Butter Toffee Pretzels Snack

Butter toffee pretzels bring together the best of sweet and salty in one irresistible snack. The crunchy pretzels coated in a buttery toffee sauce with bits of crunchy toffee and pecans make this a perfect treat for sharing or enjoying during cozy nights. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite in your snack rotation.

I first made these during a holiday gathering, and everyone kept asking for the recipe afterward. Now I make a batch whenever friends come over to snack and chat.

Ingredients

• One 16 ounce bag pretzels: choose crunchy thin pretzels for the best coating and bite
• One cup light brown sugar: adds sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor
• Half cup unsalted butter: essential for the rich buttery taste use fresh butter for best results
• One third cup light corn syrup: helps to create that chewy glaze and bind the coating to the pretzels
• Half teaspoon baking soda: this reacts with the toffee mixture to give it a light, airy texture
• One teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note
• Four ounces Heath toffee bits: adds texture and deep toffee flavor substitute with any good quality toffee bits if unavailable
• Half cup chopped pecans: for extra crunch and nutty flavor toasting them lightly will boost their aroma

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the pretzels into a large mixing bowl leaving enough room to toss them once the sauce is added.

Make toffee sauce:

In a medium saucepan combine the butter brown sugar and corn syrup. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Boil until thickened:

Allow it to boil for about two to three minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a rich caramel color.

Add vanilla and baking soda:

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be prepared as the mixture will bubble up and become frothy due to the baking soda reaction.

Coat pretzels:

Quickly pour this hot syrup over the pretzels in the bowl and immediately stir to coat all the pretzels evenly making sure none are left dry.

Add toppings:

Transfer the coated pretzels onto the parchment lined baking sheet spreading them out evenly. Evenly sprinkle the Heath toffee bits and chopped pecans over the top pressing lightly if needed so they stick.

Bake and cool:

Bake the pretzels at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. After baking remove the tray and let the pretzels cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled break apart any large clumps to serve as a crunchy snack.

I love how the baking soda creates light bubbles in the toffee that give each pretzel a delicate crunch instead of a hard candy shell. This snack brings back memories of my childhood when my mom would make special treats for holiday parties and the whole house smelled like caramel and butter.

Storage Tips

Store your butter toffee pretzels in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch. They stay best at room temperature and can last up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the toffee to become sticky and lose its crisp texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Heath toffee bits crushed almond roca or any other butter toffee pieces work well. Walnuts or almonds can replace pecans if you prefer. Dark corn syrup or honey might be used in place of light corn syrup but will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pretzels as a sweet snack alongside coffee or tea. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a crunchy topping for desserts. Packaged in a cute jar they make excellent gifts for friends and neighbors during the holidays.

These butter toffee pretzels are an easy crowd pleasing snack that travel well for gifting. Enjoy them fresh for the best crunch.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What gives the pretzels their glossy coating?

The glossy coating comes from a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup heated to a low boil, creating a caramel-like glaze that clings to the pretzels.

→ Why is baking soda added to the mixture?

Baking soda reacts with the hot sugar mixture, helping it to foam and lighten in texture, producing a crisp and airy coating on the pretzels.

→ Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, you can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice based on preference or availability.

→ At what temperature should the snack be baked?

The pretzels are baked at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing the glaze to set slowly without burning.

→ How long does the snack need to cool before serving?

It's best to let the baked pretzels cool completely so the coating hardens and they can be broken apart easily for serving.