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
Scale
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.
