As the crisp October air settles in and spooky decorations begin to appear, my favourite kind of magic starts happening right in the kitchen. It’s the season for treats that are more playful than petrifying, and nothing captures that spirit quite like these adorable Witch's Broomstick Pretzels.
This is Halloween fun in its purest form. With just three simple ingredients and no baking required, you can conjure up a whole fleet of these sweet-and-salty broomsticks. Imagine a crunchy pretzel stick handle perfectly paired with a rich, peanut butter cup forming the broom's bristles. They are ridiculously easy to assemble, making them the perfect project for little witches and wizards to help with. Whether you’re crafting them for a school party, a festive snack board, or a movie night treat, these broomsticks are guaranteed to fly off the platter!
Why You'll Love These Broomstick Pretzels
Only 3 Ingredients: It doesn't get simpler than this! All you need are pretzels, peanut butter cups, and a little chocolate.
No-Bake & Incredibly Fast: You can whip up a big batch of these in under 15 minutes, making them the perfect last-minute party treat.
The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Combo: The classic pairing of salty pretzels and sweet peanut butter chocolate is utterly irresistible.
A Fun Kid-Friendly Activity: This is a safe and easy recipe for kids to help with, from unwrapping candies to assembling the brooms.
Adorable & Festive: They look fantastic on a Halloween platter and are a guaranteed conversation starter at any gathering.
Ingredients for Your Magical Brooms
You only need a few simple items to bring these spooky snacks to life.
Pretzel Sticks: These form the long, crunchy handle of the broomstick. Substitution: For a gluten-free option, use your favourite brand of gluten-free pretzel sticks.
Miniature Peanut Butter Cups: The classic Reese's Miniatures in the foil wrappers are the perfect size and shape for the bristles. Important Note: Be sure to get the "Miniatures," not the unwrapped "Minis," which are too small.
Melted Chocolate (Optional, but recommended): A small amount of melted chocolate chips or melting wafers acts as the perfect edible "glue" to secure the handle. Substitution: A small dab of peanut butter or Nutella can also work in a pinch.
How to Make Halloween Broomstick Pretzels
1. Prepare Your Assembly Station: Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. This will be your workspace and where you'll let the finished broomsticks set. Unwrap all your miniature peanut butter cups.
2. Shape the Bristles (Optional Step): For a more realistic "bristle" look, take a toothpick or a fork tine and gently press vertical lines around the sides of each peanut butter cup. This step isn't necessary, but it adds a fun, detailed touch!
3. Assemble the Brooms: * Method 1 (Simple): Gently press the end of a pretzel stick into the center of the top of a peanut butter cup, pushing it down about halfway. Be careful not to push so hard that you break the pretzel. * Method 2 (Sturdy): Melt a small amount of chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals until smooth. Dip the tip of a pretzel stick into the melted chocolate, then press it into the center of the peanut butter cup. The chocolate will act as a strong glue.
4. Set and Serve: Place the assembled broomsticks onto your prepared parchment paper. If you used melted chocolate, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes (or a few minutes in the fridge) until the chocolate is firm. Arrange them on a platter and watch them vanish!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These are a fantastic make-ahead treat, freeing up your time on party day!
Make-Ahead: You can make these broomsticks up to 2 days in advance.
Storage: Store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature.
Avoid the Fridge: Storing them in the refrigerator for long periods can make the pretzels go soft and can sometimes cause the chocolate to "bloom" (get a whitish coating). Room temperature is best.
Spooky Variations
Savory Cheese Brooms: For a savory, less sweet option, use a stick of string cheese. Cut it into thirds, then use your fingers or a fork to shred the bottom half to look like bristles. Carefully insert a pretzel stick into the top.
Nut-Free Brooms: For a nut-free version, simply swap the peanut butter cups for miniature Rolo candies or small, unwrapped brownie bites.
Double-Dipped Brooms: Dip the "bristle" end of the finished broomsticks in more melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white!) and then into some festive Halloween sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Golden Snitch Brooms: Use white chocolate peanut butter cups (like the Reese's White Ghosts) for a different look.
Expert Tips for Perfect Broomsticks
Chill Your Candies: Pop the peanut butter cups in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before you start. This makes them firmer and less likely to melt or lose their shape as you handle them.
Create a Pilot Hole: If your pretzels keep breaking, use a toothpick to gently poke a small starter hole in the top of the peanut butter cup first. This makes inserting the pretzel much easier.
Work in Batches: If you're making a large quantity, work in smaller batches to prevent the candies from getting too warm in your hands.
Presentation is Key: Serve them standing up in a short glass or jar filled with candy corn, or lay them neatly on a platter for the best visual effect.
Halloween Broomstick Pretzels FAQs
My pretzel sticks keep breaking when I push them in. What can I do? This is a common issue! The best fix is the "pilot hole" trick mentioned in the tips above. Using a toothpick to create a small hole first will guide the pretzel in without resistance. Also, be sure you are pushing straight down and not at an angle.
Can I use the tiny, unwrapped "Reese's Minis"? It's not recommended. They are much smaller and don't have the classic ridged shape, making them difficult to attach the pretzel to and less visually effective as "bristles." Stick with the foil-wrapped "Miniatures."
How do I store them without breaking the delicate handles? The best way is to store them in a single layer in a flat, airtight container. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking or breaking.
What's the easiest way to melt a small amount of chocolate for the "glue"? Place a handful of chocolate chips in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 20 seconds, stir, and repeat until they are melted and smooth. Using half power prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning.