Pretzel Broomstick Snacks

How to Make Pretzel Broomstick Snacks

1. 1

   Step 1: Prep pretzels and workspace

   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and lay out 24 pretzel rods in a single layer. Set the baking sheet nearby so you can work quickly once the candy is melted.

   For this step

   • 24 piecesThin pretzel rods (pretzel sticks)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Melt the candy coating

   Place the orange candy melts and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between bursts, until smooth and pourable (about 1–2 minutes total). If you prefer a thinner dip, add a little more shortening by 1/2 teaspoon at a time.

   For this step

   • 8 ozOrange candy melts (or orange candy coating wafers)
   • 2 tbspVegetable shortening (optional — thins candy melts for smoother dip)
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Dip and add bristles

   Hold a pretzel rod and dip the top 1 to 1 1/2 inches into the melted candy, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Immediately roll or press the wet candy-coated end into the chow mein noodles (or crushed cornflakes) and sprinkle with yellow sanding sugar or sprinkles while the candy is still wet so the 'bristles' stick.

   For this step

   • 2 cupsChow mein noodles (crispy fried noodle sticks) or finely crushed cornflakes
   • 1/2 cupYellow sanding sugar or fine orange/yellow sprinkles (optional)
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Tie the broom handles

   Cut each licorice lace in half if desired for shorter ties. Wrap a short piece snugly around the base of the noodle-covered area and tie or twist into a small knot to mimic the broom tie. Trim any excess licorice so it looks neat.

   For this step

   • 12 piecesLicorice laces or fruit roll-up strips (for tying broom bristles)
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Set and serve

   Place the finished broomsticks on the prepared sheet and chill in the refrigerator for about 5–10 minutes until the candy sets. This recipe yields about 24 pretzel broomsticks; serve about 4 broomsticks per person. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 1 week.

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and lay out 24 pretzel rods in a single layer. Set the baking sheet nearby so you can work quickly once the candy is melted.
2. Place the orange candy melts and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between bursts, until smooth and pourable (about 1–2 minutes total). If you prefer a thinner dip, add a little more shortening by 1/2 teaspoon at a time.
3. Hold a pretzel rod and dip the top 1 to 1 1/2 inches into the melted candy, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Immediately roll or press the wet candy-coated end into the chow mein noodles (or crushed cornflakes) and sprinkle with yellow sanding sugar or sprinkles while the candy is still wet so the 'bristles' stick.
4. Cut each licorice lace in half if desired for shorter ties. Wrap a short piece snugly around the base of the noodle-covered area and tie or twist into a small knot to mimic the broom tie. Trim any excess licorice so it looks neat.
5. Place the finished broomsticks on the prepared sheet and chill in the refrigerator for about 5–10 minutes until the candy sets. This recipe yields about 24 pretzel broomsticks; serve about 4 broomsticks per person. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 1 week.