DIY Chocolate covered pretzels for a Surprise 30th Birthday

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This past weekend we celebrated my sister-in-law’s 30th birthday.  Her boyfriend planned a surprise party and, holy cow, was she surprised!! The key to really surprising someone…do the party 2 weeks before their birthday.  She didn’t suspect a thing!! Seriously, had no clue at all!!  Which is the way a surprise party should be, right?  So, good job to you Albert!  It was a fabulous party! He and my in-laws worked together to really make it a special day for her.  My contribution…the favors, chocolate covered pretzels, which I am quite proud of! They came out great!

Fun fact: I had no idea I liked to craft and DIY stuff until I became a mom.  I guess between having more time at home and having to plan birthday parties, christenings, holidays and the such, all on a pretty tight budget it makes sense I discovered some hidden talents. I’m not saying I’m super crafty but there are a few DIYs I’ve gotten fairly good at and chocolate covered pretzels are one of them. Plus I really enjoy making them! They’re easy and everyone loves them!  They’re one of the few sweet treats that I even like (no sweet tooth here, gimme salty and cheesy all day long!).  

Pick You Colors

First I picked my colors.  My sister-in-law loves purple so that was an easy choice for me.   I usually buy the melting candy pieces from the local AC Moore.  I wanted to do the sanding sugar on some on them too so I also bought white and purple of that.

Melting the chocolate pieces. 

You can use a mug and a microwave.  Heat only for 30 seconds at a time and stir in between, until completely melted.  If you’re like me and don’t have a microwave you’ll have to use a double boiler like the one below.  Still, very easy.  Just keep stirring the chocolate, stirring is key with the melting.  And once it’s melted you can keep using it, give it a stir every once in while, but you don’t have to keep it super hot.  You should be able to dip quite a few pretzels in a whole batch once its melted.  

Make sure you prep first

Before you start dipping have a baking sheet (or a few depending on how many you’re doing) lined with foil or wax paper ready.  I started with the sanding sugar first.  When using sprinkles it’s easiest to put them on a plate and then, right from dipping in the chocolate, roll the pretzel on the plate.  This keeps things less messy and you get a nice even coating.  As I fill each baking sheet, I stick them in the fridge for quick cooling.

Favor Tags

I designed these cute tags using the app Canva.  Cheers to Thirty Years! That tag could work on any number of different types of favors.  I love that they make pretzel rod bags and that they come with nice silver twist ties, so convenient! I was really happy with how they turned out.  Wrapped and tagged and displayed in a nice basket really adds a nice touch.  And its always nice to send your guests off with a little thank you and what better way to say thank you than with chocolate!

If you’re thinking of making pretzel rods like these and have any questions, please comment below!! Or, if you’re local, and would like to order some for an event please feel free to contact me!

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