Description
Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites are a festive and crunchy holiday treat featuring mini pretzels topped with melted caramels, then drizzled with vibrant red, green, and white candy melts and finished with colorful holiday sprinkles. These bite-sized sweets combine sweet, salty, and crunchy textures, perfect for seasonal gifting or party snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 48 mini pretzel twists
- 12 soft caramels, unwrapped and cut in half
Candy Melt Drizzle
- 1 cup red Candy Melts
- 1-2 Tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 1 cup green Candy Melts
- 1 cup white Candy Melts
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Arrange Pretzels and Caramels: Place half of the mini pretzel twists in a single layer on the baking sheet. Put a halved caramel on top of each pretzel, centered carefully.
- Bake Caramel Pretzels: Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes or until the caramels are softened and slightly melted.
- Press Toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press another pretzel on top of each softened caramel to sandwich them. Leave on the baking sheet to cool completely so they set firmly.
- Melt Red Candy Melts: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the red Candy Melts with one teaspoon of vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Add more shortening gradually if needed to achieve a drizzle-ready consistency.
- Drizzle Red Candy: Transfer the melted red candy to a piping bag or plastic bag with the corner clipped off. Drizzle over each pretzel bite to cover them nicely.
- Melt and Drizzle Green Candy Melts: Repeat the melting process with the green Candy Melts and shortening, then drizzle over the pretzels similarly.
- Melt and Drizzle White Candy Melts: Repeat melting and drizzling steps with the white Candy Melts. Immediately sprinkle holiday sprinkles over the white drizzle before it sets to add festive color.
- Set and Store: Allow the candy melts to fully harden at room temperature before handling. Store the finished bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for extended storage.
- If the candy melts are too thick to drizzle, add vegetable shortening in small increments to thin the consistency.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- For an extra festive look, swap holiday sprinkles with crushed candy canes or edible glitter.
- Ensure pretzel bites cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
