Looking for the ultimate no-bake treat that feels fancy but takes just minutes? These Caramel Dipped Pretzels are sweet, salty, and totally addictive. Perfect for parties, gifting, holiday trays — or anytime you need a snack with a little flair.
Imagine: crisp, salty pretzel rods wrapped in chewy golden caramel, then dipped in chocolate and dressed up with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate. It’s the kind of snack you make once… and then every week forever.
If you’re into no-bake sweets, you’ll also love my Peanut Butter Buckeyes or Rolo Pretzel Turtles!
🥨 Ingredients
- 20–25 pretzel rods
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramel candies (like Kraft), unwrapped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, mini M&Ms, sprinkles, crushed toffee, flaky sea salt
🔧 Instructions
1. Prep your setup: Line a baking sheet with parchment. Have toppings ready.
2. Melt the caramel: In a heatproof bowl, microwave caramels and cream in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip the pretzels: Dip each pretzel rod about 2/3 of the way in caramel, letting excess drip off. Lay on parchment to set for 10–15 minutes.
4. Melt the chocolate: In a clean bowl, melt chocolate chips in 20–30 second bursts, stirring until smooth.
5. Add the chocolate layer: Dip set caramel pretzels halfway in chocolate. Immediately add toppings before chocolate hardens.
6. Let them set: Allow pretzels to set at room temp or speed it up in the fridge.
📝 Notes
- Use candy melts for a super smooth, shiny finish.
- Make ahead and store in airtight container up to 1 week.
- Double the batch — they go fast!
🎁 Serving Tips
- Wrap 3–5 in clear treat bags with ribbon for party favors.
- Serve upright in mason jars for dessert tables.
- Add festive toppings for holidays (red & green sprinkles, pastel confetti, etc.)
🔄 Variations
- White Chocolate Twist: Use white chocolate and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Turtle Pretzels: Roll in chopped pecans and drizzle with extra caramel.
- S’mores Pretzels: Dip in chocolate, then crushed graham cracker and mini marshmallows.
🛠 Troubleshooting
- Caramel too thick? Add a splash of cream and microwave briefly.
- Chocolate dull or streaky? Use high-quality chips or candy melts.
- Pretzels breaking? Use fresh rods and handle gently during dipping.
❄️ Storage
- Store in airtight container at room temp up to 1 week.
- Avoid humidity or refrigerate to keep crisp.
Caramel Dipped Pretzels
Ingredients
- 1 11 oz bag soft caramel candies (like Kraft), unwrapped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting wafers
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts mini M&Ms, sprinkles, crushed toffee, flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prep your setup: Line a baking sheet with parchment. Have toppings ready.
- Melt the caramel: In a heatproof bowl, microwave caramels and cream in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the pretzels: Dip each pretzel rod about 2/3 of the way in caramel, letting excess drip off. Lay on parchment to set for 10–15 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate: In a clean bowl, melt chocolate chips in 20–30 second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Add the chocolate layer: Dip set caramel pretzels halfway in chocolate. Immediately add toppings before chocolate hardens.
- Let them set: Allow pretzels to set at room temp or speed it up in the fridge.
Notes
- Use candy melts for a super smooth, shiny finish.
- Make ahead and store in airtight container up to 1 week.
- Double the batch — they go fast!
Let me know how you style yours — and tag @Dessertique with your dipped delights!
