Name: Pumpkin Pretzels
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 40 mini pretzel twists; 12 oz orange candy melts; 40 mini green M&Ms or green sprinkles; 1 tsp vegetable shortening (optional, for thinning)

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These Pumpkin Pretzels are a fun, festive treat I love making during fall. They combine the salty crunch of pretzels with sweet, creamy pumpkin-flavored coating—perfect for Halloween parties, cozy movie nights, or edible gifts. I like how quick and kid-friendly they are, and they always add a pop of seasonal charm to my snack table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and adorable these pumpkin pretzels are. They take just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to make, but they look like something straight out of a bakery window. The blend of salty and sweet hits just right, and I can make a whole batch in no time. Plus, they’re fun to decorate and customize, making them perfect for kids to help with or to bring to a fall-themed gathering. Pumpkin Pretzels

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mini pretzel twists – I like using mini twists because they have that perfect pumpkin-like shape.
Orange candy melts – These give the pretzels their pumpkin color and sweet, creamy coating.
Mini green M&M’s or green sprinkles – I use these for the “stems” on top of the pretzels.
Optional: vegetable shortening – I add a small amount if I need to thin the candy melts for easier dipping.

Directions

I melt the orange candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until smooth. If the coating is too thick, I stir in a small spoonful of shortening to thin it out.
I dip each pretzel into the melted coating using a fork or dipping tool, making sure it’s fully coated.
I lift it out, let the excess drip off, and place it on a sheet of parchment or wax paper.
Before the coating sets, I press a mini green M&M or a green sprinkle into the top center of each pretzel to create a stem.
I let the pretzels sit at room temperature or chill them briefly in the fridge until the coating is completely set.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 40 coated pretzels, depending on how many I dip. It takes around 10–15 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to set, so they’re ready to eat in under 30 minutes. Pumpkin Pretzels

Variations

White chocolate version – I use white candy melts and add orange food coloring for a slightly richer flavor.
Pumpkin spice twist – I stir a pinch of pumpkin pie spice into the melted coating before dipping for extra fall flavor.
Pumpkin faces – I use edible black marker or small candy eyes to turn the pretzels into mini jack-o’-lanterns.
Salted caramel drizzle – Once they set, I drizzle melted caramel or white chocolate over the pretzels for extra decadence.
Pumpkin rods – I swap mini pretzels for pretzel rods and dip the top half in orange coating for a fun shape variation.

Storage/Reheating

I store these pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the coating from melting or getting sticky. They don’t need to be refrigerated, but I sometimes chill them for a crisp texture.

These aren’t meant to be reheated, but they hold up well if I make them a few days in advance for parties or treats.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate instead of candy melts?

Yes, I’ve used white chocolate chips or almond bark before. I just make sure to add orange food coloring and melt it gently to avoid seizing.

Do I need to add shortening to the candy melts?

Only if the melts are too thick. I find that a little bit of vegetable shortening helps smooth the coating for easier dipping.

Can kids help make these?

Definitely. This is one of my favorite no-bake treats to make with kids. They love dipping and adding the little stems on top.

How do I keep the coating from getting messy?

I let the excess coating drip off the pretzel before placing it on the parchment paper. Chilling them briefly also helps them set without smudging.

Are these good for gifting?

Yes, I love bagging them in clear treat bags and tying them with fall-colored ribbons. They make adorable, edible gifts for teachers, neighbors, or party favors.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Pretzels are the kind of no-fuss, high-reward recipe I reach for again and again in the fall. They’re festive, flavorful, and just plain fun. Whether I’m making them with the kids, serving them at a Halloween party, or sneaking one with a cup of coffee, they always bring a little extra seasonal joy.