Scarecrow Pretzel Rods

These scarecrow pretzel rods are the perfect mix of fun and flavor—cute enough to make the kids giggle, yet simple enough for busy moms to whip up in no time. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a festive fall treat that’s every bit as delicious as it is charming.

I first made these easy fall snacks with my grandkids on a chilly October afternoon. The chocolate didn’t always go where it should, and a few hats ended up a little crooked, but none of that mattered. We laughed, decorated, and made a sweet little memory together—one that tasted just as good as it looked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When life feels like a juggling act, between work deadlines, and family meals, finding time for fun fall recipes can feel out of reach. That’s where scarecrow pretzel rods save the day:

• Quick and simple fall treat: These adorable pretzels come together in minutes with just a few pantry staples.
• Kid-approved snack: A hands-on activity that doubles as a creative fall project for little helpers.
• Seasonal bucket list idea: The perfect way to celebrate fall with a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You Need For Scarecrow Pretzel Rods

You don’t need fancy baking skills or complicated tools to pull these off. With a little prep time and a few basic ingredients, you’ll have fun fall treats for kids that look festive and taste amazing.

These cheerful scarecrow treats are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, even the youngest ones can help decorate!

• 2 ½ ounces Brown Melting Chocolate
• 2 ½ ounces White Melting Chocolate
• 1 ounce Orange Melting Chocolate
• 1 ounce Yellow Melting Chocolate
• Eye Sprinkles
• Mini Oreos
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups
• Reese’s Pieces
• Piping Bags
• Microwave Safe Bowls (Medium and Small)
• Parchment Paper

Substitutions

1. Nut-Free Swap: Use Rolos or chocolate buttons instead of peanut-butter cups. Double-check candy and pretzel labels for nut-free certification.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Choose gluten-free pretzel rods and sandwich cookies; the rest of the ingredients are usually safe—just confirm the packaging.
3. Vegan Friendly: Pick dairy-free candy melts and chocolate chips. Use a dab of melted dark chocolate to “glue” on vegan eyes or decorations.
4. Flavor Twist: Mix things up with caramel, pumpkin-spice, or dark-chocolate melts for a richer fall flavor.

Equipment & Prep Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12–15 pretzel rods (depending on how heavily you decorate)

What you’ll need:

• Microwave-safe bowls: 1 medium, 2–3 small (for different melt colors)
• Piping bags or zip-top bags (snip a tiny tip)
• Tall cup or glass for dipping (makes coating easier and neater)
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Spoon/spatula for stirring and scraping excess chocolate
• Baking sheet (optional, to transfer to fridge for a quick set)

How to Make Scarecrow Pretzel Rods

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate – Add the white melting chocolate and about 1 ½ ounces of brown chocolate to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Set it aside. Place the remaining 1 ounce of brown chocolate in a small bowl. This will be your “glue.” Microwave it in 15–20 second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Build the Hats – Separate the mini Oreo cookies and remove the cream filling. Spoon the melted brown chocolate into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a tiny snip at one corner). Pipe a small dot of chocolate in the center of each Oreo half. Press a mini peanut-butter cup on top to form the hat. Set the hats aside to firm while you prep the pretzels.

Step 3: Dip the Pretzels – Melt the white and brown chocolates together until smooth. Pour the mixture into a tall glass—it makes coating easier and cleaner. Dip each pretzel rod about two-thirds of the way into the chocolate. Let the extra drip off, then lay the rods on parchment paper. Allow them to set for 8–10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Faces – Once the chocolate is firm, attach candy eyes with a dab of melted chocolate about an inch from the top. Pipe on a small smile underneath. For a stitched look, add a few short horizontal lines across the mouth. Let the faces dry for 2–3 minutes before decorating further.

Step 5: Give Them Hair and Hats – Melt the yellow candy melts and pour into a piping bag. Pipe short strands along the top edge of each face to make straw hair. While the yellow chocolate is still soft, gently press an Oreo-and-peanut-butter-cup hat on top. Hold it in place a few seconds so it sticks.

Step 6: Add Scarves and Buttons – Melt the orange candy melts and transfer to a piping bag. Pipe a wavy scarf line just below each smile. Add a few yellow stripes for extra detail. Press Reese’s Pieces onto the soft chocolate to make buttons. Let everything set completely before moving the pretzels.

Storage & Gifting Tips

• Room-temp best: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Fridge backup: Chill if your kitchen’s warm — let sit 5–10 minutes before serving so the chocolate softens.
• No freezer, please: Freezing can make pretzels soggy and dull the chocolate finish.
• Gift-ready wrap: Slip each rod into a clear cellophane bag and tie with fall ribbon or twine.
• Make ahead: Prep and wrap them the day before gifting so they stay fresh and crunchy.

These no-bake fall treats are easy, kid-approved, and perfect for when you want something festive without the fuss. Whether you’re making them for a fall party, classroom snack, or just a cozy weekend project, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Save this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it again next fall, just tap the Pin It button on your favorite photo below!

Tell me in the comments: Who’s helping you make these.. the kids, grandkids, or maybe a friend’s little one? I’d love to hear how your scarecrows turned out!

Print