If you love sweet and salty treats, this one’s for you.
These Crockpot Chocolate Pretzel Clusters are rich, melty chocolate mixed with the crunch of salty pretzels — and they’re so easy.
You basically just dump everything in a slow cooker, stir, scoop, and let it set. That’s it.
This is one of those no-fuss recipes that looks like you spent way more time on it than you did.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about how simple ingredients come together in the slow cooker to make something totally addictive. I remember making this on a rainy weekend when I needed a cozy snack, and by the end of the day, half the batch was already gone.
- You only need a few ingredients
- No baking needed
- Sweet, salty, and crunchy all in one bite
- Great for parties, movie nights, or quick gifts
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 ½ cups mini pretzels, broken into small chunks
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Pro Tips
- Break the pretzels by hand for better texture — not too fine.
- Line a tray with parchment before scooping the clusters so cleanup is easy.
- Don’t skip stirring every 15–20 minutes to keep the chocolate smooth.
- Add flaky sea salt after scooping the clusters while they’re still soft.
- Let them cool completely before transferring or stacking.
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet or tray
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Chocolate: Swap in white or dark chocolate chips.
- Pretzels: Try pretzel sticks or twists, just break them up.
- Add-ins: Crushed peanuts, mini marshmallows, or crushed peppermint.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make these up to 5 days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
How Many Servings and Time
Makes: About 20–24 clusters
Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours on low in the Crockpot
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The low, steady heat from the Crockpot melts the chocolate slowly and evenly, which keeps it from burning or seizing. Coconut oil makes the melted chocolate smoother and easier to scoop, and helps the clusters set with a nice shine.
Common Mistakes
- Cooking on high: Chocolate can burn fast if the heat is too high.
- Not stirring: Skipping stirs can cause uneven melting or burnt spots.
- Too big pretzel pieces: They make scooping messy and uneven.
What to Serve With
- Hot chocolate or a cup of coffee
- Vanilla ice cream (serve clusters on top!)
- A salty snack board with nuts and dried fruit
- As a fun dessert after pizza or burgers
FAQ
Can I melt the chocolate in the microwave instead?
Yes, just use 30-second intervals and stir well between each, but the slow cooker keeps it warm longer.
How do I store these?
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 5 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days.
Can I freeze them?
Yep! Freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
How to Make Crockpot Chocolate Pretzel Clusters
Step 1: Add chocolate and coconut oil to Crockpot
Add 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup milk chocolate chips, and 2 tablespoons coconut oil to your Crockpot. Set it to low heat.
Step 2: Let melt and stir every 15–20 minutes
Let the chocolate and coconut oil melt for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 15–20 minutes until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Add broken pretzels and mix
Once the chocolate is fully melted, pour in 2 ½ cups broken mini pretzels. Stir until all the pieces are fully coated in the chocolate.
Step 4: Scoop onto parchment-lined tray
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out clusters onto a parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if using.
Step 5: Let set and enjoy
Let the clusters cool at room temp or chill in the fridge until firm, then serve in a round white bowl.
Leftovers and Storage
Keep leftover clusters in an airtight container at room temp for 4–5 days. Or store them in the fridge for a firmer texture — they last up to 10 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This is one of those recipes you’ll make once and then keep in your back pocket forever. It’s easy, it hits every craving, and it makes a batch big enough to share (or not!). Try it out and let me know in the comments how it turned out or if you added your own twist!
