Mermaid Pretzel Rods
I’ve got a recipe today that’s not only adorable, but also so easy, even the kids can help (or at least not totally destroy the kitchen in the process. I’m talking about Mermaid Pretzel Sticks, sweet, crunchy, and full of all that sparkly under-the-sea magic.
I whipped these up for my niece’s birthday party last Summer and let me tell you, those kids swarmed the snack table like it was a real treasure chest. And yes, I may have stashed a few in the pantry for myself because, well, Mom deserves magical snacks too.
These are the perfect addition to your Mermaid Party or Under the Sea celebration. So grab your candy melts, a bag of pretzels, and your sense of fun, because we’re making something fabulous!
What You’ll Need For Mermaid Pretzel Sticks
Here’s a little shopping list to get you started. Nothing fancy, promise!
Ingredients:
- Pretzel rods (you want the thick, long ones, not the mini twists)
- Candy melts in:
- Blue (this will be your base color)
- White
- Pink
- Purple
- Mermaid-themed sprinkles (anything sparkly, pastel, or ocean-y)
- Mermaid tail candies (you can find these on Amazon, in party stores, or even make your own with a silicone mold!)
Other tools:
- Microwave-safe bowls or a double boiler
- Spoons or squeeze bottles for drizzling
- Wax or parchment paper for setting the pretzels
- A tray or cookie sheet
Step-by-Step: How to Make Mermaid Pretzel Sticks
Alright, ready to turn your kitchen into a candy-colored dream? Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Set up your space
Before you even melt a single candy melt, set up your workstation. Lay out a sheet of parchment or wax paper on a tray or countertop. This is where your dipped pretzels will dry. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling with a gooey, melty pretzel in one hand and nothing to lay it on in the other. Been there, done that, no fun.
Tip: If you’re doing this with little ones, give each kid their own space and small pile of sprinkles. It helps contain the chaos. Sort of.
Step 2: Melt the blue candy melts
Start with your blue candy melts. This is going to be the base color, so melt enough to dip however many pretzels you plan to make.
Microwave the melts in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until nice and smooth. Don’t overdo it, candy melts can go from glossy to clumpy real fast. Low and slow is the name of the game.
Optional but helpful: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin the melts just a bit. It makes dipping easier and smoother.
Step 3: Dip your pretzel rods
Grab a pretzel rod and dip it about 2/3 of the way into the melted blue candy. Give it a gentle twirl to coat evenly. Let any excess drip off.
Then lay it carefully on the parchment paper. Repeat with the rest.
Step 4: Melt your other colors
Now melt your white, pink, and purple candy melts in separate bowls. Again, go slow and steady, 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between.
Once they’re smooth and melty, it’s time to bring on the fun!
Step 5: Drizzle, swirl, and get creative
Now take your melted pink, purple, and white candy and drizzle it over the blue-dipped pretzels. You can use a spoon, a fork, or even a squeeze bottle if you’re feeling extra fancy.
There’s no right or wrong way to do this! Swirl them, zig-zag them, make little waves, it’s your own under-the-sea masterpiece.
Step 6: Add sprinkles and mermaid magic
While the candy is still melty (you’ve got maybe 1-2 minutes before it sets), sprinkle on your mermaid magic!
Look for sparkly pastel sprinkles, tiny edible pearls, gold stars, or ocean-themed sprinkle mixes. You can usually find mermaid sprinkle blends online or at craft stores. The more colorful and shimmery, the better!
Step 7: Top with a mermaid tail
This is the finishing touch, and it totally pulls the whole look together, pop a mermaid tail candy on top!
You can stick it at the very top of the pretzel, like a cute little fin poking out of the water. If your tail is big, just press it gently into the melted candy before it hardens. If it’s already set and your tail won’t stick, just add a dab of extra melted candy like glue.
If you don’t have pre-made tails, silicone molds are super easy to use. You can pour melted candy (or even white chocolate) into the mold, chill it, and pop it out. The kids LOVE this part, and it’s a great way to let them “help” without getting into too much mess.
Step 8: Let them set
Let the pretzels sit out at room temperature or pop the tray in the fridge for about 10 minutes. Once they’re totally set and firm to the touch, they’re ready!
I usually store mine in an airtight container on the counter for up to a week, if they last that long.
Fun Ways to Serve Them
These aren’t just delicious, they’re so cute! Here are some fun ideas for showing them off:
- Stick them in a mason jar filled with blue sugar or sprinkles
- Wrap them individually in treat bags with ribbon for party favors
- Stand them up like a bouquet in a cup or vase
- Use them as cake toppers or table décor
They’re perfect for mermaid-themed birthday parties, pool parties, baby showers, or just a magical afternoon snack. Honestly, they’re such a hit, you’ll be the queen of snack time.
My tween got super into decorating them with me, and it ended up being one of those rare Pinterest projects that didn’t end in tears or a full kitchen disaster. Win-win. And if they don’t look “perfect”, guess what? Kids don’t care. It’s sugar and sparkle and a mermaid tail on a pretzel. They’re gonna love it no matter what.
So if you’re looking for a simple, magical, no-bake treat that brings big smiles and bigger “oohs” and “ahhs,” these Mermaid Pretzel Sticks are your new best friend. They’re colorful, customizable, and just the right amount of extra. And best of all, easy to make.
