Description
These festive Grinch Pretzel Bites combine salty mini pretzels with gooey caramel, dipped in vibrant green candy melts and topped with heart-shaped sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties or a fun snack, these bite-sized treats offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors with a playful Grinch-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Bites
- 48 mini pretzel twists
- 12 soft caramels, unwrapped and cut in half
Candy Coating
- 1 cup vibrant green candy melts
- ¼ cup kelly green candy melts
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Decoration
- 24 heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Pretzels and Add Caramel: Place half of the mini pretzels on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Position a half caramel piece on top of each pretzel, centering it to ensure even melting.
- Bake to Soften Caramel: Bake the pretzels with caramels for 5 minutes until the caramel softens and becomes gooey, ready for sandwiching.
- Form Pretzel Bites: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press another pretzel on top of each softened caramel, creating a sandwich. Allow the pretzel bites to cool completely so the caramel sets firmly.
- Melt Candy Melts: Using a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, melt the vibrant green and kelly green candy melts. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and add vegetable shortening one teaspoon at a time to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Dip Pretzel Bites: Dip each pretzel bite into the melted candy coating, covering about two-thirds of the surface. Place the coated bites back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Sprinkles: While the candy coating is still soft, gently press a heart-shaped sprinkle onto each pretzel bite to help it adhere and add a festive touch.
- Let Candy Set: Allow the candy-coated pretzel bites to fully set at room temperature before storing or serving to ensure a firm coating.
Notes
- Be sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Adding vegetable shortening to the candy melts helps achieve a smooth and glossy finish that’s easy to work with.
- You can store the completed pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a different flavor twist, try using different colored candy melts or adding festive sprinkles.
