01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - Place black candy melts or chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
03 - Coat each pretzel rod two-thirds of the way by dipping into the melted chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
04 - Arrange dipped pretzel rods onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
05 - While chocolate is wet, attach two mini chocolate chips near the top for ears, followed by two candy eyes beneath the ears and a pink candy-coated chocolate underneath for the nose.
06 - Gently press two licorice strips on either side of the nose to resemble whiskers.
07 - Sprinkle edible gold or silver sprinkles for a festive touch, if desired.
08 - Let the decorated pretzel rods sit at room temperature until the chocolate firms, approximately 20 minutes.
09 - Store finished pretzel rods in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.