Caramel Pretzels Recipe
Introduction
Caramel pretzels combine the salty crunch of pretzels with a rich, buttery caramel coating for a delightful sweet and salty treat. They are easy to make and perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Mini Pretzels
- 1 cup Butter
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick spray. Place a cooling rack over the pan and spray that with non-stick spray as well.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar, and water. Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a boil. Use a candy thermometer and remove from heat once it reaches 305 degrees Fahrenheit, then stir in the vanilla.
- Step 3: Add the mini pretzels to the caramel mixture and stir until all pretzels are well coated.
- Step 4: Transfer the coated pretzels a few at a time onto the cooling rack on your prepared pan. Spread them out so they do not overlap.
- Step 5: Bake the pretzels in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes to dry them out and prevent stickiness.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow the caramel pretzels to cool completely before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate caramel temperature for the perfect texture.
- Try sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweet and salty flavor.
- Substitute mini pretzels with pretzel sticks or pretzel rods for a different shape and crunch.
- For a festive twist, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled caramel pretzels before serving.
Storage
Store caramel pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them dry is important to maintain their crunch. If they soften, you can crisp them up briefly in a low oven before serving.
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 you may need to adjust the coating quantities and baking time slightly to ensure even coverage and drying.
Why is it important to bake the pretzels after coating?
Baking helps to dry out the caramel coating so the pretzels won’t be sticky and will maintain a crunchy texture.
PrintCaramel Pretzels Recipe
Crunchy mini pretzels coated in a rich homemade caramel glaze, then baked to perfection for a sweet and salty snack that’s perfect for parties or an everyday treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of caramel pretzels 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Caramel Pretzels
- 4 cups Mini Pretzels
- 1 cup Butter
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick spray. Then place a cooling rack over the lined pan and spray the rack with non-stick spray as well.
- Make Caramel Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar, and water. Stir constantly as the mixture heats and comes to a boil. Use a candy thermometer and continue stirring until the temperature reaches 305 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately once the temperature hits 305 degrees. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to mix well with the caramel.
- Coat Pretzels: Add the mini pretzels to the caramel mixture and stir until each pretzel is evenly coated with the caramel glaze.
- Arrange Pretzels: Working in batches, transfer the coated pretzels onto the prepared cooling rack over the baking sheet. Spread them out so they are not overlapping, allowing the caramel to set properly.
- Bake to Dry: Place the baking sheet with pretzels into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes to dry out the pretzels and prevent stickiness, enhancing their crunchiness.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool completely on the rack before serving or storing.
Notes
- Be sure to monitor the caramel temperature closely to avoid burning.
- Non-stick spray on the rack and foil will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- You can add a sprinkle of sea salt before baking for an extra salty-sweet flavor contrast.
- Store cooled caramel pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature to keep crisp.
- Use a candy thermometer to achieve precise caramel temperature for best results.
Keywords: caramel pretzels, sweet and salty snack, homemade caramel, easy caramel recipe, party snack, crunchy pretzels
