Yogurt Covered Pretzels: A Sweet and Salty Treat You Can Make at Home

Yogurt covered pretzels are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and smooth. They’re a delightful snack that’s easy to make at home, and far more customizable than anything you can buy in a store. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to creating your own delicious yogurt covered pretzels, offering tips and tricks for achieving the best results every time. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with kids, a homemade gift, or simply a tasty treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Why Make Your Own Yogurt Covered Pretzels?

While you can easily purchase yogurt covered pretzels, making them at home offers several advantages:

• Customization: You can choose the type of pretzels, yogurt coating, and toppings that suit your preferences. Go for dark chocolate yogurt, sprinkle with sea salt, or use gluten-free pretzels – the possibilities are endless!
• Freshness: Homemade yogurt covered pretzels are often fresher and have a better texture than store-bought versions.
• Cost-Effective: Depending on the ingredients you choose, making your own can be more economical than buying pre-made ones, especially if you make them in bulk.
• Fun Activity: It’s a great activity to involve kids in, teaching them basic cooking skills and letting them get creative with toppings.
• Control over Ingredients: You can ensure you’re using high-quality ingredients and avoid unwanted additives or preservatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

• Pretzels: You can use mini pretzels, pretzel rods, or pretzel snaps. Choose your favorite type based on your desired size and shape. Consider gluten-free pretzels if needed.
• Yogurt Coating: Yogurt melts, also known as confectionary coating or compound coating, specifically designed for dipping. These melt smoothly and set firmly. You can find these in white, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or flavored varieties. Avoid using actual yogurt, as it will not set properly and will spoil quickly.
• Optional Toppings: This is where you can get creative! Consider sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, sea salt, crushed candy, dried fruit, or shredded coconut.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the yogurt coating. A double boiler provides gentle, even heating, while a microwave is quicker but requires careful monitoring.
• Spatula or Spoon: For stirring the yogurt coating.
• Fork or Dipping Tools: For dipping the pretzels into the yogurt coating. Dipping tools with multiple prongs can be very helpful.
• Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: For placing the dipped pretzels on to set.
• Baking Sheet: To hold the parchment paper and dipped pretzels.
• Optional: Small bowls for toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making your own yogurt covered pretzels:

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Start by preparing your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the pretzels from sticking and make cleanup easier. Set out your toppings in small bowls so they are easily accessible.

Step 2: Melt the Yogurt Coating

Using a Double Boiler:

1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with about an inch of water. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Place the top pot of the double boiler over the simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the top pot doesn’t touch the water.
3. Add the yogurt coating to the top pot and stir occasionally until it is completely melted and smooth. Be patient and avoid overheating, which can cause the coating to seize or burn.

Using a Microwave:

1. Place the yogurt coating in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the coating is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the coating, as it can burn quickly. It’s better to under-microwave and stir until the residual heat melts the remaining pieces.

Step 3: Dip the Pretzels

1. Hold a pretzel by one end and dip it into the melted yogurt coating. Use a fork or dipping tool to fully coat the pretzel, ensuring that all sides are covered.
2. Lift the pretzel out of the coating and gently tap it against the side of the bowl to remove any excess coating. This will help prevent the pretzels from being too thick and messy.
3. Place the dipped pretzel onto the prepared parchment paper or wax paper.

Step 4: Add Toppings (Optional)

1. If you want to add toppings, do so immediately after dipping the pretzel, while the yogurt coating is still wet.
2. Sprinkle your chosen toppings over the dipped pretzel, pressing them gently into the coating to ensure they adhere well.
3. Get creative with different combinations of toppings to create a variety of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Let the Pretzels Set

1. Once you’ve dipped and topped all the pretzels, let them set completely. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
2. The pretzels are ready when the yogurt coating is firm to the touch.

Step 6: Store the Pretzels

1. Store the yogurt covered pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for several days. If you live in a warm climate, storing them in the refrigerator may help prevent the yogurt coating from melting.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Yogurt Covered Pretzels

• Use High-Quality Yogurt Coating: The quality of the yogurt coating will significantly impact the taste and texture of your pretzels. Choose a brand that you trust and that melts smoothly.
• Avoid Overheating the Coating: Overheating the yogurt coating can cause it to seize or burn, resulting in a grainy or unpleasant texture. Melt it gently and slowly, whether using a double boiler or microwave.
• Work Quickly: The yogurt coating will start to set as it cools, so it’s important to work quickly when dipping and adding toppings. If the coating starts to thicken, you can gently reheat it to restore its smooth consistency.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. Try adding extracts like vanilla, almond, or peppermint to the yogurt coating, or using flavored yogurt melts.
• Use Different Types of Pretzels: Vary the type of pretzels you use to create different textures and flavors. Try using pretzel rods for a longer, more substantial snack, or pretzel snaps for a bite-sized treat.
• Add a Touch of Salt: If you’re using a sweet yogurt coating, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt to the pretzels to enhance the salty-sweet flavor combination.
• Make Them Festive: Customize the colors and toppings to match holidays or special occasions. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or team colors for game day.
• Thin the coating: If your yogurt melts are too thick after melting, add a very small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more as needed, stirring well after each addition.

Troubleshooting

• Yogurt coating is too thick: Gently reheat the coating in the double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently. You can also add a tiny amount of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out.
• Yogurt coating is not setting: Make sure you are using yogurt melts or confectionary coating, not actual yogurt. Place the pretzels in the refrigerator to help the coating set faster.
• Toppings are not sticking: Make sure you add the toppings immediately after dipping the pretzels, while the yogurt coating is still wet. Press the toppings gently into the coating to help them adhere.
• Pretzels are sticking to the parchment paper: Ensure that the parchment paper is clean and dry. You can also lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray before placing the dipped pretzels on it.
• Coating is lumpy: The coating might have overheated. Stir vigorously. If that doesn’t help, it might be best to start over with fresh coating, being more careful to heat gently.

Variations and Creative Ideas

Here are some fun and creative ideas to take your yogurt covered pretzels to the next level:

• Chocolate Covered Pretzels: Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate yogurt coating instead of vanilla or flavored yogurt.
• Peanut Butter Cup Pretzels: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the yogurt covered pretzels and sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups.
• Cookies and Cream Pretzels: Crush Oreo cookies and sprinkle them over the yogurt covered pretzels.
• Rainbow Sprinkles Pretzels: Use a variety of colorful sprinkles to create a fun and festive treat.
• Peppermint Bark Pretzels: Drizzle melted white chocolate and crushed peppermint candies over the pretzels for a holiday-themed treat.
• Caramel and Sea Salt Pretzels: Drizzle melted caramel over the yogurt covered pretzels and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty delight.
• S’mores Pretzels: Drizzle melted chocolate and marshmallow cream over the pretzels and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
• Nutella Pretzels: Dip the pretzels in Nutella and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
• Lemon Pretzels: Add lemon extract to the yogurt coating and sprinkle with lemon zest.
• Spicy Pretzels: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the yogurt coating for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Yogurt covered pretzels are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As a snack: Enjoy them straight from the container for a quick and satisfying snack.
• As a dessert: Serve them as a sweet treat after a meal.
• As a party favor: Package them in small bags or boxes to give as party favors.
• As a gift: Make a batch of yogurt covered pretzels and give them as a homemade gift.
• In a trail mix: Add them to your favorite trail mix for a sweet and salty crunch.
• With ice cream: Crumble them over ice cream for added texture and flavor.
• As a topping for yogurt: Add them to your yogurt parfait for a satisfying and delicious breakfast or snack.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for yogurt covered pretzels will vary depending on the ingredients you use. However, as a general guideline, a serving of yogurt covered pretzels (about 10-12 pretzels) typically contains:

• Calories: 150-200
• Fat: 8-12 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6-10 grams
• Cholesterol: 0-5 mg
• Sodium: 150-250 mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
• Sugar: 10-15 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. If you are concerned about the nutritional content of your yogurt covered pretzels, you can use a nutrition calculator to determine the exact values.

Conclusion

Making yogurt covered pretzels at home is a fun, easy, and rewarding experience. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious and customizable snack that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with kids, a homemade gift, or simply a tasty treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So grab your pretzels, yogurt coating, and toppings, and get ready to create some sweet and salty magic in your kitchen!