This Valentine's Day, skip the store-bought teddy bears and create a heartwarming treat that's both adorable and delicious. Our Homemade Valentine's Day Chocolate Teddy Bear Pretzels are the perfect way to show your love through a thoughtful, handmade gift.
These charming treats combine the salty crunch of pretzels with rich, creamy chocolate, all shaped into cute teddy bears that are sure to melt hearts.
Why Choose Homemade Valentine's Day Chocolate Teddy Bear Pretzels?
- Personalized touch: Nothing says "I care" like a homemade gift.
- Versatile: Great for kids and adults alike.
- Fun to make: A perfect activity to do with loved ones.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients:
- Pretzel rods
- Milk chocolate or light cocoa candy melts
- Modeling chocolate in dark brown, medium brown, light brown, and red
- Candy eyes
If you don't want to use modeling chocolate, you can use Tootsie Rolls, caramel, chocolate taffy, and red taffy instead.
Tools:
- Silicone baking mat
- Fondant roller
- 3 sizes of round plunger cutters
Step-by-Step Instructions:
The images below show me dipping a pretzel into white chocolate (for my Polar Bear Pretzels). You'll use the same technique using milk chocolate to make these teddy bear pretzels.
- Prepare the pretzels: For best results, let pretzel rods sit at room temperature overnight. This prevents the chocolate from cracking.
- Melt the chocolate. See my Chocolate Making Tips page for melting instructions and the Modeling Chocolate recipe.
- Dip the pretzels: Coat each pretzel rod in melted chocolate. Then hold the pretzel to allow the chocolate to cool for a minute or so until thickened. Then press a fork into the chocolate and pull away quickly to create a furry texture.
Create the bear features:
- Roll homemade modeling chocolate out on a silicone mat using a fondant roller.
- Use 3 sizes of round plunger cutters to make the snout, nose, and ears.
- Cut large circles out of light brown. Pinch into an oval for the snout.
- Cut small circles out of dark brown. Attach to the top of the snout using water, for the nose.
- Use a toothpick to create dimples around the nose on the snout. Make 3 dimples on each side.
- Cut large circles out of medium brown for the outer ears.
- Cut medium circles out of the light brown for the inner ears.
- Attach the light brown circle to the medium brown circle using water.
- Fold the ears around a toothpick, giving them shape.
- Pinch off small pieces of medium brown and roll into arms. (Make them thicker than mine!)
- Press a toothpick into the end of the arms, creating fingers.
- Attach everything to the bear pops using melted chocolate.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Valentine's Day Chocolate Teddy Bear Pretzels:
- Allow chocolate to set completely before packaging.
- Experiment with different chocolate flavors for variety.
- Make extra to keep for yourself – they're irresistible!
Items used to create this project are available on Amazon.com (commission earned for sales).
Wilton White Candy Melts, 1...Shop on Amazon
PME Plunger Cutters, Miniat...Shop on Amazon 
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminu...Shop on Amazon 
ChefLand Parchment Paper Pa...Shop on Amazon 
Wilton Large Fondant Rollin...Shop on Amazon
Choco-Pan Modelling Chocola...Shop on Amazon 
Choco-Pan Modelling Chocola...Shop on Amazon
If you’d like to have the ultimate guide to working with Candy Clay (modeling chocolate) be sure to get your printed or e-book copy of Candy Clay Creations. This 102-page book is filled with tips and tricks for making and working with candy clay along with 17 step-by-step tutorials for decorating cupcakes, cookies, and more using candy clay. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to make festively decorated treats.
The chocolate teddy bear pretzels look so sweet nestled among the boxes of chocolate truffles, tins of chocolate bark, chocolate hearts, and other candies in this Valentine's Day gift basket.
More Pretzel Animal Ideas
Surprise your loved ones this Valentine's Day with these adorable and tasty Homemade Valentine's Day Chocolate Teddy Bear Pretzels. They're not just a treat for the taste buds, but a feast for the eyes too.
Whether you're making them for a special someone, for kids, or as a fundraiser item, these chocolate teddy bear pretzels are sure to be a hit. Share the love and sweetness this Valentine's Day with your very own homemade creations!
Recipe
Surprise your loved ones this Valentine's Day with these adorable and tasty Homemade Valentine's Day Chocolate Teddy Bear Pretzels.
- 2 ounces modeling chocolate or candies like chocolate Tootsie Rolls and caramels
- 12 ounces melted and tempered pure milk chocolate OR melted light cocoa confectionery coating (Candy Melts)
- 6 pretzel rods
- 12 small candy eyes
-
Pour melted and tempered milk chocolate or melted light cocoa candy melts into a tall glass.
-
Dip pretzel into the chocolate, lift it out, shake it, and allow excess chocolate to drip back into the glass.
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Holding the pretzel rod, allow the chocolate to set until it thickens for about 30 seconds and then press a fork onto the pretzel, lift up, pulling away the chocolate, creating spikes.
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Continue doing this, adding more chocolate if needed, until the entire pretzel looks furry.
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If using pure tempered milk chocolate, refrigerate the pretzels for about 4-5 minutes.
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If using confectionery coating (Candy Melts) place in the freezer for 2-3 minutes.
-
Roll your light, medium, and dark brown modeling chocolate out on a silicone mat using a fondant roller.
-
Use 3 sizes of round plunger cutters to make the snout, nose, and ears.
-
Cut large circles out of light brown. Pinch into an oval for the snout.
-
Cut small circles out of dark brown. Attach to the top of the snout using water, for the nose.
-
Use a toothpick to create dimples around the nose on the snout. Make 3 dimples on each side.
-
Cut large circles out of medium brown for the outer ears.
-
Cut medium circles out of the light brown for the inner ears.
-
Attach the light brown circle to the medium brown circle using water.
-
Fold the ears around a toothpick, giving them shape.
-
Pinch off small pieces of medium brown and roll into arms. (Make them thicker than mine!)
-
Press a toothpick into the end of the arms, creating fingers.
-
Attach everything to the bear pops using melted chocolate.
Store your teddy bear pretzels at room temperature for up to a week.
Remember, the key to a successful Valentine's Day is showing you care, and what better way than with these lovable, edible teddy bears? Happy Valentine's Day, and happy crafting!
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Vijaya says
Looks Wonderful and I am sure it tastes wonderful too!
Casey says
Hi I was just wondering if you made these & just sold them even to individuals, by chance?? Thanks.
Beth says
Hi Casey,
For years, I made and sold my chocolates, but now that I blog full time, I don't have time to sell my chocolates much any more. I do a little, for local customers, but don't ship anything.
Laurie says
These are almost too cute to eat!
Thanks for linking up to Tip Me Tuesday linky party this week. {knuckle bumps}
Did you know that I can "lend" your blog posts my Google page rank for better search engine traffic? {fabulous}
If you upload at least 2 images, 2 steps, and blog post URL into your Tip Junkie craft room, you'll be in business!
{wink} ~ Laurie {a.k.a. the Tip Junkie}
http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/how-to-add-a-craft-room-project-on-tip-junkie/
Melanie says
LOVE every...single....one of these...... I'd love to have you link up at my Skip The Housework party, live now! http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/skip-housework-4/
Lizzy T says
I don't know how I've never come across your site before! It's amazing, and I'm happily following along now on facebook and pinterest! I'm going to share these today on Facebook. They're adorable. Visiting from Moonlight & Mason Jar Link Party!
Julie
www.tastesoflizzyt.com
beth says
Hi Lizzy, I'm so glad you found Hungry Happenings. Thanks for following along and sharing! I really appreciate it:)
The Bearfoot Baker says
I am so in love with these!! Seriously adorable. Their little ears are so cute!
The Partiologist says
Oh, I almost forgot, I think your basket will be the hit of the auction and to help the little girl fulfill her dream is awesome!
beth says
I sure hope it brings in a lot of money. I just found out the young girl will be at the office for lunch the day of the auction, so I'm sending the rest of the Teddy Bear Pretzel Pops in for her. I hope they bring a smile to her!
The Partiologist says
These I must say are the cutest valentine treat I've ever seen - not to mention the most creative!
Brenda @ SweetSimpleStuff says
Those bears are beyond cute! I'm sure they will put a smile on everyone's face and help bring in some big bucks 😉 I hope the fund raiser is a huge success!
beth says
Thanks, Brenda. The auction is on Thursday, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed they raise all the money needed to send her to swim with the dolphins!
Diane {Created by Diane} says
These are so adorable, I just LOVE them!
Janine Eshelbrenner says
By far the cutest pretzels I've ever seen, Beth!
beth says
Oh, I love hearing that. Thanks, Janine!
dosing unit says
Wow so cute Chocolate Teddy Bear looking so yummy !!
Shrey Patel says
Wow. This is so sweet. Such a cute idea and love the photography by the way.
Yummy!!! Pretty and Super Tasty.
I adore this!
I love your Decoration.
I love the choices you picked and I would be happy to make any one of them.
beth says
Thanks so much. I love hearing my photos are appealing. Creating recipes is easy for me, but taking great pictures is a huge challenge.
Karen @ Sugartown Sweets says
These are just un"bear"ably cute (sorry for that)! Well I thought these were amazing right off the bat..but after reading your story, oh my! Praying this little girl gets her dream of swimming with the dolphins. Plus praying even more good things come your way for having such a caring heart! p.s. these are my favorite pretzel craft you've done..the ears are just adorable.
beth says
LOL! I'm so excited to be helping out. I remember how excited I was while swimming with dolphins. It was one of the most amazing things I've done in my life.
Sue says
I can't keep up with all of your amazing treats, but I did see them:) I will comment here at the top...these pretzel stick bears are beyond cute, Beth! I'm sure your basket will bring in a sizable donation! I would definitely bid on it if I were there!!! Kudos to you!
beth says
I think I've gone a bit overboard this holiday. I still have more projects, but finally just had to say enough is enough! I'll save them for next year.
SayNotSweetAnne says
This. Is. Adorable! I love it so much! From the little hearts in the middle to the giraffe variation it's just an overload of sweetness. And the cause of what your doing just adds that much meaning and depth to it. You know what they say- the secret ingredient is love 🙂
beth says
Thanks! Over the years I've made many baskets for donations, but this one really is special. I hope they raise all the money needed to send the little girl on her trip.