If you’re craving a holiday treat that’s both sweet and salty with a delightful crunch, the White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Crisps Recipe is your new best friend. This addictive snack combines the creamy smoothness of white chocolate with the refreshing burst of peppermint and the irresistible crunch of pretzel crisps, making it perfect for Christmas gatherings, thoughtful neighbor gifts, or just a personal indulgence. It’s simple to make, visually festive, and guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These few, straightforward ingredients come together to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Each element adds its own magic: the creamy vanilla almond bark delivers luscious sweetness, the peppermint candy canes bring that classic festive zing, and the pretzel crisps contribute the perfect salty crunch and texture.
- 12 ounces of vanilla almond bark (six cubes): Provides a smooth, velvety coating that melts beautifully and acts as the sweet base of the treat.
- 5-6 regular-sized peppermint candy canes: Adds that signature festive peppermint flavor and a pop of bright, colorful crunch.
- 1 (8 ounce) bag of pretzel crisps: The salty crunch star that balances the sweetness and gives this snack its irresistible texture.
- 3 or 4 drops of mint extract (no more than ⅛th of a tsp): Enhances the peppermint flavor without overpowering it, keeping the balance just right.
How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Crisps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will make sure your pretzel crisps don’t stick as they set and will simplify cleanup — a little prep that saves a lot of hassle.
Step 2: Crush the Candy Canes
Pop your peppermint candy canes into a Ziploc bag and carefully crush them using a rolling pin or the back of a large spoon. You want small, crunchy pieces, not powder — this adds texture and visual charm to the final treat.
Step 3: Melt the Almond Bark
Place the vanilla almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 45-second bursts at room temperature, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy. If needed, continue in 15-second increments to avoid overheating.
Step 4: Combine Mint and Chocolate
Mix about three-quarters of your crushed candy canes into the melted almond bark, stirring thoroughly so that the peppermint pieces soften the chocolate and distribute flavor evenly.
Step 5: Coat the Pretzel Crisps
Gently fold in your pretzel crisps until each one is generously coated with the white chocolate peppermint mixture. This step ensures every bite has that perfect blend of sweet and salty.
Step 6: Spread and Finish
Spread the coated pretzel crisps in a single layer on your prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top for a festive, sparkly finish. Let the crisps cool and set at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge for a quicker chill.
How to Serve White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Crisps Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of festivity, consider drizzling a little dark chocolate over the crisps once they’ve set, or dusting them lightly with edible glitter or powdered sugar. These additions elevate the look and make your treat party-ready.
Side Dishes
Serve these crisps alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha to double down on those cozy holiday vibes. They also pair wonderfully with a cheese platter or mulled wine for a sophisticated seasonal spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap small handfuls in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbon for charming hostess gifts, or arrange them artistically on a festive platter with pine sprigs and ornaments to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Crisps Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week. This keeps them crisp and fresh while preserving the peppermint’s brightness.
Freezing
You can freeze these peppermint-coated treats by placing them in a sealed container or freezer bag. They hold up well for up to a month, just thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain their crunch and flavor.
Reheating
Because these are a no-bake treat, reheating isn’t necessary. If they’ve softened or lost a bit of their crunch, letting them sit at room temperature briefly or a quick chill in the fridge can help them firm up again beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular white chocolate instead of almond bark?
While regular white chocolate works, almond bark melts more smoothly and sets firmer, which makes it ideal for coating pretzels. If you use white chocolate, consider adding a small amount of shortening to help achieve the right texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Just double-check your almond bark to ensure it’s nut-free or swap it out with a high-quality white chocolate that does not contain nuts. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free from nuts.
How finely should I crush the peppermint candy canes?
A mix of small chunks and fine pieces works best. The little chunks give a satisfying crunch, while the finer bits sprinkle nicely over the top and infuse that minty aroma throughout the mixture.
Can I substitute pretzel crisps with regular pretzels?
Yes, regular pretzels are a fine substitute, but pretzel crisps are thinner and crunchier, which gives you that ultra-crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy white chocolate.
How long does it take for the White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Crisps Recipe to set?
At room temperature, it usually takes a couple of hours for the coating to fully harden. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to speed up the setting process.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Crisps Recipe is truly a holiday miracle—so simple yet incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect combination of easy prep, festive flavor, and a beautiful presentation that anyone can master. Whether you’re gifting, snacking, or entertaining, these crisps will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with this sweet and salty treat!
Print
White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Crisps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Category: Candy/Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Christmas
Description
Delight in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Crisps. Coated in creamy vanilla almond bark infused with crushed peppermint candy canes, these treats offer a refreshing minty crunch that’s ideal for Christmas parties, holiday gifting, or anytime you crave a festive snack.
Ingredients
Coating
- 12 ounces of vanilla almond bark (six cubes)
- 3 or 4 drops of mint extract (no more than ⅛ of a tsp)
- 5–6 regular-sized peppermint candy canes, crushed
Base
- 1 (8 ounce) bag of pretzel crisps
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set it aside to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Crush the candy canes: Place the peppermint candy canes into a resealable plastic bag. Use a rolling pin or a heavy spoon to crush them into small pieces, reserving about one-quarter of the crushed candy for topping.
- Melt the almond bark: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the vanilla almond bark. Heat for 45 seconds to 1 minute if at room temperature, stirring until smooth. If not completely melted, continue microwaving in 15-second bursts, stirring each time to avoid burning.
- Add flavor and candy cane pieces: Stir the mint extract and three-quarters of the crushed candy canes into the melted almond bark until well combined.
- Coat the pretzels: Pour the pretzel crisps into the mixture and gently fold them until each pretzel is evenly coated with the white chocolate and peppermint mixture.
- Spread and garnish: Spread the coated pretzels onto the prepared cookie sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candy evenly over the top for an extra festive touch.
- Allow to set: Let the coated pretzels cool at room temperature for a couple of hours until firm. For quicker setting, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Once fully set, break apart any stuck pieces and enjoy your festive, crunchy peppermint treats.
Notes
- Use parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Adjust the amount of mint extract to taste, but do not exceed ⅛ teaspoon to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
- Crushing candy canes finely helps them stick better to the coating and adds the perfect crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to one week.
- For a dairy-free version, verify that the vanilla almond bark used is vegan friendly.
