Transform a few simple ingredients into some downright delicious Pretzel Shamrocks — perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! These shamrocks double as both a sweet treat and cute table decor. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the kids or a last-minute party snack, Pretzel Shamrocks are the perfect thing to make!
Pretzel Shamrocks
If you’re looking for a delicious and festive way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, then you absolutely have to try making these Pretzel Shamrocks! Not only are they super easy to make, but they also double as a fun activity and cute table decor for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
With just a few simple ingredients, these shamrocks are a great way to get into the holiday spirit without having to spend a lot of time or money. And let’s not forget how tasty they are! The combination of salty pretzels, sweet chocolate, and crunchy candy is simply irresistible.
Pretzel Shamrock Ingredients
- Pretzel twists: To make the shamrocks for this recipe, you can use pretzel twists of any size, from mini to mid-sized and large. You can use just one size or grab a few different bags of pretzels to create a variety of shamrocks.
- Chocolate: While white chocolate delivers the best coloring for the shamrock, you can use any type of chocolate you like in this recipe, including milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate. It’s important to use good quality chocolate to ensure the best flavor for your pretzel shamrocks.
- Oil or shortening: This is added to the chocolate to help it melt smoothly and spread well on the pretzels.
- Green M&M’s or similar candy: These are used to decorate the shamrocks and add a pop of color. You can also use other types of green candy, such as Six-lets. Use mini green M&M’s if using mini pretzels.
- Green sanding sugar or sprinkles: For some crunch, add a festive green sprinkles blend. For a subtle sweetness and color add, use green sanding sugar.
Quick Tip
We mention several brand names in this post: M&M’s and Sixlets, for instance. We respect tradmarks and recommend these ones because we truly believe they are of higher quality than others–plus, they are easily recognizable. We use these brands in our test kitchen, but of course, you’re welcome to use similar products under different labels.
Variations
Change Things Up!
- Decorating options: The sky is the limit when it comes to decorating these Pretzel Shamrocks. Use colorful sprinkles, chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or drizzle with melted chocolate in a contrasting color (try green candy melts) for a unique touch.
- Try a unique flavor:
- White chocolate and coconut: Spoon in white chocolate and top with toasted shredded coconut. You could also dye the coconut. (Just add coconut to a zip-top bag with a few drops of food coloring. Seal the bag and shake until the coconut is colored through!)
- Fruity white chocolate: Spoon in white chocolate and top with crushed freeze-dried blueberries or pears (while these fruits aren’t green, they’ll deliver close hues especially if combined with green sanding sugar!) Check stores for freeze-dried kiwi to get some green in there.
- White chocolate and dried fruit: Spoon in white chocolate and top with finely chopped dried blueberries (again, not green, but a close hue).
- White chocolate and peanut butter: Spoon in white chocolate and let set. Once set, drizzle with melted peanut butter chips and top with green sanding sugar.
Storage
Storing Pretzel Shamrocks
Store Pretzel Shamrocks in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent melting and spoilage. If the weather is hot and humid where you are, you may need to refrigerate them to keep the chocolate from melting.
More St. Patrick’s Day Recipes:
- Leprechaun Bait chocolate-coated snack mix
- Pistachio Icebox Cake no baking required!
- Leprechaun Thumbprints three-ingredient pretzel treats
- Shamrock Shake a minty green milkshake
- St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn with Lucky Charms marshmallows
Pretzel Shamrocks
Ingredients
- 21 mini pretzel twists (Note 1)
- 4 ounces (about ¾ cup) white chocolate chips (Note 2)
- 1 teaspoon oil or shortening
- 7 green M&M's or similar candy-coated chocolate
- Green sanding sugar or sprinkles
Instructions
- PREP: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange pretzel twists in the shape of a shamrock. In this post, I used three pretzels per Shamrock, but a four-leaf clover could also be fun!
- MELT CHOCOLATE: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate and oil. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring for 15 seconds in between, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
- ADD CHOCOLATE TO PRETZELS: Use a spoon to drop the melted chocolate into the holes of the pretzels, then use your finger to smooth it into an even layer on top.
- DECORATE: Place an M&M in the center of the "shamrock" and immediately sprinkle sanding sugar or sprinkles on top (if using).
- ENJOY: Allow the chocolate to set (at room temperature or pop 'em in the fridge) before storing the pretzel shamrocks in an airtight container. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
