Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites, featuring a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Mini pretzel twists are topped with gooey caramel, dipped in vibrant red, green, and white candy melts, and finished with playful holiday sprinkles for a cheerful and delicious holiday treat that’s easy to make and share.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 48 mini pretzel twists
- 12 soft caramels, unwrapped and cut in half
Candy Coating
- 1 cup red Candy Melts
- 1 cup green Candy Melts
- 1 cup white Candy Melts
- 1–2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Toppings
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Top pretzels with caramel: Place all mini pretzel twists in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Unwrap and cut the soft caramels in half, then place one caramel half on top of each pretzel.
- Melt caramel slightly: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pretzels and caramel for about 4-5 minutes, or until the caramel is soft but not fully melted, so it will adhere well to the pretzel base.
- Cool briefly: Remove from oven and allow the pretzel and caramel pieces to cool for about 2 minutes so they are no longer too hot but still pliable for candy coating.
- Melt candy melts: In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the red, green, and white Candy Melts by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring well in between. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening to each bowl to ensure a smooth and shiny coating.
- Dip pretzel bites: Dip each pretzel with caramel into the melted candy melts, covering the caramel entirely. Allow any excess coating to drip off.
- Add sprinkles: Before the candy coating sets, immediately sprinkle your choice of holiday sprinkles on top for decoration and festive flair.
- Set and cool: Place the coated pretzel bites back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster setting, about 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Use a toothpick or fork when dipping pretzels into candy melts for easier handling.
- If candy melts start to thicken, gently microwave for a few seconds and stir to achieve smooth consistency.
- Substitute vegetable shortening with coconut oil if preferred for a different flavor profile and smoother coating.
- Store the finished pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Customize colors and sprinkles to match different holidays or themes.
Keywords: Christmas snacks, caramel pretzel bites, holiday treats, festive dessert, candy melts, Christmas candy