Name: Caramel Pretzels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter; 1 cup Sugar; 2 tbsp Water; 1/2 tsp Vanilla; 4 cups Mini Pretzels

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Sweet, salty, and impossibly crunchy, Caramel Pretzels are the kind of snack that disappear faster than you can say “just one more.” Combining crispy mini pretzels with a glossy homemade caramel, these addictive bites walk the perfect line between dessert and snack food. Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping after-school treats, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a must for anyone with a love of sweet-salty confections. The simple magic of Caramel Pretzels lies in their irresistible combination of flavors and textures—prepare to share the secret, because everyone who tastes them will beg you for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Caramel Pretzels is that every ingredient truly counts—from the crunch of the pretzels to the buttery caramel coating. There’s nothing fancy here, just pantry staples that combine to steal the show with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Mini Pretzels: Their shape and salt are perfect for clinging onto caramel and giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
Butter: The foundation of a rich, smooth caramel; opt for real, unsalted butter for the best melt and flavor.
Sugar: This crystalizes into a beautiful, glassy caramel and gives that signature golden sweetness.
Water: Just a touch helps the sugar dissolve evenly as you start the caramel, preventing graininess.
Vanilla: Adds warmth and a fragrant finish that makes the caramel truly pop.
Non-stick Cooking Spray: Not technically an ingredient, but a must for easy clean-up and getting those pretzels off the rack without sticking.

How to Make Caramel Pretzels

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray generously with non-stick cooking spray. Place a cooling rack on top of the foil and spray it as well—this duo makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your Caramel Pretzels don’t stick together.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, sugar, and water together. As everything melds, stir occasionally, but once you see the mixture bubbling, stir constantly. Watch closely; once the caramel hits 305 degrees (a candy thermometer is your friend!), immediately remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla. The mixture will bubble and smell absolutely heavenly—resist the urge to taste (it’s dangerously hot right now!).

Step 3: Coat the Pretzels

Add the mini pretzels to your saucepan with the freshly made caramel. Working quickly, gently stir and fold so every pretzel gets a glossy, even coating of the caramel. This step smells so good, you’ll be tempted to sneak a bite, but patience pays off!

Step 4: Arrange on the Rack

Using a fork or tongs, transfer a few caramel-coated pretzels at a time to the prepared cooling rack. Spread them out so none are overlapping—this ensures each pretzel bakes up with its own shell of lacquered caramel and doesn’t fuse into a giant cluster (unless that’s your style!).

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. This low-and-slow bake helps the caramel finish setting and dries the pretzels so they lose any sticky tackiness—what emerges is pure crunchy bliss. When the time’s up, take them out and let them cool completely while you bask in the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the Caramel Pretzels cool fully on the rack before transferring to a serving bowl or airtight container. As they cool, the caramel firms up into an irresistible shell, shattering with every bite—now you can finally snack away!

How to Serve Caramel Pretzels

Garnishes

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a light dusting of sea salt or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over your Caramel Pretzels just as they cool. You can also dip half of each pretzel in chocolate and let them set for a show-stopping snack plate at parties.

Side Dishes

Serve Caramel Pretzels alongside a bowl of mixed nuts, a fruit platter, or simple scoops of vanilla ice cream for a sweet-salty treat that complements both desserts and savory snack spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun gatherings, pile Caramel Pretzels into clear bags tied with ribbon for quick party favors, or layer them in candy jars on your kitchen counter. They also make an irresistible edible gift during the holidays or as a special afternoon surprise for family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Caramel Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delightfully crisp and flavorful for up to a week (if you can resist eating them all before then!).

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can freeze Caramel Pretzels. Place them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just allow to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat (these are best enjoyed at room temperature!), but if you find they’ve lost a bit of their crunch, spread them on a baking sheet and pop in a warm oven (about 250 degrees) for a few minutes. Let cool and they’ll crisp right up.

FAQs

Can I use large pretzels instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Larger pretzels will still taste amazing, but mini pretzels provide more caramel-to-pretzel ratio and are great for bite-sized snacking. Feel free to get creative and try rods or twists—just adjust coating times as needed.

Do I have to use a candy thermometer?

While it’s possible to make caramel without a thermometer, hitting the perfect temperature (305 degrees) guarantees a crisp, non-sticky finish. If you love making candy, investing in a simple thermometer is worth it for perfect Caramel Pretzels every time.

What do I do if the caramel seizes or crystalizes?

If your caramel starts to crystalize, try swirling the pan gently without stirring until it melts back down. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved before cranking up the heat. If it seizes, don’t worry—just start again with a clean pan and trust the process!

How can I make Caramel Pretzels dairy-free?

Swap in a high-quality dairy-free butter or a coconut oil blend for the butter. Make sure to use a version that has a neutral (not strong) flavor for best results and glossiest caramel shell.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes, chopped pecans, cashews, or even shredded coconut can be tossed with the pretzels before coating in caramel for a fun twist. Just be sure everything gets an even, glossy coat so it all bakes up perfectly crunchy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so utterly comforting about a handful of sweet, golden Caramel Pretzels—this is one treat that’s guaranteed to bring smiles, whether at a party or during a quiet evening at home. Give this recipe a spin and bring the simple joy of homemade caramel and crunchy pretzels right to your kitchen—you might just find yourself making double batches from now on!

Caramel Pretzels Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 cups of Caramel Pretzels 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Caramel Pretzels are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, making for a delicious snack or dessert option. The combination of crunchy mini pretzels coated in a rich caramel sauce will have you reaching for more!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramel:

1 cup Butter
1 cup Sugar
2 tbsp Water
1/2 tsp Vanilla

Additional:

4 cups Mini Pretzels

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick spray. Place a cooling rack over the pan and spray it with non-stick spray.
Prepare the Caramel: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, sugar, and water. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches 305 degrees, remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Coat the Pretzels: Stir the pretzels into the caramel mixture until well coated.
Bake: Transfer the pretzels to the prepared cooling rack, ensuring they are not overlapping. Bake for 20-30 minutes to dry out the pretzels and prevent stickiness.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the pretzels cool completely.