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These Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites bring together the perfect balance of salty crunch and sweet, gooey caramel, wrapped in festive colors. They are ideal for holiday parties or as charming homemade gifts, offering both simplicity in preparation and a joyful burst of flavor in every bite.
I first made these during a busy Christmas season and discovered they disappear from the cookie table faster than anything else. Now they are a guaranteed hit every year.
Ingredients
- Mini pretzel twists: provide a sturdy salty base that holds up well to baking and caramel
- Soft caramels: melt evenly for gooey centers, choose a quality brand for smooth texture
- Red candy melts, green candy melts, white candy melts: melt easily and provide vibrant festive color; pick high-quality melts for the best flavor and smooth coating
- Vegetable shortening: thins candy melts for easy drizzling and a glossy finish
- Holiday sprinkles: add cheerful color and a bit of crunch; choose any style you like for personal flair
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, this keeps the pretzels from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Arrange pretzels and add caramel:
- Place half of your mini pretzel twists in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Unwrap your soft caramels and cut each in half. Put one caramel half right in the center of each pretzel, spacing them evenly.
- Bake caramel on pretzels:
- Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for five minutes. This softens the caramels so they will stick perfectly to the pretzels.
- Top with remaining pretzels:
- Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Quickly press a pretzel twist on top of each melted caramel piece. This sandwiches the caramel between two pretzels. Let the bites cool on the baking sheet until fully set.
- Melt red candy coating:
- Put the red candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl with one teaspoon of vegetable shortening. Microwave in thirty second bursts, stirring between sessions, until smooth. Add more shortening by the teaspoon if needed to get a perfect smooth, drizzle-friendly texture.
- Drizzle red coating:
- Pour the melted red candy into a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small corner cut off. Drizzle the red over the pretzel bites generously.
- Melt and drizzle green candy coating:
- Repeat the melting process with the green candy melts and shortening. After the red drizzle has slightly set, drizzle the green coating over the bites.
- Melt and drizzle white candy coating:
- Melt the white candy melts with shortening the same way. Drizzle over the pretzels and while it is still wet, immediately decorate with holiday sprinkles for a festive look.
- Set and store:
- Allow the candy coatings to harden completely at room temperature before serving or packaging. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to one week or refrigerate to keep them fresher longer.
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is how the caramel melts just enough to become wonderfully chewy but doesn’t drip everywhere. It always reminds me of the very first time I made these with my kids and how they all crowded around the oven, eager to decorate with sprinkles.
Storage Tips
Keep your pretzel bites in a cool dry place inside an airtight container for up to one week. If your home is warm or humid, refrigeration will help keep the candy coating firm but do allow the bites to come back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find candy melts, white chocolate or almond bark can be used as an alternative but be sure to add a bit of shortening to get the right consistency for drizzling. Salted caramel squares or homemade caramel can also work if you want to control sugar levels or flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These bites make a great party snack alongside hot cocoa or mulled wine. Pack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for charming holiday gifts. Their colorful appearance also makes them a wonderful addition to a cookie platter.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try swapping the red and green candy melts for pastel colors around Easter or orange and black for Halloween. Add nuts or crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch and festive flair.
This recipe combines simplicity and festive fun for a treat that’s sure to impress at any holiday gathering.
FAQs about Recipes
- → What type of pretzels work best?
Mini pretzel twists offer the ideal size and crunch, creating the perfect base for caramel and coating layers.
- → How do I melt the candy coatings smoothly?
Microwave candy melts in short intervals with vegetable shortening, stirring between to achieve a smooth drizzle consistency.
- → Can the caramel be substituted?
Soft caramels work best for melting and binding; alternatives may affect texture and adhesion.
- → How long do these treats stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain fresh for up to a week; refrigeration can extend freshness.
- → What is the best way to decorate them?
Sprinkle holiday-colored sprinkles on the white candy coating while still wet to achieve festive, colorful accents.