Description
A deliciously sweet and crunchy snack, these Caramel Pretzels combine the saltiness of mini pretzel twists with a rich homemade butter toffee caramel coating. Perfect for holiday gifting or party treats, this easy recipe involves baking pretzels coated in a buttery caramel sauce until perfectly crisp and clustered with optional pecans or chocolate chips for added indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Pretzels
- 8 cups mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the mini pretzel twists evenly over the prepared baking sheet to get ready for coating.
- Make caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. Stir in the packed light brown sugar and light corn syrup, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, allow it to cook without stirring for 3 minutes to develop the caramel.
- Add vanilla and baking soda: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Expect the mixture to foam slightly, which is a normal reaction that helps create a light texture.
- Coat pretzels: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the spread pretzels on the baking sheet. Toss gently using a spatula to coat the pretzels evenly with the caramel.
- Bake caramel pretzels: Place the caramel-coated pretzels in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, carefully remove the tray and stir the pretzels to redistribute the caramel and ensure even baking.
- Cool and add toppings: Once baking is complete, remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool fully on the baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips on top while still warm to allow them to lightly adhere.
- Serve or store: Break the cooled caramel pretzels into clusters and serve immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for gifting or snacking.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Store caramel pretzels in a sealed container for up to one week to retain freshness and crunch.
- For added flavor and texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips on top while the caramel is still warm.
