Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites (Printable Version)
Soft caramel and salty pretzels coated in festive candy melts and sprinkles for holiday enjoyment.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 -
48 mini pretzel twists
02 -
12 soft caramels, unwrapped and halved
→ Candy Coating
03 -
1 cup red Candy Melts
04 -
1 cup green Candy Melts
05 -
1 cup white Candy Melts
06 -
1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
→ Toppings
07 -
Holiday sprinkles
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
02 -
Place half of the mini pretzel twists in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Set a halved caramel on the center of each pretzel, arranging evenly.
03 -
Bake for 5 minutes or until the caramels soften completely, enabling them to adhere well.
04 -
Remove sheet from oven and immediately press a pretzel twist atop each softened caramel half to create a sandwich. Allow to cool fully on the sheet.
05 -
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine red Candy Melts with 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well until smooth. Add more shortening by teaspoon if needed for drizzling consistency.
06 -
Transfer melted red coating to a piping bag or plastic bag with a small tip. Drizzle evenly over each pretzel bite.
07 -
Repeat melting process with green Candy Melts and vegetable shortening. Drizzle the green coating over pretzel bites once the red layer is slightly set.
08 -
Similarly melt white Candy Melts with shortening and drizzle over pretzels. While coating is wet, sprinkle holiday sprinkles on top for decoration.
09 -
Allow candy coatings to harden completely at room temperature before serving or packaging. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to one week or refrigerate to extend freshness.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Use vegetable shortening sparingly to achieve smooth candy melts ideal for drizzling.
02 -
Ensure pretzel bites cool fully before storage to maintain texture.