Description
These Caramel Pretzels, also known as Butter Toffee Pretzels, combine crunchy miniature pretzels coated in a rich, buttery toffee. With a sweet caramel flavor and a hint of sea salt, these treats are perfect for snacking or gifting. The toffee coating is cooked to a perfect temperature for that signature snap, then baked low and slow to dry out and prevent stickiness.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 cups miniature pretzels
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare oven and rack: Heat oven to 200°F and cover a baking sheet with foil. Place a cooling rack over the pan and spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Melt ingredients: In a medium heavy saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, water, and salt over medium-low heat. Stir often with a wooden spoon until fully combined.
- Cook toffee mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Use a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 305°F (hard crack stage). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat pretzels: Working quickly, pour the toffee mixture over the miniature pretzels and stir to coat evenly. Using a toothpick or fork, transfer pretzels to the prepared cooling rack/baking tray, arranging them side-by-side without touching.
- Bake to set: Bake the coated pretzels at 200°F for 20-30 minutes to dry out the toffee coating and ensure the pretzels won’t be sticky afterwards. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Cool and store: Once cooled, allow the pretzels to sit uncovered overnight on the counter to further crisp up. Store in an airtight jar or bowl.
- Enjoy: These caramel pretzels stay fresh up to 3 weeks when stored properly.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for best results to reach the correct toffee temperature of 305°F.
- Arrange pretzels so they do not touch to prevent sticking together.
- Allow to dry slowly in the oven to avoid sticky texture.
- Store in airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Overnight resting is important for full texture development.