Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat for Thanksgiving! These Thanksgiving chocolate covered treats are not just delicious; they are a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that everyone in my family goes crazy for. I remember the first time I made them—my niece couldn’t get enough and kept sneaking back into the kitchen! It’s such a joy to whip these up with the kids, dipping pretzels in chocolate and sprinkling on all the goodies. Trust me, they’ll be the talk of your holiday gathering, and the best part? You don’t even have to bake a thing!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (your choice, I love almonds or pecans!)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Chocolate Covered Treats
Alright, let’s dive into making these delightful Thanksgiving chocolate covered treats! It’s super simple and oh-so-fun. Just follow my steps, and you’ll have a festive dessert that everyone will adore. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
First things first, we need to melt those chocolate chips. I like to use a microwave-safe bowl for this—just toss in your chocolate chips and heat them in 30-second intervals. Give them a little stir after each interval until they’re all melty and smooth. Be careful not to overheat them; burnt chocolate isn’t tasty at all! If you don’t have a microwave, you can also use a double boiler on the stovetop. Just keep stirring until it’s silky.
Step 2: Dip the Pretzels
Now, here comes the fun part! Grab your pretzels and dip them into the melted chocolate, making sure they’re fully coated. I like to use a fork to help shake off any excess chocolate—nobody wants a chocolate puddle! Place the dipped pretzels on a parchment-lined tray. This way, they won’t stick and will be easy to lift off later.
Step 3: Assemble Your Treats
Once your pretzels are dipped and on the tray, it’s time to get creative! While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, and your chopped nuts on top. The warm chocolate acts like glue, helping everything stick together beautifully. I love the combination of flavors here—the sweet marshmallows, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts are just heavenly!
Step 4: Let the Treats Cool
Alright, now we wait! Let your treats cool at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. This usually takes about 30 minutes, but you can pop them in the fridge to speed up the process if you’re impatient like me! Once they’re set, store the treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll be ready to wow your guests at Thanksgiving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
- No baking required, making it a stress-free dessert option.
- Perfect for gatherings; everyone loves these fun, shareable treats.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings—switch up the nuts or add sprinkles for a festive touch!
- Great for kids to help with; they’ll love dipping and decorating!
- Sweet and salty flavor combo that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Can be made ahead of time and stored for later, so you can enjoy more time with family.
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your Thanksgiving chocolate covered treats turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips and tricks to elevate your treat game:
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your chocolate isn’t too hot when you’re dipping. If it’s too hot, it can make the pretzels soggy. A nice warm, melted consistency is what you’re after!
- Experiment with Chocolate: While dark chocolate is my go-to, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try milk chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can even swirl them together for a beautiful marbled effect!
- Get Creative with Toppings: The sky’s the limit! Consider adding shredded coconut, mini candy corn, or even crushed graham crackers for a s’mores twist. Just remember to sprinkle them on while the chocolate is still warm!
- Watch the Clock: If you’re in a hurry, chilling the treats in the fridge can speed up the hardening process, but don’t rush it! Allowing them to cool at room temperature first helps the chocolate maintain its shine.
- Keep It Fresh: If you make these treats ahead of time, store them in an airtight container to prevent them from getting soggy. They can last for about a week (if they last that long!)
- Avoid Overcrowding: When you’re assembling the treats, give each pretzel a little space on the tray. This helps prevent them from sticking together while the chocolate sets.
- Don’t Waste Chocolate: If you have leftover melted chocolate, dip some fruit like strawberries or banana slices! They’re a tasty bonus that will disappear just as quickly as the treats!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be the star of Thanksgiving with your fabulous chocolate covered treats. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful Thanksgiving chocolate covered treats. Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you choose, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These treats are a sweet indulgence but also provide a little bit of protein and fiber, thanks to the nuts and cranberries. Perfect for enjoying during the holidays without any guilt!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some burning questions about these Thanksgiving chocolate covered treats, so let’s tackle a few common ones! You’ll want to feel totally confident when you make these for your family and friends.
How do I store these treats?
You can store your chocolate covered treats in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you live in a warmer climate, it’s best to keep them in the fridge to prevent the chocolate from melting. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate, or even try a mix. Each chocolate brings its own unique flavor, and it’s fun to experiment! Just keep an eye on the melting process since different chocolates can have different melting points.
What if I don’t have pretzels?
No problem at all! You can use graham crackers, rice cakes, or even crispy potato chips for a fun twist. They’ll all give you that satisfying crunch you crave!
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free pretzels or whatever base you choose. There are plenty of great alternatives out there that are just as delicious!
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! You can get creative with toppings like dried fruits, crushed candy canes, or even a drizzle of caramel. Just make sure to add them while the chocolate is still warm so they stick!
Are these treats kid-friendly?
For sure! Kids will love helping out with the dipping and decorating. Just keep an eye on them around the melted chocolate, as it can be hot!
How long do they take to set?
They typically take about 30 minutes to cool at room temperature, but popping them in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes can speed things up if you’re in a hurry!
With these answers, I hope you feel ready to dive into making your own Thanksgiving chocolate covered treats. They’re such a fun and festive addition to any holiday gathering!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up these amazing Thanksgiving chocolate covered treats, and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh for later? I’ve got you covered! First off, make sure to store your treats in an airtight container. This is key to keeping their deliciousness intact and preventing them from getting stale or soggy. You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week, but if you live in a warmer climate, it’s best to pop them in the fridge to avoid any melting mishaps.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you actually don’t need to! These treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature—no need to mess with reheating chocolate, as it can lose that lovely texture and shine. Just take them out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving, and they’ll be perfect for snacking. Trust me, no one will mind if they’re a little cold; they’ll be too busy enjoying the sweet and salty goodness!
Print
Thanksgiving Chocolate Covered Treats Everyone Will Adore
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate covered treats perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup of pretzels
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Dip pretzels into the melted chocolate.
- Place dipped pretzels on a parchment-lined tray.
- Add marshmallows and cranberries on top of the chocolate.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the treats.
- Let the treats cool until the chocolate hardens.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use different types of chocolate for variety.
- Add sprinkles for a festive look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving chocolate covered treats
