Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this helps the rods release easily once the chocolate sets.

Use a double boiler or a microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and silky. Stir gently to avoid air bubbles.

Hold a pretzel rod by one end and dip it two-thirds into the melted chocolate, twisting slightly to coat evenly. Let excess drip back into the bowl.

Immediately sprinkle with Halloween candy decorations while the chocolate is still soft. If you wait, they won’t stick!

Place dipped rods on the prepared sheet and pop them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes—data shows a 20-minute chill at 35°F gives the glossiest finish.

Clean your dipping bowl, then melt orange candy melts the same way you did the chocolate.

Use a fork or piping bag to drizzle orange coating over half the rods. Repeat with black candy melts on the remaining rods.

Before drizzles set, add more sprinkles or press chopped nuts into the warm coating for extra texture.

Return rods to the fridge for another 10 minutes. They should snap crisply when set.

Let rods sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to bring out full flavor.