Firecracker Pretzel Rods
Add some sparkle to your 4th of July celebration with these firecracker pretzel rods. They’re fun to make with kids and easy to pack for parties or parades. All it takes is some candy melts and sprinkles!
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The 4th of July is all about independence, cookouts, and fun with family and friends.
Wondering how you can brighten up your dessert spread? There are tons of recipes you can explore without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you’re a little busy, there’s really no need to bake indulgent desserts on this special day. In fact, it’s often the simplest treats that make the biggest impact.
These firecracker pretzel rods are colorful, quick to make, and perfect for adding a patriotic touch to your party. Just dip, decorate, and enjoy!
Wondering what desserts you can make with the kids? This list of easy homemade desserts offers a variety of delicious choices, from cakes to cookies.
How to Make Homemade Firecracker Pretzel Rods
Servings: 12 pretzel rods
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Decorating Time: 20 minutes
Setting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowls (one for each candy melt color)
- Spoon for coating the pretzels
Ingredients
- 12 pretzel rods
- ½ cup red candy melts
- ½ cup white candy melts
- ½ cup blue candy melts
- 2 tablespoons patriotic sprinkles (red, white, and blue)
Instructions
Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be where you lay the dipped pretzels to set.
Step 2: Place ½ cup of candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power or on the defrost setting for 30 seconds, then stir.
Step 3: Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the candy melts are fully melted and smooth. Remember to work with one color at a time.
Step 4: Dip one pretzel rod into the melted candy, tilting the bowl and using a spoon to help cover the pretzel evenly. Coat about half the length of the pretzel rod or as much as you like.
Step 5: Gently shake off any excess candy melt before placing the pretzel rod on the parchment paper.
Step 6: While the candy coating is still wet, sprinkle the patriotic sprinkles over the pretzel. You can sprinkle them by hand or roll the wet, candy-coated section of the pretzel rod in a bowl of sprinkles for fuller coverage.
Step 7: Allow the candy melts to harden completely at room temperature. This should take about 15 to 30 minutes. For quicker setting, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
Step 8: Serve the pretzel rods once the candy melts have set.
What to Serve with Festive Firecracker Pretzel Rods
- Other 4th of July desserts: Serve these alongside other red, white, and blue treats! They undoubtedly look amazing next to Rice Krispie treats and berry granola cups. Everyone will love the pop of color in your spread.
- Fruit juices: Serve your firecracker pretzel rods with a big pitcher of lemonade or fresh Instant Pot blackberry iced tea. These drinks can balance out the sweetness and keep the party vibe going.
- After a savory spread: Enjoy them as a follow-up to grilled meats, potato salad, BBQ baked kielbasa, and other cookout favorites.
Tips for Making the Easy Firecracker Pretzel Rods
- Roll in sprinkles for full coverage: Instead of sprinkling by hand, try rolling the wet portion of the pretzel in a shallow bowl of sprinkles. You’ll get a more even coat this way.
- Get creative with toppings: Red, white, and blue sprinkles are great, but you can also add mini stars, edible glitter, or drizzle a second color of melted candy on top for a more fun presentation. 🥳
- Add flavor extracts: Make them more delicious! You can lightly flavor your melted candy by stirring in a drop of food-grade extract like peppermint or vanilla.
How to Store 4th of July Pretzel Rods
Store the pretzel rods in an airtight container at room temperature if you’re serving them within a couple of days. Just keep them in a cool, dry place so they don’t melt or go soft.
Wondering how you can pack and transport them? If you’re bringing them to an event, pack them in a single layer or use parchment paper between layers to keep the candy coating from smudging.
Helpful Extras That Make Dipping and Decorating Easier
- Set up a dipping station! If you’re making these with kids or friends, set up a little “dipping station” with bowls of melted candy and a sprinkle buffet. It makes the whole process feel more like a party craft.
- Turn them into edible gifts. Wrap each pretzel rod in a clear treat bag and tie it with festive ribbon. They’re perfect little take-home gifts for the 4th of July!
- Want to add fun candy drizzle designs or get more precise with your decorating? Squeeze bottles let you control the flow and avoid clumps or splatters. Just fill one with your melted candy and squeeze gently over each pretzel rod.
FAQs about This Firecracker Pretzel Rod Recipe
What’s the best way to dip pretzel rods?
Use a tall cup or narrow bowl, so you can coat the pretzels evenly. Tilt the cup and use a spoon to help cover as much of the pretzel as you’d like.
How long do pretzel rods last?
These pretzel rods can stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. Just keep them in a cool, dry place so they stay crunchy.
Is pretzel healthy?
Pretzels are not really healthy. They’re more of a fun snack you can enjoy on your cheat days. Enjoy them in moderation and don’t forget to treat yourself this July 4th!
One of the best things about these July 4th pretzel rods is that they’re super customizable.
The red, white, and blue theme is perfect for Independence Day, but you can easily switch up the colors and sprinkles for any celebration.
Think pastels for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or even just your favorite colors for a fun everyday treat. 😋
Planning your 4th of July menu? Everyone will love these delicious creations:
- New York Chopped Cheese Sandwich
- Black Bean Veggie Burgers
- Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
- Instant Pot Lemon Parsley Chicken Risotto
Firecracker Pretzel Rods
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 12 Pretzels 1x
Description
Add some sparkle to your 4th of July celebration with these firecracker pretzel rods. They’re fun to make with kids and easy to pack for parties or parades. All it takes is some candy melts and sprinkles!
Ingredients
- 12 pretzel rods
- 1/2 cup red candy melts
- 1/2 cup white candy melts
- 1/2 cup blue candy melts
- 2 tablespoons patriotic sprinkles (red, white, and blue)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be where you lay the dipped pretzels to set.
- Place ½ cup of candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power or on the defrost setting for 30 seconds, then stir.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the candy melts are fully melted and smooth. Remember to work with one color at a time.
- Dip one pretzel rod into the melted candy, tilting the bowl and using a spoon to help cover the pretzel evenly. Coat about half the length of the pretzel rod or as much as you like.
- Gently shake off any excess candy melt before placing the pretzel rod on the parchment paper.
- While the candy coating is still wet, sprinkle the patriotic sprinkles over the pretzel. You can sprinkle them by hand or roll the wet, candy-coated section of the pretzel rod in a bowl of sprinkles for fuller coverage.
- Allow the candy melts to harden completely at room temperature. This should take about 15 to 30 minutes. For quicker setting, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
- Serve the pretzel rods once the candy melts have set.
