Decorating is a Blast: Remember making those chocolate melts with grandma using those old-fashioned molds? Well, these little trees are going to bring back those fond memories. The best part? They’re freehand!
That means everyone in the family can get involved in the decorating. Want to add some more fun? Throw in other homemade treats like butter mints or your favorite sprinkles.
Where did Pretzel Christmas Treats Originate?
We saw this super fun idea on tiktok creator @cakedbyrach and love her take on fun pretzel Christmas trees. She inspired us to try this with pink trees, which we love!
Check out her original video and see more of her fantastic ideas here:
Our thoughts on this viral recipe – If I made these cupcake trees again, I’d make a longer trunk so you can see it better when I shove it into the icing. I like the trunk!
Ingredients:
- Twenty-four cupcakes, Cooked and cooled, plus icing to frost cupcakes. Fine to use store-bought.
- Coarse white sugar acts as “snow” on the trees and cupcakes. As a substitute, use powdered sugar.
- Chocolate Pretzel Trees: Pretzel sticks, candy melts, candy stars, and holiday sprinkles.
How to Make Candy Melt Christmas Trees
- Prepare Your Baking Sheets: Line one or more baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt the Candy: Place half of the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 60 seconds at 50% power, stirring and repeating until smooth.
- Create a Piping Bag: Pour the melted chocolate into a resealable sandwich bag and seal it. Snip a small corner to prepare for piping.
- Start with the Base: Pipe a small dollop of melted chocolate onto the parchment paper. Press a salty pretzel stick into the chocolate, anchoring it so it won’t roll on the baking sheet.
- Shape the Trees: Drizzle chocolate into a tree shape on top of each pretzel stick.
- Work in Batches: Make about three trees at a time before decorating so the chocolate doesn’t harden. Add a star on top and candy sprinkles to decorate. Repeat until you have 24 trees.
- Let Them Harden: Allow the chocolate trees to stand until hardened. Add to Christmas Cupcakes!
Detailed Trees Option: If you find that drizzling chocolate from a melting bag’s corner doesn’t give you the detailed look you’re aiming for, consider ordering Fine Cake Decorating tips (as shown in the original video).
These specialized tips allow for more precision, letting you create custom and intricate tree designs. Remember, there’s no ‘wrong’ way to pipe the trees; your creativity is the only limit! Happy decorating!
Crafting the Perfect Pretzel Trees: Expert Tips and Tricks
Choosing Your Base: Cake Mix and Frosting Essentials
Tip: Whether traditional Christmas colors or a playful pink theme, a box of white cake mix and 1.5 tubs of white frosting can be your perfect base.
Piping Perfection: The Right Tools for the Job
Tip: A 1M tip is great for piping, providing precision and a beautiful finish.
Alternative Treat Ideas
Tip: Try mini candy cane peppermint sticks instead of pretzels for a fun and festive twist on this perfect treat. Pretzel rods might be too big for cupcakes, but they are excellent for cakes. For a different look, you can use white chocolate or colored candy melt sticks.
Twinkle, Twinkle: Chocolate Christmas Trees with Festive Candy Stars
Silver and Gold Mini Stars: These twinkling stars add a classic touch of elegance. They can make your treats look luxurious and festive, perfect for a sophisticated holiday gathering.
Metallic Gold Stars: Want to add a rich, shimmering effect? These metallic gold stars make your treats look like Midas has touched them. Perfect for a glamorous holiday party!
Rose Gold Sprinkles and Stars: With a softer pink theme, these can add a romantic and unique flair to your treats. They’re lovely for a winter wonderland-themed event or to add a touch of femininity.
Related Christmas Recipes
- This super swirly Christmas Bark recipe made of candy melts and chocolate also makes a great edible gift to give. Grinch Bark is also a favorite!
- Curl up by the fire with a hot cup of cocoa made possible by these red and green Christmas Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe!
- Foolproof Christmas Nougat candy will remind you of growing up at Grandma’s house!
- Not all holiday recipes are sweet-filled. Try this Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread for a savory recipe that is perfect for a large meal.
- You won’t believe how easy cream cheese mints are to make at home.
- Need something quick and easy to bring to an office party? Christmas Marshmallow Fluff Dip made with candy canes will do the trick.
Storing Chocolate Christmas Trees
Let Them Harden Completely: Before storing, ensure the chocolate is completely set and firm to the touch.
Choose the Right Container: Select an airtight container large enough to hold the trees without squishing them. If you have to stack them, place a layer of parchment or wax paper between each layer of trees to prevent sticking.
Room Temperature Storage: If you enjoy the treats within a few days, you can store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigerator Storage: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator for extended storage for up to two weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
So there you have it, a festive treat that’s a little trip down memory lane and a lot of yummy. These pretzel Christmas trees aren’t just great holiday treats; they’re an experience you can share with your loved ones.
Whether you’re looking for Christmas cupcake ideas or want to indulge in some delicious candy melt trees, these will surely be a hit.
Connect with Us!
If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section – Your review helps others and is appreciated. Ensure you never miss a new side dish recipe by following us on Pinterest and signing up for our recipe email list!
Pretzel Christmas Trees (Candy Melts)
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 24 cupcakes cooked, cooled, and iced
- pretzel sticks
- 12 oz. candy melts
Decorating
- coarse white sugar
- candy stars
- sprinkles
Instructions
Prep and frost holiday cupcakes
- Cook and cool 24 cupcakes.
- Place icing into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Pipe icing onto each cupcake and sprinkle with coarse white sugar to create snow.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Trees
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You will most likely need more than one baking sheet so trees can be spread out and decorated.
- Place half of the candy melts into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 60 seconds at 50% powder. Stir well and repeat until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate into a resealable sandwich bag and seal shut. (note: as shown in the video, a pastry bag and small tip may be used as well)
- Snip a small corner of the ziplock bag and place a small dollop of melted chocolate onto the parchment paper.
- Press the pretzel into the chocolate. This will just keep the pretzel from rolling around on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle chocolate into a tree shape and add a star on top and candy sprinkles. Repeat until you have 24 trees. Let stand to harden.
- It's best to make about 3 trees and then "decorate" them or the chocolate will begin to harden.
- Place one Christmas tree into each cupcake in the center.
Notes
Storing Pretzel Christmas Trees
- Let Them Harden: Make sure the chocolate on the trees is completely hard before storing.
- Use an Airtight Container: Place the trees in an airtight sealed container. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers.
- Store at Room Temperature: If eating within a few days, keep them in a cool, dry place with no heat. Choose a location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or moisture, as these can cause the candy melts to melt.
- Or Refrigerate: For up to two weeks of storage, put them in the fridge. Let them warm to room temperature before eating.
- Avoid Freezing: It’s best not to freeze trees, as the pretzels can become soggy.
Nutritional information is an automated estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator or app.
Nutrition
Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying of full recipe to any social media is prohibited.
Leave A Reply!