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Festive Thanksgiving Chocolate Treats

Section: Sweet Treats

These chocolate covered treats combine the richness of dark chocolate with the crunch of pretzels and nuts, balanced by tart dried cranberries and soft mini marshmallows. The simple process involves melting chocolate, dipping pretzels, layering toppings, and setting them to harden. Ideal for festive gatherings, the mix of textures and flavors creates a perfect sweet and salty snack. Using quality dark chocolate and varying nuts enhances depth and flair, and a vegan option can be made by swapping dairy-free alternatives.

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Sandra
Created By Sandra
Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 13:54:26 GMT
Chocolate covered marshmallows with nuts. Save
Chocolate covered marshmallows with nuts. | howtogourmet.com

These Thanksgiving chocolate covered treats blend sweet, salty, and tart flavors into one irresistible bite. They are delightfully simple to make yet bring a special touch to any holiday spread. Perfect for those moments when you want something festive but fuss-free, these treats capture the cozy spirit of the season.

I first made these treats for a Thanksgiving potluck and was amazed how quickly they disappeared. Their mix of textures and flavors always gets compliments and requests for the recipe.

Ingredients You Need

  • One cup of dark chocolate chips: to melt into a glossy, rich coating. Choose good quality chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa for the best flavor and smooth finish.
  • One cup of pretzels: work as a sturdy salty base that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. Look for pretzels that are fresh and crunchy.
  • One cup of mini marshmallows: brings a soft sweetness and fun texture. Fresh marshmallows that are fluffy work best.
  • One cup of dried cranberries: add a tangy, tart note that balances the chocolate and saltiness. Pick plump and moist cranberries.
  • Half a cup of chopped nuts: for crunch and richness. Pecans or walnuts add wonderful depth and a classic Thanksgiving vibe.

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build the Chocolate Base:
Melt the dark chocolate chips gently in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short 20 second bursts and stirring in between to prevent burning. The chocolate should be smooth and glossy.
Dip each pretzel one at a time:
into the melted chocolate, ensuring a generous coat without excess dripping off. This creates the perfect sweet-salty bite.
Assemble the Treats:
Place the chocolate-coated pretzels on a tray lined with parchment paper to stop sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Carefully press mini marshmallows and dried cranberries:
on top of each pretzel while the chocolate is still soft so they adhere well.
Scatter the chopped nuts over the treats:
adding an inviting texture and nutty aroma.
Set and Serve:
Let the treats sit at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate hardens completely into a firm shell. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Afterward, they are ready to enjoy or pack for gifting.
Chocolate donuts with marshmallows and nuts.
Chocolate donuts with marshmallows and nuts. | howtogourmet.com

One of my favorite twists is swapping out dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots for a sweeter fruity note. These treats remind me of family gatherings when everyone grabbed handfuls straight from the serving tray, laughter filling the room and warm drinks in hand.

Smart Storage Tips

Store these treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain the chocolate’s shine and crunch. Avoid refrigeration if possible as it can cause the chocolate to bloom, resulting in a dull finish. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge wrapped tightly with parchment between layers works well too. These treats last best for up to five days but rarely stick around that long.

Ingredient Variations

Swap dark chocolate for white or milk chocolate for a creamier, sweeter version. Use different nuts like almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts for varied flavors and textures. Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets to boost the sweet salty contrast or a dash of cinnamon for holiday warmth.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve alongside hot apple cider or spiced pumpkin latte for the ultimate cozy treat experience. Pair with a simple cheese board featuring mild cheeses, fresh fruit, and crackers to balance richness. Great as a no-fuss dessert alongside roasted turkey or a festive brie appetizer.

Chocolate dessert with marshmallows and nuts.
Chocolate dessert with marshmallows and nuts. | howtogourmet.com

These simple chocolate covered treats add a cheerful touch to your Thanksgiving celebrations with their joyful mix of flavors and textures. They bring people together with each bite and spread holiday cheer effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chocolate works best?

High-quality dark chocolate chips melt smoothly and offer a rich, deep flavor perfect for coating.

→ Can I substitute pretzels with other snacks?

Yes, crunchy items like crackers or biscotti can be used, but pretzels provide the ideal salty crunch contrast.

→ How long should the treats cool for?

Allow them to set at room temperature or refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens fully.

→ Are there vegan ingredient options?

Using dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows makes this an inclusive treat without compromising taste.

→ What nuts pair well in these treats?

Pecans, walnuts, or even chopped almonds add great texture and complement the flavors beautifully.

Thanksgiving Chocolate Covered Treats

Sweet and salty chocolate covered treats with cranberries, nuts, and marshmallows ready in under 20 minutes.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
5 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created By: Sandra

Type of Recipe: Sweet Treats

Difficulty Rating: Simple for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Yield: 24 Number of Servings (About 24 treats)

Dietary Options: Suitable for Vegetarians

Ingredients Required

→ Main Ingredients

01 240 ml dark chocolate chips
02 120 g pretzels
03 120 g mini marshmallows
04 120 g dried cranberries
05 60 g chopped nuts

Detailed Directions

Instruction Step 01

Heat the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until fully melted and smooth.

Instruction Step 02

Submerge each pretzel in the melted chocolate, ensuring even coating.

Instruction Step 03

Place the chocolate-coated pretzels on a tray lined with parchment paper.

Instruction Step 04

Scatter mini marshmallows and dried cranberries over the chocolate-dipped pretzels while the chocolate is still wet.

Instruction Step 05

Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the treats to finish.

Instruction Step 06

Allow the treats to cool at room temperature until the chocolate firms.

Helpful Advice

  1. Select high-quality dark chocolate for optimal flavor and texture. Substitute with dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallows for a vegan version.

Equipment Needed

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Parchment-lined tray

Allergen Info

Review ingredient labels for allergens and talk to a doctor if unsure.
  • Contains nuts and gluten from pretzels

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Use these nutrition facts as a guide only. Always check with a healthcare expert.
  • Calorie Count: 80
  • Fat Content: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 10 grams
  • Protein Content: 1 grams