If you’re craving that perfect blend of sweet, salty, and cozy fall flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe. I absolutely love how these pretzels get coated in creamy white chocolate, kissed with pumpkin spice, and then finished with a touch of dark chocolate — it’s like autumn in every bite. Trust me, whether you’re making these for yourself or as a gift, they’re a fan-freaking-tastic snack that’ll quickly become your seasonal obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Perfect Seasonal Flavor: The pumpkin pie spice adds that warm fall vibe that makes these pretzels feel extra special.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Using gluten-free mini pretzel twists makes this a snack almost everyone can enjoy.
- Great for Gifting: These beauties look gorgeous piled in a jar or wrapped up for neighbors and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a role in balancing sweet, salty, and spicy flavors — and I always recommend quality chocolate and fresh pumpkin pie spice for the best taste. Plus, grabbing gluten-free mini pretzel twists makes it easy to keep this snack allergy-friendly without losing crunch.
- White Chocolate Chips: I love using Hershey’s Premiere White for smooth melting and a sweet, creamy flavor that’s not too overpowering.
- Coconut Oil: This helps the white chocolate melt smoothly and creates a nice glossy finish on the pretzels.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Fresh spice blend adds that true fall essence — I always shake mine a bit before adding to wake up the flavors.
- Gluten-Free Mini Pretzel Twists: Snyders GF pretzels give the perfect crunch and saltiness without gluten worries.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: I prefer Enjoy Life’s dark chips to drizzle a hint of bittersweet contrast, but you can use any good-quality dark chocolate chip.
Variations
I love tweaking this Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe to keep things interesting or adapt it for different occasions. Feel free to get creative with your favorite spices or chocolate types to make it truly your own.
- Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg: Sometimes, I’ll double the pumpkin pie spice or sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for an even warmer flavor punch.
- Swap white chocolate for milk chocolate: If you prefer a less sweet option, milk chocolate works beautifully here and still pairs well with the pretzel’s saltiness.
- Use regular pretzels: If gluten isn’t a concern, classic pretzel twists or rods are delicious and just as crunchy.
- Sprinkle with crushed nuts or toffee bits: My family goes crazy when I add chopped pecans or toffee pieces on top just before the chocolate sets.
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. This makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your pretzels from sticking after dipping. It’s a small step that saves a lot of frustration, especially when working with melted chocolate.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate with Coconut Oil
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave for 40 seconds, then stir. Pop it back in for another 30 seconds and stir again. If it’s not quite smooth, microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring between each, until silky and melted. This gentle heating prevents burning. Then, sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice and stir gently until it’s fully blended — that’s where the magic really starts!
Step 3: Dip the Pretzels
Grab one mini pretzel at a time, holding it by the corner so your fingers don’t get too messy. Dip into the warm white chocolate, turning it to coat thoroughly. Scrape the bottom against the bowl’s edge to remove any excess chocolate and achieve a nice smooth finish. Place the dipped pretzel carefully on the lined sheet pans. If the chocolate begins to thicken as you work, just microwave it for 15 seconds and stir — it’ll be smooth and ready to go again.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Pop the sheet pans into the fridge for about 15 minutes until the chocolate is firm to the touch. Once set, gently peel the pretzels off the parchment or Silpat — they should lift easily. Now you’ve got that perfectly crunchy, chocolate-coated pretzel with a warm pumpkin spice twist.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
- Gentle Melting: Don’t rush the melting process in the microwave — stirring frequently prevents scorching and keeps the chocolate smooth.
- Use Coconut Oil: Adding coconut oil helps the chocolate set with a shiny finish and reduces cracking when bitten.
- Keep Pretzels Dry: Moisture will cause chocolate to seize, so make sure your pretzels are completely dry before dipping.
- Work Quickly: Chocolate starts to thicken fast, so dip pretzels in small batches and reheat the chocolate as needed for best coverage.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe
Garnishes
I personally like to sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice or a dash of flaky sea salt on top right after dipping for an added pop. You could also dust with finely crushed candy cane or chopped nuts depending on the season — it adds beautiful texture and color contrast.
Side Dishes
These pretzels are perfect on their own, but they pair surprisingly well with warm drinks like spiced lattes, hot apple cider, or even a cozy cup of herbal tea. For a party spread, serve alongside cheese and charcuterie boards — the sweet-salty crunch always delights guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love arranging these pretzels in clear glass jars tied with cinnamon sticks and raffia for a rustic look. They also make adorable edible gifts packaged in cellophane bags with handwritten tags. Plus, layering them in decorative bowls with fairy lights around instantly ups the cozy vibe at fall parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my leftover Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature if it’s cool or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. They stay crunchy and delicious for up to a week, and refrigeration helps keep the chocolate firm.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, freezing works well! Just layer your pretzels between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature, so the chocolate doesn’t sweat or become sticky.
Reheating
There’s no real need to reheat these pretzels, but if your chocolate has lost a little shine, just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Avoid microwave reheating, which can cause the chocolate to melt unevenly.
FAQs
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Can I use regular pretzels instead of gluten-free ones?
Absolutely! While this Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe uses gluten-free mini twists for accessibility, regular pretzels work just as well and offer the same satisfying crunch and saltiness.
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What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can make your own blend by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This will give you that warm, comforting flavor essential to the recipe.
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Can I prepare these ahead for a party?
Yes! These pretzels can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just keep them refrigerated if your kitchen is warm to maintain the chocolate coating.
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How do I avoid the chocolate seizing up during melting?
Make sure to heat the chocolate slowly in short bursts and stir frequently. Using coconut oil helps keep the chocolate smooth and less likely to seize. Also, keep any water or steam away from the chocolate while melting.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Covered Pretzels Recipe is one of those simple but incredibly satisfying treats that I’m always excited to share with friends and family. It captures the essence of fall with every bite, brings that perfect sweet-salty crunch, and is fun to make together in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try these — your taste buds are going to thank you, I promise!
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 sweet white and dark chocolate with warm pumpkin pie spice and crunchy gluten-free pretzels. This easy no-bake treat offers the perfect balance of salty and spicy flavors, making it an ideal snack for fall and holiday seasons.
Ingredients
White Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (Hershey’s Premiere White recommended)
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Pretzels
- 3 cups gluten free mini pretzel twists (Snyders GF recommended)
Dark Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (Enjoy Life recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Prep the pans: Line two half sheet pans with a silpat or parchment paper and set aside to keep the pretzels from sticking once coated.
- Melt white chocolate: Combine 2 cups white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 40 seconds and stir, then microwave for another 30 seconds and stir. If the chocolate is not fully melted, continue microwaving in 10-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Add pumpkin pie spice: Stir 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice into the melted white chocolate until well combined.
- Dip pretzels: Hold a mini pretzel by the corner and dip it into the melted white chocolate, scraping the excess chocolate on the side of the bowl. Place the coated pretzels onto the prepared sheet pans.
- Reheat chocolate if needed: If the white chocolate thickens before all pretzels are coated, microwave for 15 seconds and stir until smooth again.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the baking sheets with the coated pretzels for 15 minutes to let the chocolate harden.
- Optional dark chocolate drizzle: Melt the dark chocolate chips with 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice in a similar microwave process and drizzle over pretzels for added flavor and decoration.
- Serve: Peel the pretzels off the parchment or silpat and enjoy your tasty pumpkin spice chocolate covered pretzels.
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.
- Use gluten free mini pretzels to keep this snack friendly for gluten sensitive individuals.
- Reheat chocolate carefully to avoid burning and ensure smooth dipping.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent melting.
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