If you’ve got kids running around, a to-do list a mile long, and still want to show up to the cookout with something festive—this recipe is for you.
These Fourth of July pretzel rods are salty, sweet, super cute, and so easy to make during nap time (or with your little kitchen helper by your side).
Perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any red white and blue dessert table, this no-bake treat is a total mom win.
Why Moms Love These Easy Patriotic Snacks
They’re quick. Done in under an hour—yes, even with interruptions.
They’re kid-friendly. Let your toddler sprinkle like it’s their job.
They travel well. No melting in the car or frosting smashing into foil.
They double as party décor. Stick ’em in a jar and boom—centerpiece.
They’re easy to batch. Need 24? Just double the melts and go.
Mom Tip: Keep some extra pretzels on hand. If your kiddo “accidentally” eats one mid-decorating, no harm done. This is one of those easy Fourth of July snacks that’s basically made for real life.
How to Make Firecracker Pretzel Rods
Ingredients you’ll Need for this recipe
- 12 pretzel rods
- ½ cup red candy melts
- ½ cup white candy melts
- ½ cup blue candy melts
- 2 tablespoons patriotic sprinkles (stars, stripes, whatever you’ve got)
step by step guide
1. Set up your space
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so clean-up is a breeze.
2. Melt the candy
Work one color at a time in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip your pretzels
Use a spoon to help coat about half of each pretzel. Let the extra drip off before placing it on the baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle like a pro
While the coating is still wet, add your sprinkles. You can roll the pretzel or go wild shaking them on.
5. Let them set
Room temp works (15–30 minutes), or stick them in the fridge for 10 if you’re short on time.
6. Serve or stash
Once set, pop them in a cute jar for serving or store in an airtight container until you’re ready to party.
Fun Twists for Kids (and Moms Who Like Options)
Make it a sprinkle station: Let kids pick their own colors or add edible stars, glitter, or mini marshmallows.
Go classic with chocolate: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate chips if you already have those on hand.
Change up the theme: Pink and red for Valentine’s Day, orange and black for Halloween… you get the idea.
When to Serve This Patriotic treat
🎇Fourth of July backyard parties
🎇Memorial Day cookouts
🎇Summer birthday snacks
🎇“Just because” summer fun
🎇Last-minute preschool party treats you forgot about (no judgment here)
What to Serve With Dipped Pretzel Rods:
Pair this festive popcorn with even more red, white, and blue treats:
- Firecracker Pretzel Rods
- Independence Rice Krispie Treats
- Patriotic Jell-O Cups (Kid-Friendly Jell-O Shots)
- Red, White and Blue Chocolate Bark
Easy No-Bake Treat for Fourth of July and Beyond
Whether you’re the mom who plans ahead or the one googling “easy patriotic snacks” the night before—this treat has you covered.
These Firecracker Pretzel Rods are festive without the fuss, and your kids will love helping you make them almost as much as they love eating them.
Save this for your summer snack lineup—it’s one you’ll reach for again and again.
Shop ingredients:
- Crunchy pretzel rods: dark and flavorful pretzel rods are perfect for dipping, decorating or snacking
- School snack: our pretzels are non-GMO project verified and made in a facility that doesn’t process peanuts, so they’re safe for nut-free schools
- Pretzel snack: Snyder’s pretzel rods are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite mustard, hummus or cheese dip
- 3.4 ounces of beautiful, sweet, and festive patriotic Star sprinkles.
- Great for decorating cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and more.
- Use for birthdays, Fourth of July celebrations, holidays, and other special event desserts.
- Versatile creamy easy-to-melt wafers ideal for candy making needs including molding dipping or coating
- Colors are artificially flavored vanilla
- This package contains 12oz of candy Melts