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These Thanksgiving Pretzel Rods (or Turkey Pretzel Treats) are cute, easy, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Made with Oreos, peanut butter chips, and candy corn, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat and they look adorable on your Thanksgiving table.
Krissy’s Notes
These goofy little turkeys have been one of my favorite holiday treats for years. They’re simple enough for kids to make but still taste surprisingly good. I made these with my kids when they were little, and every single one came out a little different, which somehow made them even cuter.
Everything you need is easy to find at the grocery store (except maybe the candy-coated sunflower seeds, which you can grab from Trader Joe’s or Amazon). I made my own Candy Eyes, but store-bought works great too.
These are a fun Thanksgiving snack for kids, but I also love setting them upright in a bowl of rice or sugar as part of the dessert table. They look like a bunch of little turkeys waiting for someone to bite their heads off.
What You’ll Need To Make Them
You’ll find exact amounts in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick overview:
- Candy-coated sunflower seeds – Used for the beak and wattle.
- Pretzel rods – The turkey “bodies” and they can be found at most major grocery stores in the chip aisle.
- Oreo cookies – The base that holds everything together.
- Reese’s peanut butter chips – Melted to create a sweet glue for all the pieces.
- Candy corn – The tail feathers.
- Candy eyes – Bring your little turkeys to life.
How to Make Thanksgiving Pretzel Rods
Full instructions are in the recipe card below, but here’s the quick summary.
- Prep the base. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully break pretzel rods in half.
- Melt the chips. Microwave peanut butter chips until smooth and spreadable.
- Build the tail feathers. Dip one side of each Oreo in the melted peanut butter and press candy corn around the edge.
- Add the turkey body. Dip one end of the pretzel rod in peanut butter and place it on top of the Oreo. Use a candy corn at the base to keep it upright as it sets.
- Decorate the face. While the peanut butter is still warm, press on two candy eyes and two sunflower seeds for the beak and wattle.
- Let set and enjoy! Once firm, display or pack in treat bags for gifting.
Learn From Me
I’ve made these with kids, friends, and neighbors and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:
- Work quickly. Peanut butter chips set fast, so have all your decorations ready.
- Let kids make their own. Each turkey turns out unique (and often hilarious).
- Store at room temperature. They keep well for several days if you want to make them ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are just a few questions I’ve gotten from readers.
Yes! Milk or dark chocolate melts beautifully and makes a great peanut-free alternative. You can also use white chocolate.
Definitely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Stick the pretzel ends upright in a bowl filled with rice, sugar, or candy corn for a fun, festive centerpiece.
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Ingredients
- 12 pretzel rods
- 10 ounces Reeces peanut butter chips
- 24 Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup candy corns
- 48 candy eyes see recipe link in notes
- 2 tablespoons candy covered sunflower seeds I get them from Trader Joe's
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Carefully break 12 pretzel rods in half.
- Add 10 ounces Reeces peanut butter chips to a cup and microwave on 50% power for one minute. Stir, and continue to heat in 30 second increments until its melted. For best results, you want the peanut butter chips to easily spread, but not so hot that it doesn't set rather quickly.
- One at a time, dip one side of each of the 24 Oreo cookies in the melted peanut butter chips and lay them on parchment paper with the peanut butter side up. While the peanut butter is still wet, arrange some of the1/2 cup candy corns around the outside to look like tail feathers.
- Dip one end of the pretzel rod in the melted peanut butter chips and set on top of the decorated Oreo. Support the base of pretzel rod with a candy corn, if needed, to allow it to dry properly.
- While the peanut butter is still warm, press two of the 48 candy eyes and two of the 2 tablespoons candy covered sunflower seeds into peanut butter to resemble eyes, beak, and waddle.
- Allow to fully set, then enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These turkeys are so much fun to make and eat! Looking forward to trying them for Thanksgiving.
These are so adorable and fun for kids to put together! And they are so yummy too!
So cute! And they look so tasty. I can’t wait to make these for Thanksgiving! I will definitely be saving this for later!
What a fun little holiday treat! Although, I know my kids will devour these anytime of the year!
These little Thanksgiving turkeys are too cute! They make a great treat for kids.