Description
Delight in the perfect sweet and salty combination with this Caramel Pretzels Recipe, featuring buttery toffee-coated mini pretzels topped with melted semisweet chocolate and optional chopped nuts. This easy-to-make snack is ideal for holidays or anytime you crave a crunchy, rich treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Base
- 4 cups mini pretzels
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the mini pretzels evenly across the baking sheet, ensuring a single layer for even caramel coverage.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes without stirring to develop a smooth, thick caramel consistency.
- Finish the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The baking soda will cause the caramel to bubble and become lighter in texture.
- Coat the Pretzels: Pour the hot caramel evenly over the pretzels on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to gently distribute and coat the pretzels thoroughly with the caramel.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Cool and Add Chocolate: Remove the pretzels from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. While still slightly warm, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the caramel-coated pretzels. Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften and melt.
- Spread Chocolate and Add Nuts: Gently spread the melted chocolate over the pretzels with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
- Set and Serve: Allow the caramel and chocolate to fully set at room temperature before breaking the pretzels into pieces. Serve and enjoy this irresistible sweet and salty treat.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate before it sets to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
- Store the caramel pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a fun twist, try using pretzel rods instead of mini pretzels to create a different shape and presentation.
