Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites are a festive and irresistible holiday treat combining sweet caramel, crunchy pretzels, and colorful candy coatings. Perfect for sharing at parties or gifting to loved ones, they are as fun to make as they are to eat.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Arrange half of the pretzels on the baking sheet in a single layer. Place a caramel half on top of each pretzel, right in the center. Bake for 5 minutes or until the caramels are softened.
3. Step 3: Remove from the oven and immediately press another pretzel on top of each softened caramel to create a sandwich. Leave the pretzel bites on the baking sheet and allow them to cool completely.
4. Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the red candy melts and 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well after each, until melted and smooth. Add additional shortening by teaspoon if needed for a smooth consistency.
5. Step 5: Transfer the melted red candy to a piping bag or plastic bag with the corner clipped. Drizzle evenly over each pretzel bite.
6. Step 6: Repeat the melting and drizzling process with the green candy melts, then again with the white candy melts.
7. Step 7: Immediately sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the pretzel bites after drizzling the white candy melts for a festive finish.
8. Step 8: Allow the candy melts to fully set before storing or serving.

Tips & Variations

• If candy melts are too thick, adding a small amount of vegetable shortening helps achieve a smooth drizzle.
• Try swapping holiday sprinkles for crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
• Use mini marshmallows instead of caramels for a softer center.
• Work quickly when pressing the top pretzel on the warm caramel to ensure the pieces stick together well.

Storage

Store the caramel pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid humid or warm areas to prevent melting. If needed, you can refrigerate them briefly, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of caramel?

Yes, soft caramel squares work best because they melt easily and create a chewy center. Avoid hard caramel candies as they won’t soften evenly in the oven.

What if I don’t have candy melts?

You can substitute white chocolate or colored melting chocolates. Adding a small amount of vegetable shortening will help achieve the right consistency for drizzling.

Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 92 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 48 pretzel bites 1x

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Description

Delight in these festive Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites, a perfect holiday treat combining crunchy mini pretzels, gooey melted caramel, and colorful candy melts drizzled with holiday sprinkles. These sweet and salty bites are easy to make and ideal for sharing during the festive season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pretzel Bites

• 48 mini pretzel twists
• 12 soft caramels, unwrapped and cut in half

Candy Melts and Decoration

• 1 cup red Candy Melts
• 1 cup green Candy Melts
• 1 cup white Candy Melts
• 1–2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• Holiday sprinkles, for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pretzels: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange Pretzels and Add Caramels: Place half of the mini pretzel twists in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Top each pretzel with half a caramel right in the center. Bake for 5 minutes, or until the caramels have softened but not fully melted.
3. Top with Remaining Pretzels: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the caramels are still soft and warm, press a remaining pretzel twist gently on top of each caramel, creating a sandwich. Leave them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
4. Melt Red Candy Melts: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the red candy melts with one teaspoon of vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Add more shortening a teaspoon at a time if necessary to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
5. Drizzle Red Candy Over Pretzels: Transfer the melted red candy melts into a piping bag or a plastic baggie with a small corner snipped off. Drizzle the red candy evenly over each pretzel bite until all are covered.
6. Repeat with Green and White Candies: Repeat the melting and drizzling process with the green candy melts, followed by the white candy melts, adding shortening to each as needed to maintain smoothness for drizzling.
7. Add Sprinkles: Immediately after drizzling with the white candy melts, sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles over the pretzel bites for a festive look.
8. Set and Serve: Allow all the candy melts to set completely at room temperature before storing or serving to ensure the drizzles harden nicely.

Notes

• Keep an eye on the caramels while baking to prevent them from completely melting or burning.
• Vegetable shortening helps achieve a smooth and drizzle-ready texture when melting candy melts.
• You can use a toothpick or fork to help drizzle the candy melts more precisely if needed.
• Store finished pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Try using different colored candy melts to coordinate with other holiday themes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas treats, caramel pretzel bites, holiday snack, candy melts, festive dessert, sweet and salty snacks