Nutcracker Toy Soldier Pretzels

Here is a tutorial for toy soldiers made out of pretzel rods. We picked these colors to match my daughter's Nutcracker costume.

My daughter was a toy soldier in The Nutcracker earlier this month. She really enjoyed being part of the production. There is a tradition that the cast makes or gives little gifts to each other during performance week. My daughter and I thought long and hard on what we could create with a Nutcracker theme. We considered soldier key chains and luggage tags, but ultimately decided to create pretzel rods that look like toy soldiers since the gifts are usually edible.

We tried out best to match the blue costumes that the soldiers wore. The pants are a little darker blue than the coat, but we decided to make all of our pretzels the same blue. While not perfect, we think they turned out pretty darned cute.

Toy Solder Pretzel Rods

Supplies

pretzel rods (for body)
pretzel sticks (for rifles)
white candy melts
blue candy melts
red circle sprinkles (for cheeks)
mini dark circle sprinks (for eyes)
yellow candy squares cut into tiny pieces (for costume accents)
silver sugar (to color rifles)
pretzel rod cello bags

Directions

Melt the white candy melts according to package directions.
Dip 3/4 of the pretzel rod in the white. Let the white harden.
Melt the blue candy melts according to package directions.
Spoon on the blue to create the uniform and hat.
Add yellow candy accents to hat and shoulders right away. Let that harden.
Add the cheeks and eyes. We added a little white melt with toothpicks then carefully stuck the cheeks and eyes on.
Cover the pretzel sticks with white and then sprinkle with silver sugar to make the rifles.
Attach the rifles using white candy melt.
When hardened place pretzel rod into pretzel cello bag.

They were time-consuming, but worth it. The cast and crew loved them. We thought they were a little rough around the edges, but I don't think anyone cared.

I think we've set the bar high with our themed personal gift. I wonder what part my daughter will get next year and what we will make to match?!