Save Sweet, crunchy, and spiced with classic gingerbread flavors, these festive pretzel clusters are the perfect holiday snack or edible gift.
I first made these gingerbread pretzel clusters for our annual holiday movie night, and they disappeared before the opening credits. Everyone loved the festive flavors and crunchy texture.
Ingredients
- Mini pretzel twists: 3 cups, broken into pieces
- Pecan halves: 1 cup (optional)
- Ground ginger: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: Pinch
- White chocolate chips or melting wafers: 12 oz (340 g)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Festive sprinkles: 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Crushed gingersnap cookies: 1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine Pretzels and Nuts:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broken pretzels and pecans.
- Add Spices:
- In a small bowl, mix together ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle spice mixture over pretzel mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Melt Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Mix Together:
- Pour melted chocolate over the pretzel mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Form Clusters:
- Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto prepared baking sheets, forming clusters.
- Add Toppings:
- Immediately sprinkle with festive sprinkles and/or crushed gingersnaps, if using.
- Set Clusters:
- Allow clusters to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 10 minutes to speed setting.
- Store:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Save My kids love helping drizzle the melted chocolate and scatter sprinkles over each cluster. We always end up laughing and making a mess together in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, small bowl, microwave-safe bowl, baking sheets, parchment paper, spoon or small cookie scoop
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, and tree nuts (pecans, if used). May contain soy. For nut-free, omit pecans and check all packaging labels.
Nutritional Information
Each gingerbread pretzel cluster contains approximately 140 calories, 7 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save Enjoy these gingerbread pretzel clusters with a mug of cocoa or package them up for a homemade holiday gift. They're always a hit at parties and family gatherings!
Common Questions
- → Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, substitute half or all of the white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate for a richer flavor and deeper color.
- → Are these clusters suitable for nut-free diets?
Omit pecans and confirm pretzels and chocolate are nut-free. The clusters still offer great taste and texture without nuts.
- → How should I store gingerbread pretzel clusters?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
- → Can I customize the spices in these snack clusters?
Absolutely! Adjust ginger, cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg to taste, or try adding a pinch of cardamom for variation.
- → What is the best way to gift these treats?
Package clusters in decorative bags or boxes lined with parchment for a festive touch, perfect for sharing during holidays.