Gold chocolate covered pretzels are a fun and delicious treat that are perfect for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or even just as an anytime snack. They combine sweet chocolate, salty pretzels, and edible gold dust for a fancy and festive candy. Making them at home is easy too with just a few ingredients and steps.
Here are quick answers to common questions about making gold chocolate covered pretzels:
What ingredients do you need to make gold chocolate covered pretzels?
– Pretzel twists or rods
– Dark, milk, or white chocolate
– Edible gold dust or powder
– Parchment paper
What kind of chocolate works best?
Any type of chocolate will work including dark, milk, or white chocolate. Dark chocolate provides a nice contrast with the salty pretzels. Milk chocolate is creamy and sweet. White chocolate is extra decadent. Use whichever is your preference.
Where do you find edible gold dust?
Edible gold dust or powder can be found online or at craft stores in the cake decorating section. Make sure it’s specified as food-grade and safe for eating. A little goes a long way.
How do you melt the chocolate for dipping?
Chocolate can be melted slowly in a double boiler on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently. The chocolate should be smooth and runny for dipping. Take care not to overheat or burn the chocolate.
How do you coat the pretzels in chocolate?
Dip each pretzel about halfway into the melted chocolate and tap off any excess. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and top with gold dust. Let set at room temperature or in the fridge until chocolate hardens.
Now let’s get into the step-by-step process for making perfect gold pretzels at home.
Ingredients
– 1 bag pretzel rods or twists
– 12 ounces dark, milk, or white chocolate
– Edible gold dust or powder
– Parchment paper
– Optional sprinkles, crushed peppermint, etc.
Pretzels
Pretzel rods or twists work great for dipping in chocolate. Thinner pretzel sticks allow more chocolate coverage. Sturdier rods hold their shape nicely when coated. Choose your favorite variety or shape.
Chocolate
Pick whichever chocolate variety you prefer – dark, milk, or white. Dark chocolate gives a nice contrast with the saltiness of the pretzels. Milk chocolate provides a sweet creaminess. White chocolate is extra decadent and pairs well with the gold dust. 12 ounces of chocolate will be plenty for a whole bag of pretzels.
Gold Dust
Edible gold dust or powder adds a touch of sparkle and luxury. It’s non-toxic and safe to consume. A little bit goes a long way in adding that gold-covered effect. Look for it in the baking aisle or cake decorating section.
Parchment Paper
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes for easy cleanup. The pretzels won’t stick as the chocolate hardens.
Optional Toppings
Get creative with toppings! Sprinkles, crushed peppermint, minced nuts, coconut, drizzle, and more make festive additions to the chocolate pretzels.
Equipment Needed
You just need a few basic kitchen tools:
– Medium saucepan or double boiler
– Microwave safe bowl
– Rubber spatula
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Forks or dipping tools
– Cooling rack (optional)
A double boiler on the stove or microwave safe bowl are good options for melting the chocolate. Use rubber spatulas for stirring and coating pretzels. Forks or dipping tools help cover the pretzels in chocolate. Parchment paper lined baking sheets hold the pretzels as they set. A cooling rack lets excess chocolate drip off.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Melt the Chocolate
There are two easy methods for melting chocolate – stovetop or microwave:
Stovetop: Fill a saucepan with a couple inches of water and bring to a bare simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top over the saucepan, making sure the bottom does not touch the water. Add the chocolate pieces and stir frequently with a rubber spatula until completely smooth and melted.
Microwave: Place chocolate pieces in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring between each one, until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
Step 2 – Prepare the Pretzels
While chocolate is melting, get your pretzels ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay pretzels out in a single layer so they’re ready for dipping.
Step 3 – Coat Pretzels in Chocolate
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each pretzel about halfway into the melted chocolate. Tap off any excess chocolate and place back on the lined baking sheet.
If desired, you can sprinkle extra toppings like sprinkles or peppermint at this stage before the chocolate hardens.
Step 4 – Add Gold Dust
Lightly sprinkle the gold dust or powder over the chocolate coated part of each pretzel while the chocolate is still wet. The gold will stick and create a beautiful shimmer.
Use a very light hand with the gold dust – a little goes a long way.
Step 5 – Let Chocolate Set
Allow the chocolate covered pretzels to sit at room temperature until completely hardened. This takes about 1-2 hours.
For faster results, you can put them in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes instead. Just don’t put them in the fridge too soon or condensation can affect the chocolate.
Once hardened, store gold pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Presentation Ideas
Gold chocolate covered pretzels make great edible favors or gifts. Here are some pretty packaging ideas:
– Clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon
– Boxes or tins
– Mini cupcake liners in a box
– holiday themed tins or bags
– Clear containers filled as a centerpiece
They also look lovely simply piled on a platter or dessert stand at parties and holidays. The gold dust makes them eye catching.
For gift-giving, consider including the recipe with a batch of homemade gold pretzels. You can print the instructions on a cute tag or card to personalize it.
Common Questions
Can I use almond bark instead of chocolate?
Yes, almond bark can be substituted for the chocolate in this recipe. Melt and dip the pretzels in the almond bark the same way you would regular chocolate.
Is the gold dust safe to eat?
Edible gold dust and powder is non-toxic and FDA approved for consumption. Just look for varieties specifically made for cake and candy decorating. Use gold powder or dust made for arts and crafts is not meant for eating.
Do you have to temper the chocolate?
Tempering gives chocolate a smooth, glossy finish and crisp texture. But it’s not entirely necessary for basic chocolate dipping. You can melt and dip chocolate right from a package without tempering. Just know that the finished look may not be as pristine.
Can I make them kid-friendly without the gold dust?
Absolutely! You can leave off the gold dust entirely if making these for children. Or swap it for colorful sprinkles or decorations. Drizzling the chocolate pretzels with white, dark, or colored chocolate makes a fun design.
How long do they last when stored?
Gold chocolate covered pretzels will stay fresh for about 1 week stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw gradually at room temperature before serving.
Troubleshooting
Q: My chocolate looks streaky and won’t cover the pretzels smoothly. What should I do?
A: Streaky, thick chocolate that doesn’t stick to the pretzels evenly is likely a sign that the chocolate is not fully melted or is starting to set. Make sure to fully melt the chocolate over low heat and stir frequently for a smooth dipping consistency. Work quickly before the chocolate starts to harden or add a little shortening to make it more fluid.
Q: The pretzels keep falling off when I try to coat them. How can I get the chocolate to stick better?
A: If the chocolate is not adhering to the pretzels, try drying them thoroughly first. Any moisture on the pretzels can prevent the chocolate from sticking. You can also try dipping just halfway or less of each pretzel so it’s not too heavy. Cooling the chocolate slightly before dipping can help it thicken also.
Q: My chocolate pretzels got condensation and turned white. What happened?
A: If condensation forms on the chocolate, it can cause a white “bloom”. This happens if the chocolate was too warm when you put the pretzels in the fridge to cool. Let the chocolate coating set at room temp for 10-15 minutes before refrigerating to prevent condensation. The bloom doesn’t affect taste but does impact appearance.
Q: The gold dust won’t stick to the chocolate. Any tips?
A: Make sure to apply the gold dust while the chocolate coating is still wet. It will stick much better to damp chocolate. You can even put it on slightly thicker in the beginning if needed. Also don’t overheat the chocolate when melting – too hot and it won’t be “wet” enough for dust adhesion.
Recipe Variations
Gold chocolate pretzels are so versatile! Here are some fun flavor ideas to try:
Peppermint
– Crush candy canes and use as topping instead of gold dust
– Add peppermint extract to chocolate
– Drizzle with white chocolate
Caramel
– Dip in caramel before chocolate
– Sprinkle with sea salt
Cookies and Cream
– Use white chocolate and fold in crushed Oreos
Mocha
– Mix cocoa powder and instant coffee into chocolate
– Drizzle with more chocolate
Spicy
– Use cinnamon or cayenne spiced chocolate
– Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition breakdown for a serving size of 5 gold chocolate covered pretzels (using 60% cacao dark chocolate):
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 330mg |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Protein | 3g |
As you can see, gold chocolate covered pretzels are high in carbohydrates and saturated fat due to the chocolate and pretze coating. Enjoy them in moderation as a special sweet treat.
The Cost of Making Gold Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Here is a breakdown of the estimated cost to make a batch of gold chocolate pretzels at home:
| Ingredient | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| 1 bag pretzel rods (12 oz) | $3.00 |
| 12 oz chocolate chips | $3.50 |
| Gold dust (0.5 oz jar) | $7.00 |
| Parchment paper | $0.50 |
| Total | $14 |
The biggest cost is the edible gold dust which can range from $7-$15 for a small jar. The pretzels and chocolate add just a few more dollars. Making 2-3 batches will allow you to get the most use out of the gold dust. Overall, the active time required is under 30 minutes, making it a fun weekend project!
Tips for Making Perfect Gold Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Follow these tips for picture-perfect gold pretzels every time:
– Use high quality real chocolate, not chocolate melting wafers. Real chocolate adheres better.
– Dry pretzels thoroughly before dipping so the chocolate sticks well.
– Fully melt chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly. Too hot and chocolate can burn or turn thick.
– Work quickly and dip pretzels halfway into chocolate for easy coating.
– Tap off excess chocolate on the rim of the bowl before placing on baking sheet.
– Sprinkle on gold dust while chocolate is still wet so it adheres.
– Let coated pretzels set at room temp before moving to the fridge or condensation can form.
– Store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Conclusion
Gold chocolate covered pretzels make for a fancy homemade treat! By following a few simple steps, you can easily melt chocolate and coat pretzels for a picture-perfect golden snack. Have fun getting creative with different chocolate varieties, prepel toppings, and gift-worthy presentations. Dazzle your friends and family with these edible golden delights. Enjoy this unique blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and shimmery flavors.
