Decorated Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

You will need

• Pretzel rodsThree or four per child; thin pretzel sticks break, use rods
• Chocolate chipsSemi-sweet or milk; about half a cup per four children
• Microwave-safe mug or tall glassDeep enough to dip a rod halfway in one motion

  The mug stays very hot after microwaving; set it on a folded kitchen towel and keep children from touching it until it has cooled for two minutes.

• SprinklesAny color; birthday-themed colors are a nice touch
• Crushed graham crackersoptionalAbout two crackers crushed in a zip-top bag
• Mini chocolate chipsoptionalA small handful per bowl as a topping option
• Parchment paper or wax paperLines the baking sheet where rods rest to set
• Baking sheet or trayAny flat tray large enough to hold all the rods flat
• Cellophane bags or small zip-top bagsoptionalFor wrapping finished rods as take-home favors

Steps

1. 1

   Melt chocolate before kids arrive

   Pour the chocolate chips into the microwave-safe mug. Microwave at 50 percent power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until just smooth. Set the mug on a folded kitchen towel on the table. Give it two minutes before children come near it.

   Tip: Stop microwaving when a few chips still look whole — residual heat finishes the melting as you stir.

2. 2

   Set up toppings and tray

   While chocolate cools slightly, set out small shallow bowls of sprinkles and any other toppings in the center of the table. Lay parchment paper on the baking sheet and place it at the edge of the work area where finished rods can rest without being jostled.

   Tip: Shallow bowls make it easier to roll a coated rod through toppings without losing the rod.

3. 3

   Show the dipping technique

   Demonstrate: hold a pretzel rod at one end, lower it into the mug at a slight angle, and turn it slowly to coat about two-thirds of the rod. Lift it out and let excess chocolate drip back into the mug for a five-count. This drip step is what keeps the chocolate from pooling on the parchment.

   Tip: Say: 'Hold it over the mug and count to five before you go anywhere.'

4. 4

   Let children dip their rods

   Have children take turns at the mug if it is getting crowded. Each child dips one rod at a time. Remind them to angle the rod, turn slowly, and wait for the drip before moving to the topping bowls. You stay close but let them handle the rod independently.

   Tip: If the chocolate thickens as it cools, microwave it again for 15 seconds at 50 percent and stir.

5. 5

   Roll rods through toppings

   Once the drip is done, have the child hold the coated rod over a topping bowl and roll it gently, or sprinkle toppings on by hand for more control. Either method works. Lay the finished rod on the parchment-lined tray and do not move it until the chocolate has set.

   Tip: Two different toppings on one rod — sprinkles at the tip, crushed graham in the middle — look nice and use up the waiting time productively.

6. 6

   Allow chocolate to set

   Chocolate sets at room temperature in about ten minutes. While waiting, children can help clean up the topping bowls or start on a second rod. Once set, rods can be slid gently into cellophane bags and twisted closed as a take-home favor, or arranged on a plate to share.

   Tip: Do not refrigerate to speed setting — condensation forms on the chocolate surface when it comes back to room temperature.

Take it to the table

Materials checklist, the steps and the variations on one Letter page.