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These chocolate-covered snacks mix sweet, salty, and tart all in one bite. They're easy to throw together and bring a cozy feel to any holiday table. If you're after something festive without the hassle, these treats are just right.
I first shared these at a Thanksgiving potluck and was floored by how fast they vanished. Their mix of flavors and feels always gets folks asking how to make them.
Needed Ingredients
- Half a cup chopped nuts: pecans or walnuts work great for extra crunch and flavor.
- One cup dried cranberries: juicy and tangy, these cut the chocolate’s sweetness.
- One cup mini marshmallows: soft and fluffy, they bring a sweet, chewy pop.
- One cup pretzels: crispy salty bites that hold up well.
- One cup dark chocolate chips: pick good stuff with 60% or more cocoa for a glossy, rich coating.
Step-By-Step Directions
- Dip Pretzels in Chocolate:
- Microwave the chocolate chips gently, stirring every 20 seconds till smooth. Then dunk each pretzel, making sure they're well covered but not dripping.
- Place Pretzels on Paper:
- Line a tray with parchment paper, then set the coated pretzels down so they don’t stick.
- Add Toppings:
- While the chocolate’s still soft, press on mini marshmallows and cranberries to stick.
- Sprinkle Nuts:
- Scatter chopped nuts on top for a nice crunch and rich flavor.
- Let Them Set:
- Leave the treats out or put them in the fridge until the chocolate hardens, usually about 30 minutes. Then they're ready to snack or gift.
I love swapping cranberries for chopped dried apricots to add a sweeter fruity twist. These treats remind me of family get-togethers where everyone grabbed handfuls, laughing and sipping warm drinks.
Storage Advice
Keep these in a sealed container somewhere cool and dry to keep the chocolate shiny and crunchy. Avoid the fridge if you can, since it can make the chocolate look dull. But if your kitchen's hot, fridge storage works too—just layer with parchment paper so they don’t stick. They stay good about five days, though they usually disappear quicker.
Ingredient Swaps
Try white or milk chocolate instead of dark for a creamier, sweeter treat. Mix up the nuts with almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts to change the taste and crunch. Sprinkle some sea salt or cinnamon before the chocolate sets to add extra flavor and warmth.
Serving Ideas
Pair these with hot apple cider or spiced pumpkin lattes for max coziness. They’re great with a simple cheese board of mild cheeses, fresh fruit, and crackers to balance the rich bites. Perfect as a fuss-free dessert next to roasted turkey or a festive brie snack.
These easy chocolate-covered snacks bring a happy vibe to your Thanksgiving with their fun mix of flavors and textures. They make everyone smile and spread holiday joy with every bite.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → What’s the best chocolate to use?
Dark chocolate chips that melt well and have a rich flavor work great for coating.
- → Could I swap pretzels for something else?
Sure thing, crunchy snacks like crackers or biscotti work too. But pretzels give the perfect salty crunch.
- → How long do the treats need to cool?
Let them chill at room temp or pop them in the fridge for about 10 to 15 minutes until the chocolate firms up.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for ingredients?
You can use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows to keep it plant-based without losing flavor.
- → Which nuts go well in these treats?
Pecans, walnuts, or chopped almonds add nice crunch and bring out the flavors nicely.