Many people call coating wafers “candy melts.” Brands differ, so follow the package directions for the one you buy. Coating wafers are useful for dipped pretzels, candy clusters and molded treats. Start with a recipe, check what you already have, then buy the amount you need.
Make cinnamon-pecan pretzel bites
Fill pretzel twists with Cocoa Lite coating, then add chopped pecans and cinnamon. This project follows Merckens’ cinnamon-pecan pretzel recipe.
What you need
- 24 oz Merckens Cocoa Lite coating. If you have none, buy two 1 lb bags. You will have 8 oz left before handling loss.
- 12–16 oz pretzel twists.
- Chopped pecans and cinnamon for sprinkling; Merckens does not specify weights.
- Parchment paper, a baking sheet, dry melting bowl and stirring utensil, and a food-use piping bag suitable for warm coating.
Check your kitchen first. Pretzels, pecans and cinnamon are separate ingredients. Use a tray and utensils you already own. A fitted piping tip, coupler or candy mold is not needed.
The product page shows the current price and availability. To use coating already at home, subtract that weight from 24 oz, then round up to whole 16 oz bags. With exactly 8 oz at home, one bag covers the recipe with nothing spare. Choose extra only if you want a margin for coating left in the bowl and piping bag.
How to make them
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and arrange the pretzel twists.
- Melt the coating according to the current package’s directions. Keep the bowl and utensils completely dry.
- Pipe coating into the pretzel openings. Add pecans and a little cinnamon while the coating is soft.
- Chill until set. Merckens suggests about 10–15 minutes for this recipe. Let the pieces set before moving or packing them.
Allergen check: this recipe includes pecans, a tree nut. Read the labels on the coating, pretzels and every other ingredient for your needs. Contact the shop if you need the current coating label before ordering.
The number of pieces depends on the pretzel size and how much coating you use. We haven’t tested this recipe in our kitchen, so we can’t promise a piece count or how long the finished treats keep.
Working with coating wafers
Coating or chocolate?
Merckens Cocoa Lite is confectionery coating and does not need tempering. Follow instructions for the exact product you bought; cocoa-butter chocolate uses a different process.
Keep water out
Use dry bowls and tools. Heat in short intervals and stir as directed on the package. Do not assume another brand’s working temperature applies to your coating.
Adding color
Use coloring made for candy coating, following both labels. Regular water-based gel color is not a substitute. Coloring is not needed for the pretzel project.
Save the unused wafers
Keep them sealed in a cool, dry place and follow the package’s storage directions. That storage advice is for the wafers, not finished treats.
Finish and pack your project
Let the coating set before packing. Choose packaging after checking the finished piece size, quantity and the package’s food-contact suitability. We haven’t measured how many fit per bag.
Browse Merckens coatings and candy-making supplies. Making a cake too? See our boxes, boards and drums.
Pickup or shipping
Choose an available pickup or shipping option at checkout. Wait until we confirm your order is ready before traveling. For shipping, enter your address to see the available services and charges; check timing for your project date before ordering.
Need help choosing an amount or checking a fit? Contact Gloria’s with what you are making, how many you need and what you already have.
Choose melting chocolate in Culver City · Plan your candy-making supplies
