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These chocolate caramel pretzels are a quick and delightful treat perfect for satisfying your sweet and salty cravings. In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these bitesized snacks that balance rich caramel, crunchy pretzels, and creamy chocolate. They are an easy goto recipe for parties, holidays, or whenever you want a homemade sweet without fuss.
I first made these when I had a small bag of leftover pretzels and caramel candies they turned out so good that my whole family asked me to make them again the next day.
Ingredients
- Mini pretzel twists: choose crunchy ones for the perfect salty contrast
- Soft caramel candies: use quality caramels that melt smoothly without burning
- Milk chocolate chips: a creamy classic that pairs well with caramel
- White chocolate chips: adds a subtle sweetness and lovely color contrast
- Sprinkles: optional but great for a festive touch pick your favorites for fun variations
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange 48 mini pretzel twists evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
- Melt the Caramel:
- Unwrap 24 soft caramel candies and cut each in half. Place one half on top of each pretzel. Put the baking sheet in the oven for about 3 to 5 minutes. The caramel will soften but not be fully melted which is exactly what you want for the next step.
- Melt the Chocolates:
- While the pretzels cool slightly, melt the milk chocolate chips and white chocolate chips separately. Use a microwave set to low power or a double boiler method. If using a microwave, heat in 30 second increments stirring in between to prevent burning.
- Dip and Decorate:
- Dip each pretzel with the soft caramel into the melted chocolates. Alternate between white and milk chocolate for variety. While the chocolate is still warm quickly add sprinkles to give it a colorful festive look.
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is how simple it is to customize. One holiday, I swapped sprinkles for crushed nuts and my family loved the crunch. These treats always bring back memories of baking with my kids on cozy weekend afternoons.
Storage Tips
Store your chocolate caramel pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the chocolate firm but soft enough to bite. They stay fresh for about one week. If you prefer refrigerate them to extend their life but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try dark chocolate chips if you want a richer less sweet taste. Use gluten free pretzels for a gluten sensitive version. Caramel sauce or softened caramel squares can work if you can’t find the candies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pretzels as a snack during movie nights or pack them in lunchboxes for a special treat. Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack. Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday parties or as edible gifts.
Enjoy these chocolate caramel pretzels warm or at room temperature for the best texture. They make a festive customizable treat for any occasion.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What type of pretzels work best?
Mini pretzel twists are ideal as they hold caramel and chocolate well while providing a satisfying crunch.
- → How do I melt the chocolates without burning?
Melt chocolates gently in 30-second intervals in a microwave or use a double boiler to avoid scorching.
- → Can I use different chocolates for dipping?
Yes, try dark, milk, or white chocolate to vary flavors and create visual contrast.
- → How long should I bake the pretzels with caramel?
Bake for 3-5 minutes at 375°F; the caramel softens but doesn't fully melt, which helps it stay in place.
- → Any tips for decorating with sprinkles?
Add sprinkles while the chocolate is still warm to ensure they stick and add color and texture.
- → How should I store these treats?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crunchiness.