Description of this recipe
These Pretzel Christmas Trees are a fun, festive, and incredibly easy treat to make during the holiday season. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they bring a touch of Christmas cheer to any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create adorable edible Christmas trees that are sure to be a hit! This recipe is all about simplicity and creativity, allowing you to customize each tree with your favorite candies and sprinkles. They are great for holiday parties, classroom treats, or just a fun afternoon activity with the family.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore these Pretzel Christmas Trees because they are:
- Super Easy: No baking required! Just melt, drizzle, and decorate.
- Kid-Friendly: A fantastic activity to get the kids involved in the kitchen.
- Customizable: The toppings are completely up to you – use your favorite candies, sprinkles, and more.
- Festive: These treats are perfect for adding a touch of holiday magic to any occasion.
- Delicious: The combination of salty pretzels and sweet candy is simply irresistible.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just minutes, plus cooling time.
Ingredients:
- 6 pretzel rods
- 6 oz green candy melts
- ½ cup mini M&M’s
- ½ cup sprinkles
- Sandwich bag
- Scissors
- Waxed paper
Preparation:
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and prepare your workstation. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable, especially when working with kids. Lay out a generous sheet of waxed paper on a flat surface where you’ll be decorating your trees. This will prevent the candy melts from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 1: Lay out a generous sheet of waxed paper and place the pretzel rods about 6 inches apart from each other. This spacing will give you enough room to decorate each tree without them touching. Ensure the pretzel rods are lying flat and stable.
Step 2: Melt half a bag of the candy melts in the sandwich bag according to the direction. When the melts have reached a liquid form, snip a super tiny piece of one of the corners off the bag. To melt the candy melts, place half of the bag (3oz) into a sandwich bag. Seal the bag tightly, and microwave in 30-second intervals, massaging the bag between each interval to ensure even melting. Be careful not to overheat the candy melts, as they can burn. If you prefer, you can also melt the candy melts in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a simmering pot of water. Stir constantly until smooth.
Step 3: Squeeze the candy melt out of the bag starting from the top of the pretzel rod, gradually creating a tree shape. Hold the bag with the melted candy over one of the pretzel rods. Gently squeeze the bag, starting at the top of the rod and moving downwards in a zig-zag motion to create the shape of a Christmas tree. Make the tree wider at the base and narrower at the top. Repeat this process for all the pretzel rods, refilling the bag with more melted candy as needed.
Step 4: Sprinkle your choice of toppings on the candy melt to create the look of ornaments. This is a great step for the kids to do! While the candy melt is still wet, immediately sprinkle your choice of toppings onto the tree. Mini M&M’s and sprinkles work great for creating the look of ornaments. Get creative with your decorations! Consider using other candies like mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or edible glitter. Encourage kids to use their imagination and have fun with this step.
Step 5: Let the candy melt cool completely before serving. I let mine cool over night to make sure they had set appropriately. Once you’ve decorated all the trees, allow the candy melts to cool and harden completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature. For faster setting, you can place the waxed paper with the trees in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure the candy is fully set before handling or serving to prevent smudging.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Kid-Friendly: 5/5 (Perfect for kids)
- Festive Appeal: 5/5 (Great for holidays)
- Overall Rating: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Pretzel Christmas Trees as a festive dessert at holiday parties.
- Package them in cellophane bags as cute and edible gifts.
- Use them as decorative elements on a holiday dessert platter.
- Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider.
- Bring them to school parties or bake sales.
Tips:
- Melting the Candy: Be careful not to overheat the candy melts, as they can burn. Melt in short intervals and stir frequently.
- Topping Ideas: Get creative with your toppings! Consider using mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, edible glitter, or chopped nuts.
- Drying Time: Allow ample time for the candy melts to set completely before handling.
- Storage: Store the finished trees in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
- Alternative Melts: White candy melts with green food coloring added can be used if green candy melts are unavailable.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate) Calories: 150 Protein: 2g Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
These Pretzel Christmas Trees are not only a delightful treat but also a wonderful way to create lasting memories with family and friends during the holiday season. Their simplicity and charm make them a standout dessert that’s sure to bring smiles and festive cheer. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the kids, a unique party favor, or just a tasty holiday snack, this recipe is a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy making these adorable edible trees. They’re a sweet and salty delight that captures the magic of Christmas in every bite. Happy holidays and happy baking!
Q&A about this recipe:
- Q: Can I use different types of candy melts? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different colors and flavors of candy melts. White chocolate, dark chocolate, or even flavored melts like peppermint or caramel can add a unique twist to your Pretzel Christmas Trees.
- Q: What other toppings can I use besides M&M’s and sprinkles? A: The possibilities are endless! Consider using mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, edible glitter, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even dried cranberries for a more festive look. Get creative and use whatever toppings you love!
- Q: How do I prevent the candy melts from burning when melting them in the microwave? A: The key is to melt the candy in short intervals (usually 30 seconds) and stir well between each interval. This prevents hot spots from forming and ensures that the candy melts evenly. If you notice the candy starting to seize or harden, stop microwaving immediately.
- Q: How long do these Pretzel Christmas Trees last? A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats can last for up to a week. However, they are best enjoyed within a few days to maintain their freshness and prevent the pretzels from becoming stale.
- Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes, you can definitely make these ahead of time! They are perfect for preparing a day or two before a party or event. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent the pretzels from getting soggy.
