Instant Pot Chocolate Covered Pretzels and Biscotti

This delicious Instant Pot Chocolate Covered Pretzels and Biscotti recipe makes your holidays extra special. Using your Instant Pot as a double boiler, you’ll create delightful treats perfect for gifting or enjoying a cozy winter evening.

With a smooth chocolate coating and a dash of festive sprinkles, these pretzels and biscotti will bring joy to your holiday season.

Ingredients

Biscotti:

• One box: Biscotti is a twice-baked Italian cookie that is long and dry, making it perfect for dipping in coffee or, in this case, chocolate. You can usually find it in the cookie aisle of your grocery store.

Pretzels:

• Two different shapes: Pretzels come in many shapes and sizes. This recipe uses two different shapes to add variety to our treats. Make sure to choose shapes that are easy to dip in chocolate.

Melting Wafers:

• 10-ounce bag: These are discs of chocolate that melt easily, making them perfect for dipping. You can find them in the baking aisle of your grocery store. You can choose either milk or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.

White Chocolate:

• For decoration: White chocolate will add a decorative touch to our treats. For a nice contrast, you can melt and drizzle it over the chocolate-covered pretzels and biscotti.

Holiday Sprinkles:

• For decoration: These add a festive touch to our treats. Choose colors that match the holiday you’re celebrating.

Parchment Paper:

• For drying: After you dip your pretzels and biscotti in the chocolate, you’ll need to let them dry on parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking to the surface and make removing them easier once the chocolate has hardened. Pre-cut sheets are especially convenient to use.

Instant Pot:

• For melting the chocolate: The Instant Pot will be used as a double boiler to melt the chocolate. This method allows even more gentle heating, reducing the chocolate’s burning risk.

Pyrex Glass Dish:

• For melting the chocolate: This dish will be placed inside the Instant Pot and filled with the chocolate wafers. It should be heat-resistant and large enough to hold all the chocolate.

Rubber Spatula:

• For stirring: This will stir the chocolate as it melts to ensure it heats evenly. Rubber is a good choice because it won’t scratch the glass dish.

Making The Chocolate Covered Pretzels and Biscotti In The Instant Pot

Preparing the Instant Pot as a Double Boiler

• Turn on the Instant Pot: Press the ‘Saute’ button and adjust the settings until the indicator shows ‘Low’ or ‘Normal’. It’s important not to have the Instant Pot on ‘High’ for this process, as you want gentle heat to melt the chocolate.
• Add Water to the Liner: Place the stainless steel liner in the Instant Pot and pour two cups of water. This will create the steam necessary for the double boiler effect.
• Set Up the Double Boiler: Place a heat-safe glass dish (such as Pyrex) or a metal bowl on top of the Instant Pot liner. The bowl should be large enough to sit on the rim without falling in. Ensure the bowl does not touch the water, as indirect heat from the steam will melt the chocolate.

Melting the Chocolate

• Add Chocolate Wafers: Put the chocolate wafers into the bowl or glass dish.
• Stir Chocolate Until Melted: Use a rubber spatula to continually mix the chocolate wafers until they are completely melted, smooth, and creamy. Consistent stirring helps prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing.

Dipping Pretzels

• Dip the Pretzels: Once the chocolate is ready, dip the pretzels into the chocolate using a fork. This will help you handle the pretzels without getting chocolate on your fingers.
• Shake Off Excess Chocolate: Gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate from the pretzels.
• Place on Parchment Paper: Arrange the chocolate-dipped pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool.

Adding Sprinkles

• Apply Sprinkles Immediately: While the chocolate is wet, sprinkle the decorations over the pretzels. This ensures that the sprinkles stick to the chocolate before it hardens.

Dipping Biscotti

• Dip Half of Each Biscotti: Take each piece of biscotti and dip it halfway into the melted chocolate.
• Set to Cool: Place the chocolate-dipped biscotti onto the parchment paper to cool and harden.

Dipping Second Pretzel Shape

• Repeat Dipping Process: If using a second shape of pretzels, such as pretzel sticks, repeat the dipping process as done with the first batch.
• Decorate as Desired: Add sprinkles or other decorations to the freshly dipped pretzels while the chocolate is wet.

Final Touches and Storage

• Let Treats Dry Completely: Allow all the chocolate-covered items to dry completely on the parchment paper.
• Optional White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the pretzels and biscotti for an added decorative touch.
• Store Properly: Once dry, store the chocolate-covered treats in an airtight container to maintain freshness.