Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and totally addictive treat to make this season, you’re in the right place! This Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it combines that perfect salty-sweet crunch with adorable holiday vibes. Plus, these little trees come together super quickly and make a charming addition to any holiday spread or homemade gift basket. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make them every December!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: You’ll have festive treats on the table in about 25 minutes with minimal fuss.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun: This is a fantastic project to do together with kids; they’ll love arranging and decorating their own trees.
  • Perfect Balance: The salty pretzels and sweet candy melts create that mouthwatering combo everyone craves around the holidays.
  • Eye-Catching Treats: These Christmas trees look so festive and cute, they’re sure to be the star of your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees Recipe are simple, but they work together beautifully to create a festive and crunchy little treat. I like to keep things easy and accessible, making sure your holiday prep doesn’t feel overwhelming!

Flat lay of fresh natural pretzel sticks arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth green candy melts, another white bowl holding tiny round red nonpareils sprinkles, a separate white bowl with white nonpareils sprinkles, and a small white bowl containing bright yellow star-shaped sprinkles, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees, holiday treats, festive cookie recipes, easy Christmas desserts, salty sweet holiday snacks
  • Pretzel sticks: Go for sturdy, straight sticks – they form the tree ‘branches’ shape perfectly.
  • Green candy melts: These melt smoothly and harden with a glossy finish; I love that holiday green color for instant tree vibes.
  • Red and white nonpareils sprinkles: They add a lovely festive pop and texture, like tiny ornaments on your tree.
  • Optional yellow star sprinkles or cake decorations: To add that perfect finishing touch on top of your mini trees.
  • Wax paper: Essential for easy cleanup and keeping the candy from sticking while it hardens.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve found this Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees Recipe to be wonderfully versatile. You can swap out a few things to tailor it to your style or dietary preferences, and it still turns out amazing. Feel free to get creative!

  • Chocolate Candy Melts: I once swapped green candy melts for peppermint-flavored red ones, creating a candy cane effect that my family adored.
  • Gluten-Free Pretzels: Use gluten-free pretzels to make this treat safe for gluten-sensitive guests—just make sure they hold their shape well.
  • Different Sprinkles: Try using tiny edible pearls or colored sugar for a more elegant or personalized touch.
  • Nut Toppings: Crushed pistachios or almonds make a delightfully crunchy, sophisticated variation if you want to switch things up.

How to Make Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees Recipe

Step 1: Arrange Your Pretzel Trees

Start by laying down a sheet of wax paper on your countertop. Then, take three pretzel sticks and arrange them in a triangle shape to mimic a Christmas tree. I find that keeping these shapes neat helps your candy melts fill the space just right without overflowing. Feel free to make as many trees as you want—this recipe scales beautifully!

Step 2: Melt Your Candy and Fill the Trees

Melt your green candy melts according to package instructions—usually just a minute or two in the microwave, stirring every 15 seconds. Once melted and silky smooth, use a spoon or a piping bag (if you want more control) to carefully fill the inside of each pretzel triangle. Make sure your candy touches all three pretzel edges so it sets firmly. I like to smooth it out gently with the back of a spoon to get an even surface before moving on.

Step 3: Sprinkle Some Holiday Cheer

While the candy is still warm and wet, sprinkle your red and white nonpareils over the top to look like Christmas ornaments. This is my favorite part because it’s fun and adds instant festive charm. If you’re going for the full look, pop a yellow star sprinkle right at the top of each tree—it’s such a cute finishing touch.

Step 4: Let Them Harden

Let the trees cool completely to harden. I usually just leave them out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, but if you’re in a rush, a quick trip to the fridge speeds things up without affecting the texture. Once set, gently peel the trees off the wax paper and they’re ready to serve or package!

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Pro Tips for Making Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees Recipe

  • Use Room Temperature Candy Melts: I learned that letting candy melts come to room temp after microwaving ensures smoother pouring and fewer lumps.
  • Avoid Overfilling: Filling the pretzel triangles just right prevents messy spills and keeps your trees looking crisp and neat.
  • Work Quickly on Sprinkles: Candy melts harden fast, so sprinkle immediately after filling for best adhesion.
  • Peeling Tips: Wait until candy fully sets before peeling to avoid cracking or breaking your tiny trees.

How to Serve Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees Recipe

The image shows triangular cookies made from thin pretzel sticks forming the outer frame, which is golden-brown and slightly shiny. Inside the triangle is a smooth layer of green icing that covers the surface evenly with a matte finish. The green icing is decorated with small, round sprinkles in white, red, and a few pink dots scattered evenly across, creating a festive look. Each triangle also has a small yellow star-shaped sprinkle placed at the top corner of the triangle. The cookies are displayed on a white plate with a clean white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees, holiday treats, festive cookie recipes, easy Christmas desserts, salty sweet holiday snacks

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra sparkle by dusting the finished trees with a light sprinkle of edible glitter or colored sanding sugar—it adds just a hint of shimmer that makes them look magical. A tiny edible star or pearl on top really makes the trees pop and feels like the perfect holiday detail.

Side Dishes

These Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees pair wonderfully with hot chocolate or a warm mug of eggnog. They’re also a lovely accompaniment to a holiday cookie platter or alongside your favorite cheese and charcuterie boards to add a sweet-salty crunch balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these little trees upright in a shallow box with holiday-themed tissue paper for beautiful edible centerpieces. Wrapping them in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon also makes charming homemade gifts for neighbors and coworkers. I promise these presentation tricks get tons of compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees in an airtight container at room temperature, and they usually last up to a week without losing their crunch or charm. I’ve noticed that keeping them out of direct heat or humidity is key to maintaining that crisp texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my go-to for this treat because candy melts can sometimes bloom or get a bit dull after thawing. However, if you must freeze, wrap them carefully in parchment and place them in a freezer-safe container—thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

You really don’t need to reheat Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees. If they’ve softened at room temp, a brief 5-10 minute chill in the fridge brings them back to their perfect crispness and shine—no microwave needed!

FAQs

  1. Can I use chocolate chips instead of candy melts for this recipe?

    You can, but chocolate chips don’t always melt as smoothly or harden as well as candy melts, which might affect the look and texture. If you choose chocolate chips, add a little vegetable oil to thin the chocolate for easier pouring, and expect a shinier, less firm finish.

  2. How do I prevent the candy melts from seizing up?

    Melting in short bursts (15 seconds) and stirring in between helps prevent overheating and seizing. Also, avoid any contact with water or steam while melting, as even a small splash can cause candy melts to seize.

  3. Can I prepare these Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees ahead of time?

    Absolutely! These treats can be made well in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them ideal for holiday parties or gifting.

  4. How do I keep the candy melts smooth if I don’t have a piping bag?

    No worries if you don’t have a piping bag—you can use a small spoon to carefully fill the pretzel triangles or even a zip-top bag with a tiny corner cut off for better control. This little trick helps you avoid drips and keeps everything tidy.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees Recipe brings so much festive joy with such little effort. When I first made these with my kids, their faces lit up with pride and delight—it’s such a simple treat that really feels special. You’ll find these little trees can brighten any holiday moment, whether as a last-minute gift, a party snack, or a fun family project. So grab your pretzels and candy melts, and enjoy making memories (and delicious bites!) together.

Print
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Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees Recipe

Pretzel Candy Melt Christmas Trees Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 133 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Makes about 12 Christmas trees 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Create festive and delicious Christmas tree treats using crunchy pretzel sticks and vibrant green candy melts. These easy no-bake holiday snacks are decorated with red and white sprinkles, making them perfect for holiday parties or gifting.


Ingredients

Materials

  • Wax paper – enough to cover a flat surface

Main Ingredients

  • Pretzel sticks – about 3 per tree
  • Green candy melts – enough to fill each pretzel triangle
  • Red and white nonpareils sprinkles – to decorate
  • Optional: Yellow star sprinkles or cake decorations – for the tree tops


Instructions

  1. Arrange Pretzels: Place groups of three pretzel sticks on the wax paper in the shape of a triangle to resemble Christmas trees.
  2. Melt Candy: Melt the green candy melts according to package instructions, then spoon or pipe the melted candy inside each pretzel triangle, ensuring it touches all three pretzel sides for stability.
  3. Decorate Trees: While the candy is still melted and wet, sprinkle red and white nonpareils sprinkles evenly over each tree. Optionally, place a yellow star sprinkle at the top of each tree for a festive touch.
  4. Cool and Harden: Allow the candy to cool and harden completely; you can place the trays in the refrigerator to speed up this process.
  5. Serve: Once hardened, carefully peel the candy Christmas trees off the wax paper and serve or package for gifting.

Notes

  • Use wax paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
  • Ensure the candy melts are fully melted and slightly cooled before piping for smoother application.
  • Place the pretzel trees on a flat surface to prevent candy from sliding off.
  • You can substitute green candy melts with colored white chocolate melts if preferred.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tree (approx. 15g)
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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