Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites are the ultimate holiday treat that perfectly balances salty and sweet. With a crunchy pretzel base, a gooey caramel center from the Rolo candies, and a pop of color and sweetness from the M&Ms, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make and come together in just 10 minutes, making them a great choice for busy holiday bakers.
Ingredients
- 1 bag mini pretzels
- 1 bag Rolos candies
- 1 bag M&M candies
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Bites: Arrange the mini pretzels on the baking sheet. Place one Rolo candy on top of each pretzel.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the Rolos are soft and slightly melted.
- Add M&Ms: Remove from the oven and gently press one M&M candy on top of each melted Rolo.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool completely before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 12 servings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, top each pretzel bite with chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
- Use Different Candies: Swap the M&Ms with holiday-themed candies like red and green Hershey’s Kisses or other small chocolates.
- Flavored Pretzels: Try using flavored pretzels such as cinnamon or honey mustard for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze these bites for up to a month. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing.
10 FAQs
- Can I use other types of pretzels? Yes! You can use any pretzels you like, but mini pretzels work best for these bites.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! These bites can be made in advance and stored for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Can I use chocolate instead of M&Ms? Absolutely! You can use any type of chocolate candy, such as Hershey’s Kisses, instead of M&Ms.
- Do I have to bake them? Yes, baking the Rolos slightly helps them soften and create the perfect gooey center.
- What’s the best way to store them? Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to store them for longer, freezing them is an option.
- Can I use regular-sized Rolos? Mini Rolos work best for these bites, but you can use regular-sized ones if preferred. Just make sure they melt thoroughly.
- How do I prevent the M&Ms from melting in the oven? Make sure to press the M&Ms on the Rolos after you remove them from the oven, as the residual heat will melt them gently.
- Can I make these for a large crowd? Yes! You can easily double or triple the recipe to make more bites for a large crowd.
- Can I use other types of caramel candies? Yes! Other caramel candies like Werther’s Originals can also be used instead of Rolos.
- Do I need to use parchment paper? It’s highly recommended to use parchment paper as it prevents the candies from sticking to the baking sheet.
Conclusion
Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites are a quick and easy treat that combines the best of sweet and salty flavors. With just three simple ingredients, you can make a batch of these addictive holiday bites that everyone will love. They’re the perfect addition to your holiday cookie trays, gift bags, or just a fun snack to enjoy with family and friends.
PrintChristmas Caramel Pretzel Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites are a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. The combination of crunchy pretzels, soft caramel Rolos, and colorful M&M candies makes them irresistible and quick to prepare!
Ingredients
- 1 bag mini pretzels
- 1 bag Rolos candies
- 1 bag M&M candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place mini pretzels on the baking sheet, then top each one with a Rolo candy.
- Bake in the oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the Rolos are soft but not melted completely.
- Remove from the oven and gently press an M&M candy on top of each Rolo.
- Allow the bites to cool before serving.
Notes
- These treats can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- You can substitute the M&Ms with holiday-themed candies or other small chocolates if desired.
- If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, try using caramel-filled chocolates instead of Rolos.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes