Crispy Pencil-Shaped Pretzel Rods Recipe Easy Homemade Candy Coating Treats
These crispy pencil-shaped pretzel rods feature a bright yellow candy coating that cracks perfectly to reveal a salty pretzel inside, making a fun and addictive snack for all ages.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- Pretzel rods (sturdy, thick rods)
- 8 ounces yellow candy melts
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (optional)
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional)
- Edible black decorating gel or black icing pen
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat so the pretzels won’t stick.
- Place 8 ounces (about 227 grams) of yellow candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time.
- When nearly melted, add 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening and 1 teaspoon light corn syrup to smooth the texture. Stir until glossy and fully melted.
- Holding a pretzel rod by one end, dip it into the melted candy coating until mostly covered, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the bottom uncovered to mimic a pencil’s eraser end. Let excess drip off back into the bowl.
- To create the pencil tip, gently press the candy-coated end of the rod against the parchment paper forming a slight angle or taper before the coating sets.
- Place the dipped pretzels on the lined baking sheet. Allow them to set at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Using edible black decorating gel or a black icing pen, draw the pointed graphite tip at the candy-coated end and add a thin black band near the other end to represent the metal ferrule of a pencil. Let dry completely.
- Once fully set, transfer pretzels to a container or serve immediately.
Notes
Avoid overheating candy melts to prevent grainy texture. Stir frequently while melting. Work in small batches to avoid candy hardening too fast. For faster setting, refrigerate but avoid condensation by drying at room temperature if possible. Use vegetable shortening to thin candy melts for a smoother, crisper shell.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy-coated pretz
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: pretzel rods, candy coating, pencil-shaped pretzels, homemade treats, easy snacks, candy melts, party snacks, kids snacks