Prepare Your Workspace: Line two large baking sheets with baking parchment. This is essential to prevent the pretzels from sticking as they set. Have your chosen toppings ready in small, separate bowls.

Melt the Dark Chocolate: Place the chopped dark chocolate and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is almost completely melted. Stir until the residual heat melts the last few lumps and the chocolate is smooth. Alternatively, melt it in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water (a bain-marie), ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water.

Dip the Pretzels: Hold a pretzel by one edge and dip about two-thirds of it into the melted chocolate. I find it easiest to use a fork to lift it out, allowing the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Give it a gentle tap on the side of the bowl.

Decorate and Set (Part 1): Carefully place the chocolate-dipped pretzel onto the prepared baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, immediately sprinkle with your desired toppings like chopped nuts or sea salt. Repeat with half of your pretzels.

Melt and Dip with Milk Chocolate: Clean your bowl or use a new one and repeat the melting process with the milk chocolate and the remaining coconut oil. Dip the rest of your pretzels in the milk chocolate, place them on the baking parchment, and add toppings.

Let Them Set: Leave the pretzels at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm to the touch. You can speed this up by placing the baking sheets in the fridge for 5-10 minutes, but room temperature setting prevents the chocolate from ‘sweating’.

Add the Drizzle (Optional): Once the first layer of chocolate is set, melt the white chocolate using the same method. Using a spoon or a small piping bag, drizzle the melted white chocolate back and forth over the pretzels on the baking sheet for a decorative finish.

Final Set: Allow the drizzle to set completely at room temperature (another 10 minutes or so) before handling or storing the pretzels.