Everything you Need to Know About How to Decorate Pretzels Part 3

Welcome to part three of our pretzel decorating series! In this post, we’re diving into more advanced techniques like working with caramel, creating stunning tri-color designs, achieving a beautiful marble effect, and more. If you haven’t read parts one and two yet, we strongly encourage you to check those out first, especially if you’re new to pretzel decorating. Part one covers the essential basics, while part two builds on those skills with fun, themed creations. Each post lays the groundwork for the next, so make sure you’re caught up before jumping into these more challenging (but totally doable!) techniques.

Decorate Pretzels with the Caramel Technique

CREATE A PRETZEL WITH A SURPRISE INSIDE…CARAMEL!

After experimenting with four different caramel options, here are my findings. You can decide which one is your favorite. Some of the caramel options are easier than others. Please scroll down for all the details and find my favorite.

CARAMEL BITS
SALTED CARAMEL FLAVORED MELTING CANDY:
WRAPPLES:
KRAFT CARAMELS:
WERTHER’S CARAMELS:
MAKE HOMEMADE CARAMEL WRAPS:

CARAMEL BITS

CARAMEL BITS: Heat the caramel bits for 1 minute, stir, and heat for an additional 30 seconds. Set aside for 5 minutes. Dip the pretzels and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. I wasn’t too impressed with the caramel bits. They were very messy, and I had to dip them twice to get enough caramel coating.

MELTABLES

SALTED CARAMEL MELTING CANDY: I found this melting candy at Michael’s. The brand is Sweet Tooth Fairy Meltables Salted Caramel. If you use the melting candy, pour it into a microwave-safe container ( I used a tall glass cup) and add one tablespoon of vegetable shortening. Heat for 1 minute and stir until the candy is melted. Place the dipped pretzels on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. To harden, either set them aside on the counter or, for quicker results, place them in the refrigerator (about 10 minutes). The candy had a decent flavor, but I missed the chewy caramel center.

WRAPPLES

WRAPPLES: A fun seasonal product found in the Fall months in the produce department of most grocery stores. If you happen to find some, GRAB THEM! The Wrapples have a nice caramel flavor and are super easy to use. One Wrapple will cover THREE pretzel rods. Cut the wrapples into thirds, wrap and mold the caramel disk around the pretzel rod. This one wins for its easy use, and the flavor is tied with the wrapped caramels. The only downfall is that they are seasonal. Look below to see how I solve that problem.

WRAPPED CARAMELS

KRAFT WRAPPED CARAMELS: If you can’t find the Wrapples caramel wraps, this is the next good option. Use 2-3 caramels per pretzel. Unwrap four caramels, microwave them for 10 seconds, and mold them around the pretzel. Only cover one pretzel at a time; repeat until all the pretzels are covered.

WERTHER’S ORIGINAL SOFT CARAMELS: These caramels are softer and a little smaller than the Kraft Caramels. The flavor is about the same as the Kraft brand. For a pretzel rod, you will need four caramels. Remove the wrapper, combine them into a ball, and microwave for 6 seconds. Lay the softened caramel on a piece of parchment paper and roll it into a 4-inch disk, mold it around the pretzel, and pull and shape it to the desired length.

TWO-TONE DECORATED PRETZELS

Learn how easy it is to add two colors to a pretzel rod and create these unforgettable Stars and Stripes Flag Pretzels. CLICK HERE TO GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS→PATRIOTIC PRETZEL RODS

THREE Marbling Techniques

When you look at my technique for the marbling effect, you may see that there is some waste. Remember this…..you will create TWELVE incredible-looking party pretzels for under $10. Most techniques call for a tub of melted candy (the primary color), drizzling the other colors on top, and then dipping the pretzel in through the drizzled colors—it’s hard to keep the colors from becoming muddy looking. I don’t think that technique works as well as the one I do here. View the video below for the full details—and click here for the post—->>>>OUT OF THIS WORLD GALAXY DECORATED PRETZELS

Combining Caramel and Marbling Technique

This uses two of my favorite techniques. I love caramel on my pretzels and the look of melted candy when it’s marbled. View the video below for the full details—and click here for the post—->>>> UNICORN PRETZELS

Counter Top Heating Pad Method for Marbling

HOW TO GET RID OF CANDY PUDDLES

CANDY PUDDLES: HOW TO GET RID OF CANDY PUDDLES. One of my favorite tips when decorating pretzels is using a microplane tool for the edges that have puddled under the pretzel. I’ve used the micro plane for years and recently switched to a paring knife. Regardless of your chosen tool, they will both get the job done. Carefully scrape off the excess melted candy. NOTE: CANDY MUST BE HARD FOR THIS TO WORK

TRIPLE COLOR TECHNIQUE

FIRST, AN IMPORTANT TIP. For the best results, use a heating pad. I used a warming pad for bread. Take the cover off if you’re using a household heating pad with a cover. Using a heating pad is unnecessary for marbled, decorated pretzels, but it will be a valuable addition to your pretzel-making tools. The other option is to put an oblong pot holder under the parchment paper. THE REASON FOR THE HEATING PAD: If your counter is like mine, it stays pretty cool, and because of that, the candy will harden before you have a chance to use up all the candy.
Place a pretzel rod in the center of a piece of parchment paper; with a pencil, mark the top of the pretzel, the middle, and the bottom of where the candy will end. So the guests can easily handle the pretzels, I like to leave a couple of inches at the bottom. This step is to be used as an easy guideline, but it doesn’t have to be done. Flip the paper over so the pencil marks are on the bottom.

Place another sheet of parchment paper to the side, another one to the side, and a fourth piece on a cookie sheet.
Pour candy melts into small microwave-safe bowls.
Heat only one color at a time, 1 minute for each, stir until melted and creamy.
TIP: The countertops are cold; to keep your candy warm longer, place the bowls on a pot holder.

Place a piece of parchment paper on a heating pad. Using your guideline, spoon a good amount of the white melted candy at the top, followed by the orange, and ending with the yellow, making sure to use the bottom line as your guide. NOTE: DO NOT ADD ALL THE CANDY OF EACH COLOR AT ONCE. SAVE SOME FOR LATER.
Dip the tip of the pretzel in the white, then lay it flat and roll it in all three colors.

Swiftly move off the parchment paper with the three colors to a second piece of parchment paper, and lightly tap any excess candy off the pretzel.
Lay the third piece of parchment paper to rest for a minute. Remember, your countertops are cold, and the candy will set up quickly. While the pretzel rests, continue coating the pretzels (about five more). Once the pretzels have rested and are still wet, pull them straight up off the third piece of parchment paper and place them on the clean piece of parchment paper on the cookie sheet. NOTE: PLACING YOUR PRETZELS CLOSE TOGETHER BUT NOT TOUCHING WILL HELP WITH THE AMOUNT OF PARCHMENT PAPER USED. Place in the refrigerator to harden (about 10 minutes. *SEE BELOW ABOUT CANDY PUDDLES
TIP: As the piles of white, orange, and yellow deplete, spoon on the remaining candy and continue coating the pretzels.
Once all the pretzels have been coated and the candy has hardened, if choosing, it’s time to add the dust luster.

DUST LUSTER: This step is optional but adds a wonderful iridescence to the pretzels. Mine is in powder form, but spray form is also available. FOR THE POWDER: Pour some of the powder into a small bowl. Dip the brush in the powder and brush onto hardened candy using a clean brush. BEAUTIFUL!

Ombré Decorated Pretzels

5 ounces white melting candy wafers, divided
7 ounces pink melting candy wafers, divided
20 pretzel rods

In the first medium microwave-safe bowl, mix the lightest color—3 ounces white plus 1 ounce pink. NOTE: This will be the top color. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir until melted and creamy. Place on a heating pad, towel, or oven pot holders—anything that will create a barrier between the warm candy and the cold countertop. I prefer a heating pad.
Mix the medium color in the second medium microwave-safe bowl—2 ounces of white plus 2 ounces of pink. NOTE: This will be the center color. Follow the exact instructions for the first color.
In the third medium microwave-safe bowl—4 ounces of pink. NOTE: This will be the bottom color. Follow the exact instructions for the first color.
Once all the colors have been heated and mixed, move them to a towel or an oblong pot holder. Add a piece of parchment paper to a heating pad, towel, or pot holder.
Have another piece of wax paper ready to catch drips and a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
If needed, place a pretzel on the piece of parchment paper on the counter barrier. Use a pencil to mark where the three colors should be. Flip the paper over so the pencil mark is on the bottom and not touching the candy.
Starting with the lightest color, pour some of the candy on the top portion of the measured space. Continue adding the medium color to the center and the darkest color to the bottom.
Place the pretzel rod flat and roll through the melted candy.
Move to the wax paper and lightly tap any excess candy off the pretzel. Place the coated pretzel on the cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Once all the pretzels have been coated, place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to harden.

ADDING LUSTER DUST-BEAUTIFUL!

The Many Uses of Decorated Pretzels

ADD TO A DESSERT TABLE: The perfect size for small spaces and adds a pop of color.
USE AS A CENTERPIECE ON A KIDS TABLE: Edible centerpiece? Perfect!
FILL SMALL CONTAINERS (like buckets) AND LINE THEM DOWN THE CENTER OF A TABLE TO SERVE AS A RUNNER
ADD DECORATED PRETZELS TO A PRETZEL TREAT BAG AND HAND THEM OUT AS PARTY FAVORS
DECORATE MINI PRETZELS AND PUT IN PLASTIC CANDY CANES (pictured above)
FILL AN EMPTY DECORATED CAN WITH MINI PRETZELS AND GIVE AS A GIFT—MAKES A GREAT SECRET SANTA GIFT! (pictured above)
ADD MINI DECORATED PRETZELS TO PUSH UP POPS AND CREATE A FUN DISPLAY (pictured above)

How to Store Decorated Pretzels

Scroll down to number four to see what every hostess wants to hear. To keep your decorated pretzels fresh and looking great, follow these simple storage tips:

1. Let them set completely:
Before storing, ensure the chocolate or coating is fully hardened to prevent smudging or sticking.

2. Use an airtight container:
Place the pretzels in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with wax or parchment paper to avoid sticking.

3. Store in a cool, dry place:
Keep the container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight or heat. A pantry or cupboard works well. Avoid the refrigerator, as it can cause condensation that makes the pretzels soggy.

4. Shelf life:
Properly stored, decorated pretzels can last up to 2–3 weeks at room temperature.

Optional for gifting:
You can also individually wrap pretzels in clear treat bags and tie with ribbon for a cute and practical way to keep them fresh and ready to go!

How to Store Melted Candy

Spread melted candy on parchment paper and let it sit until hardened. Break the candy into small pieces and transfer the candy to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store in a cool area like a pantry or cabinet. When ready to use again, add the candy to a microwave-safe bowl and melt it. NOTE: BECAUSE THE CANDY HAS BEEN MELTED ONCE, IT WILL NOT TAKE AS LONG TO MELT IT AGAIN, SO KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON IT.

Decorated Pretzel Pockets

WHAT IS A PRETZEL POCKET? Take your decorated pretzels a step further and drop them in a decorated pocket! Placing the pretzels in a pocket allows for easy handling…NO MESSY HANDS! Click the link below for FREE Pretzel Pocket Collections!