Candy Cane Peppermint Pretzels

Instructions

1. Prep the Candy Canes:
   Place the candy canes in a zip-top plastic bag and seal it tightly. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a sturdy glass to crush them into small pieces. Aim for a mixture of fine shards and small chunky bits — the larger pieces will add visual appeal and texture when sprinkled on top of the pretzels, while the finer dust provides an all-over minty sparkle. Avoid pulverizing them too finely, as chunks are more festive and offer a better contrast against the white chocolate.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
   Place the white chocolate chips or melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20–30 second intervals, stirring well after each burst to prevent scorching and ensure even melting. Continue until the chocolate is smooth and glossy with no lumps. Once melted, add the peppermint extract if you’re using it, and stir thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly. The extract enhances the peppermint element, especially if your candy canes are mild in flavor.
3. Dip the Pretzels:
   Working one at a time or in small batches, dip each pretzel halfway into the melted white chocolate. For full coverage, you can submerge the entire pretzel, but dipping halfway creates a lovely contrast between sweet and salty. Gently shake off any excess chocolate, then lay the coated pretzels in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
4. Add the Peppermint: