This yummy chocolate pretzel mix is made with chocolate chips instead of the vegan white chocolate coins that I use in my white chocolate version. It is also one of my most requested recipes by friends and family, and I can never decide which version I like better! This mix is very easy to make, and it makes a great gift! Here are the ingredients you need to make your own chocolate pretzel mix:
Most nonpareils contain confectioner’s glaze that is not vegan. Kosher brands should be ok (check the ingredients to be sure), and you can also order vegan ones from Sweetapolita. (I do not recommend using jimmies as they tend to make a mess when the pretzels are broken apart later.)
I really like the Trader Joe’s semi-sweet chocolate chips! They are accidentally vegan and are a great value at only $1.99 for 12 ounces. They have vanilla in them so they taste great! If you can’t get them, or another brand that contains vanilla, then add 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract to the tempered chocolate before mixing in the pretzels.
You will also need a tablespoon of shortening, but I forgot to put it in the photo above:
Please note that you need to have a sheet of waxed paper and all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start making the recipe as the melted chocolate will harden pretty quickly. You do not need to rush, but you do not want to be opening bags after the chocolate is tempered!
To make the pretzel mix, start by placing a two-foot long piece of waxed paper on your work surface, then add the pretzels to a colander and shake them gently to remove the excess salt and any pretzel crumbs. You can use either mini pretzels or pretzel sticks, as the shape doesn’t matter in this version. I use Snyder’s gluten free pretzels, but you can use any brand you like.
Add the shortening and 10 oz of the chocolate chips to a large microwave-safe bowl:
Chop up the remaining 2 oz of chocolate chips, then follow the directions for tempering chocolate in my post on how to temper chocolate.
Add the pretzels to the tempered chocolate, then stir until all the pretzels are evenly coated:
Spread the mixture out on the sheet of waxed paper, then immediately sprinkle the nonpareils evenly over the pretzels:
Allow the chocolate to cool and fully harden before moving to the next step.
Once the chocolate is completely hardened, break the pretzel mix into pieces like this:
Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature.
When I am giving the pretzel mix as a gift, I like to put it into treat bags and add curly ribbons. One batch makes about six good size bags of pretzel mix, but I only count on five so I can eat some too!
Here is what the chocolate pretzel mix looks like when made with mini pretzels instead of sticks:
Enjoy!
Chocolate Pretzel Mix
This yummy pretzel mix is chocolate crunchy goodness! It is one of my most requested recipes and makes a great gift!
Ingredients
- 8 oz Pretzel Sticks or Mini Pretzels
- 12 oz Vegan Chocolate Chips
- 12 g (1 TBS) Shortening
- 36 g (3 TBS) Rainbow Nonpareils
Instructions
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*Please note that you need to have a sheet of waxed paper and all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start making the recipe as the melted chocolate will harden pretty quickly. You do not need to rush, but you do not want to be opening bags after the chocolate is tempered.
-
To make the pretzel mix, start by placing a two-foot long piece of waxed paper on your work surface, then add the pretzels to a colander and shake them gently to remove the excess salt and any pretzel crumbs.
-
Add the shortening and 10 oz of the chocolate chips to a large microwave-safe bowl. Chop up the remaining 2 oz of chocolate chips, then follow the directions for tempering chocolate in my post on how to temper chocolate.
-
Add the pretzels to the tempered chocolate, then stir until all the pretzels are evenly coated.
-
Spread the mixture out on the sheet of waxed paper, then immediately sprinkle the nonpareils evenly over the pretzels.
-
Allow the chocolate to cool and fully harden before moving to the next step.
-
Once the chocolate is completely hardened, break the pretzel mix into pieces.
-
Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature.
Why choose at all 🙂 ?
Mix dark, milk and white chocolate treats together.
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I usually buy my chocolate chips from Kroger.
I have never tried the ones from Trader Joe’s.
I will now.
On a not so side note, I tend to add vanilla extract to anything sweet.
Kroger has some great vegan chocolate chip options, and I especially like the Belgian dark chocolate ones! The Trader Joe’s semi-sweet chocolate chips are just as good as Kroger’s brand, but cost less, so I just tend to use them more to save money. I agree with you that vanilla makes most sweet recipes better!