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If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that combines sweet, salty, and colorful holiday vibes all in one bite, you absolutely must try this Pretzel Caramel Bites with Holiday Sprinkles Recipe. It’s a deliciously addictive snack that brings together crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and festive candy coatings bursting with holiday cheer. These little bites are perfect for sharing at parties, gifting, or just sneaking a few when you need a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite you’ll want to enjoy year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pretzel Caramel Bites with Holiday Sprinkles Recipe shines because it uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a special role in achieving that perfect balance of textures and flavors. From the crunchy pretzels to the melty caramel and vibrant candy coatings, these elements come together beautifully to create a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Mini pretzel twists: Their bite-sized crunch forms the sturdy, salty base and top for the caramel sandwich.
- Soft caramels: When melted, they add a luscious, chewy sweetness that pairs perfectly with pretzels’ saltiness.
- Red Candy Melts: These add a bright, festive color and a smooth finish perfect for drizzling.
- Green Candy Melts: Another colorful coating to layer on for that traditional holiday look.
- White Candy Melts: A neutral yet eye-catching drizzle that really makes the holiday sprinkles pop.
- Vegetable shortening: Helps thin the Candy Melts so the drizzles are silky and smooth without cracking.
- Holiday sprinkles: The joyful decorative touch that instantly gives these bites a festive flair and some extra crunch.
How to Make Pretzel Caramel Bites with Holiday Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep sets you up for success with evenly baked, sticky caramel pretzel bites.
Step 2: Arrange Pretzels and Add Caramel
Place half of your mini pretzel twists in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, carefully place a half unwrapped caramel piece on the center of each pretzel. Keep them evenly spaced so the caramels melt properly without merging.
Step 3: Bake Caramel on Pretzels
Pop the baking sheet into the oven for about 5 minutes. The goal is to soften the caramels just enough so they become gooey and sticky – perfect for creating that classic caramel sandwich effect between two pretzels.
Step 4: Top with Remaining Pretzels
Once the caramels are soft and melty, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately press a second pretzel twist on top of each caramel piece, sandwiching the caramel in between. Let these bites cool completely on the baking sheet so the caramel sets firmly.
Step 5: Melt and Drizzle Red Candy Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the red Candy Melts with 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each one, until you get a smooth, drizzling consistency. If needed, add more shortening by the teaspoon for that perfect flow. Transfer the red candy to a piping bag and drizzle it generously over each pretzel bite.
Step 6: Melt and Drizzle Green Candy Coating
Repeat the melting process with the green Candy Melts and shortening. Once the red drizzle has set just slightly, add the green drizzle on top to start building the festive layers of color and flavor.
Step 7: Melt and Drizzle White Candy Coating and Add Sprinkles
Melt the white Candy Melts with vegetable shortening using the same technique. Drizzle this last layer over the pretzels. While the white coating is still wet, sprinkle your holiday sprinkles generously on top. This step adds the final touch of texture and visual delight that screams holiday joy.
Step 8: Set and Store
Allow the candy coatings to fully harden at room temperature before moving or packaging. Store your Pretzel Caramel Bites with Holiday Sprinkles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or pop them in the fridge for longer freshness.
How to Serve Pretzel Caramel Bites with Holiday Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra festive feel by garnishing your pretzel bites with additional sprinkles or edible glitter just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar works wonderfully too, giving a snowy holiday vibe.
Side Dishes
These bites are sweet and salty enough to stand on their own but also pair beautifully with holiday drinks like hot cocoa, mulled wine, or even a peppermint mocha for a truly indulgent holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, arrange the bites on a tiered dessert stand or in glass jars tied with holiday ribbons. You can also serve them alongside a cheese board as a sweet contrast to savory cheeses and nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pretzel Caramel Bites with Holiday Sprinkles in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness and chewy caramel texture. They will stay delicious and fresh for up to one week this way.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bites in advance, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these pretzel bites are best served at room temperature with firm candy coatings, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if the caramel has hardened too much, gently warming them for a few seconds in the microwave can soften the caramel slightly—just be careful not to melt the candy coating.
FAQs
Can I use regular pretzels instead of mini pretzel twists?
While mini pretzel twists are ideal for bite-sized snacks, you can absolutely use larger pretzels—just expect bigger, chunkier treats that might require a bit more caramel and candy coating to cover.
What if I don’t have Candy Melts? Can I use chocolate instead?
You can certainly substitute chocolate chips for Candy Melts. Just melt the chocolate gently and add a little shortening or coconut oil to achieve the right consistency for drizzling and decorating.
How long do Pretzel Caramel Bites with Holiday Sprinkles Recipe last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these bites stay fresh and tasty for up to one week. Refrigerating can extend their freshness for an additional week.
Can I customize the sprinkles?
Definitely! Feel free to use any holiday-themed sprinkles or even edible glitter. Mixing colors and shapes adds a personal festive touch that’s perfect for your own holiday traditions.
Is this recipe kid-friendly to make together?
Absolutely! Kids will love helping arrange the pretzels, unwrap caramels, and especially drizzle the colorful candy coatings. Just supervise the oven and microwave steps for safety.
Final Thoughts
This Pretzel Caramel Bites with Holiday Sprinkles Recipe is one of those delightful, festive snacks that brings everyone together with its perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, and sweet flavors. It’s simple enough to whip up quickly yet impressive and colorful enough to wow guests, kids, or even just yourself on a cozy night in. So go ahead—grab those pretzels and caramels and get ready to create some holiday magic that everyone will adore.
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Print
Pretzel Caramel Bites with Holiday Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive pretzel caramel bites combine crunchy pretzels with soft melted caramel, coated in vibrant red, green, and white candy melts and topped with holiday sprinkles for a perfect sweet and salty holiday treat. They are easy to make in under 35 minutes and make a delightful party snack or gift.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 48 mini pretzel twists
- 12 soft caramels, unwrapped and cut in half
- 1 cup red Candy Melts
- 1 cup green Candy Melts
- 1 cup white Candy Melts
- 1–2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Arrange pretzels and add caramel: Place half of the mini pretzel twists in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lay a half caramel piece on the center of each pretzel, ensuring even spacing.
- Bake caramel on pretzels: Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes or until the caramels have softened completely, making them sticky and ready to adhere.
- Top with remaining pretzels: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press a pretzel twist on top of each softened caramel, sandwiching the caramel between two pretzels. Leave them on the baking sheet to cool fully.
- Melt red candy coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the red Candy Melts with 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth. Add more shortening by the teaspoon if needed for a smooth consistency ideal for drizzling.
- Drizzle red coating: Transfer the melted red candy to a piping bag or a plastic baggie with a small corner cut off. Drizzle the red coating over each pretzel bite until well covered.
- Melt and drizzle green candy coating: Repeat the melting process with the green Candy Melts and shortening. Drizzle this green coating over the pretzel bites after the red coating has slightly set.
- Melt and drizzle white candy coating: Melt the white Candy Melts with shortening and drizzle over the pretzels. While the white coating is still wet, immediately sprinkle holiday sprinkles on top for decoration.
- Set and store: Allow the candy coatings to fully harden and set at room temperature before packaging or serving. Store the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the caramel is soft and melty before sandwiching to create the perfect chewy center.
- Use vegetable shortening to achieve a smooth and drizzle-friendly candy melt consistency.
- Allow each layer of candy coating to set slightly before adding the next for best appearance.
- Store airtight to maintain freshness and prevent candy melt coating from becoming sticky.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pretzels with gluten-free pretzels.
