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- 1 cup mini pretzel twists - 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate) - 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped - 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional) - Sea salt, for a finishing sprinkle To make these treats, you need just a few simple ingredients. The mini pretzel twists bring the salty crunch. The chocolate chips offer rich sweetness, while the caramel candies add a gooey texture. If you want your chocolate drizzle to be smooth, use heavy cream. A sprinkle of sea salt at the end adds a nice touch. - Chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) - Different types of chocolate (dark or white chocolate) - Flavored caramel (like sea salt or vanilla) - Crushed candies or sprinkles You can play with your ingredients. Chopped nuts add crunch and flavor. If you love dark chocolate, swap the semi-sweet chips. You can also try flavored caramel for a fun twist. Adding crushed candies or colorful sprinkles can make your bites even more festive. - Pretzels: Snyder’s, Rold Gold - Chocolate chips: Ghirardelli, Nestlé Toll House - Caramel candies: Kraft, Werther’s Original For the best taste, I recommend using reliable brands. Snyder’s and Rold Gold make great pretzels. Ghirardelli and Nestlé Toll House offer rich chocolate chips. Kraft and Werther’s Original are known for their delicious caramel candies. Using these brands will help you create the perfect Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, turn on your oven and set it to 350°F (175°C). Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This keeps the bites from sticking and makes clean-up easy. Now, spread out 1 cup of mini pretzel twists on the baking sheet. Make sure they don’t touch or overlap. This will help each bite cook evenly. Place 1 caramel candy on top of each pretzel. Center it well so it melts nicely during baking. Bake the pretzels in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want the caramel to soften but not melt completely. After baking, take the tray out and let it cool for 2 minutes. This helps the caramel firm up a bit. Now, gently press a chocolate chip into each caramel. Make sure it sinks slightly for a good fit. For the chocolate drizzle, melt any leftover chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. If you want a smooth drizzle, stir in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Heat it in 15-second bursts, mixing in between. Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over each pretzel bite. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for fun designs. Finally, sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top for extra flavor. Let the bites cool completely at room temperature or speed it up in the fridge. To get the best caramel texture, watch the bake time. Bake the pretzels with caramel for just 5 to 7 minutes. This softens the caramel without making it too gooey. Look for a soft but still shaped caramel. Let them cool for 2 minutes before adding chocolate. This cooling time helps the caramel firm up a bit. For smooth melted chocolate, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat chocolate chips in 15-second bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid burning. If you want a creamier drizzle, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. This makes the chocolate nice and smooth. Keep stirring until the chocolate is fully melted. To drizzle chocolate evenly, use a spoon or a piping bag. If you use a piping bag, cut a small tip to control the flow. Drizzle the chocolate in a zigzag pattern for a fun look. Don't forget to sprinkle a little sea salt on top. This adds a nice touch to the sweet and salty mix. For a great display, arrange the bites on a nice platter. Pro Tips Use Fresh Caramels: Ensure your caramel candies are fresh for the best melting result. Stale caramels may not soften properly and can affect the texture. Choose the Right Chocolate: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate can be used based on your preference. For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate. Drizzle with Care: If using a piping bag for the chocolate drizzle, make sure the tip is small for precise control over the design. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add toppings such as crushed nuts or sprinkles along with the sea salt for added texture and flavor variations. {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavor of your Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites easily. Try using dark chocolate for a richer taste. Dark chocolate pairs well with the sweet caramel. You can also use flavored caramels like sea salt or vanilla. These small changes can create a new twist on the classic treat. Not everyone can enjoy regular pretzels. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pretzel brands. Many stores now sell them. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan treat. These swaps let everyone enjoy this sweet and salty snack. Want to make your pretzel bites even more fun? Add crushed candies on top. Crushed peppermint or toffee bits can add a great crunch. Sprinkles can also make your bites colorful and festive. You can even mix in nuts like chopped pecans or almonds for extra flavor and texture. Each of these twists makes your Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites unique and exciting. To keep your Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites fresh, use an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and prevent them from getting stale. You can store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a hot area, it’s best to keep them in the fridge. This will help maintain their texture and taste. To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the pretzel bites. Wrap each bite in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. This method preserves the sweet and salty flavor perfectly. If you have leftovers, you may want to warm them up. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes. This helps melt the chocolate slightly and revives the caramel’s gooey texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pretzels chewy and less enjoyable. Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites can last about one week. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. Just remember, the chocolate may lose its shine in the fridge. Yes, you can! Feel free to use regular pretzels or even chocolate-covered pretzels. For chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate works well too. You can mix and match to find your favorite flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will change a bit with each swap. You can find pre-made Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites at many grocery stores. Check the snack aisle or the candy section. Some bakeries or specialty shops may offer them too. If you're in a hurry, online retailers also sell delicious options. Just make sure to read reviews for quality. You can make tasty Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites with ease. Using my step-by-step guide, you learned how to prepare, bake, and store them. Variations allow you to mix flavors, while tips ensure the perfect finish. Remember to choose good ingredients and store them to keep them fresh. Have fun experimenting with different toppings! These bites are sure to be a hit for snacking or sharing. Enjoy your baking journey and treat yourself to these delicious snacks!

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bites

Delicious bites combining the sweetness of chocolate and caramel with the crunch of pretzels.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mini pretzel twists
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
  • 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for a smoother chocolate drizzle)
  • to taste pinch sea salt, for a finishing sprinkle

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
  • Spread the mini pretzel twists out evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping.
  • Place one caramel candy directly on top of each pretzel twist, ensuring it's centered for even melting.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes, watching closely until the caramel is soft but not fully melted—it should still hold its shape.
  • Once baked, carefully remove the sheet from the oven and let it rest for about 2 minutes to cool slightly—the caramel will firm up as it cools.
  • Using a spoon or your fingertips, gently press a chocolate chip into the softened caramel of each pretzel, allowing it to sink slightly for a secure fit.
  • If you’d like a smoother chocolate drizzle, melt any leftover chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. If using, stir in the tablespoon of heavy cream to enhance the texture. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
  • Drizzle the melted chocolate over each pretzel bite using a spoon or a piping bag to create a fun and decorative pattern across the top.
  • For an enticing flavor contrast, finish each pretzel bite with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate.
  • Allow your chocolate caramel pretzel bites to cool completely at room temperature, or expedite the process by placing them in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set.

Notes

Arrange the cooled bites on a decorative platter, and consider adding a small bowl of additional sea salt for guests who may want to enhance the salty-sweet experience!
Keyword caramel, chocolate, dessert, pretzel, snack