Caramel Pretzels Recipe

Introduction

Caramel pretzels are the perfect sweet and salty snack that’s easy to make at home. With a buttery caramel coating over crunchy pretzels, they offer a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mini pretzels
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until the mixture begins to bubble gently, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour the caramel mixture over the mini pretzels in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss to coat all pretzels evenly with the caramel.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated pretzels evenly on the prepared baking sheet, breaking up any large clumps if needed.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the caramel is set but still soft.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow pretzels to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break apart any pieces and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of salted and unsalted pretzels for extra flavor balance.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top after baking for a gourmet touch.
• Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a different aroma.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

Storage

Keep the caramel pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can make them lose their crunch. To refresh, let them sit out for a few minutes at room temperature if they feel sticky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pretzels instead of mini pretzels?

Yes, regular pretzels can be used, but the coating and baking time might need adjustment to ensure even coverage and setting.

What if my caramel gets too hard after baking?

If the caramel becomes too hard, you can try lowering the oven temperature slightly next time or reducing the baking time to keep it softer and chewier.

Caramel Pretzels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 82 reviews

Deliciously crisp mini pretzels coated in a rich, buttery caramel sauce with a hint of vanilla and a touch of baking soda for perfect texture. These caramel pretzels make a sweet and salty snack that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 6 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramel Coating

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Pretzels

• 4 cups mini pretzels

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Melt Butter and Brown Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it becomes bubbly and smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla and Baking Soda: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract followed by the baking soda. The mixture will bubble up slightly, creating a light and airy texture for the caramel coating.
4. Coat the Pretzels: Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the mini pretzels in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all pretzels are evenly coated.
5. Bake the Pretzels: Spread the coated pretzels in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, just until the caramel sets and becomes slightly crisp.
6. Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the caramel pretzels to cool completely on the sheet. Once cooled, break apart any clumps and serve or store in an airtight container.

Notes

• Ensure the caramel is hot when adding baking soda to get the best bubbly texture.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to avoid sticking during baking and cooling.
• Store caramel pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the coated pretzels before baking.

Keywords: caramel pretzels, caramel snack, sweet and salty snack, easy caramel recipe, holiday snacks