Description
Delight in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these homemade Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Rods. Thick pretzel rods are generously coated in rich, melted caramel and then dipped in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these treats are ideal for gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth with a crunchy, indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzels
- 14 thick pretzel rods
Caramel Coating
- 40 soft caramels (such as Werther’s Original)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate melting wafers
Toppings
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat to prevent the pretzels from sticking during the coating and setting process.
- Melt Caramel: Unwrap the soft caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramels are fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy caramel dip.
- Dip Pretzels in Caramel: Hold each pretzel rod and dip it into the melted caramel, coating most of the rod but leaving a few inches at the top uncovered for easy handling.
- Drain and Set Caramel: Allow excess caramel to drip back into the bowl, then carefully place the caramel-coated pretzels onto the lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the caramel set firmly.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers or chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop for greater control over heat.
- Dip Pretzels in Chocolate: Once the caramel has set, dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, covering the caramel coating entirely. Gently shake off any excess chocolate to achieve a smooth finish.
- Add Toppings: Place the chocolate-coated pretzels back on the baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle each pretzel rod with flaky sea salt or your preferred toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles to enhance flavor and texture.
- Set Chocolate: Allow the chocolate to fully set by leaving the pretzels at room temperature or placing them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until firm.
- Serve or Store: Once the chocolate is firm, the caramel chocolate pretzel rods are ready to enjoy. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness if not serving immediately.
Notes
- These pretzel rods make excellent gifts and festive treats for holidays, parties, or special occasions.
- Using heavy cream in the caramel helps create a smooth, creamy coating that sets well on pretzels.
- Chilling the caramel-coated pretzels before dipping in chocolate ensures cleaner chocolate coating and less mess.
- Feel free to customize toppings with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or additional drizzled chocolate for variety.
- Store finished pretzels in a cool, dry place to prevent the caramel and chocolate from melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel rod
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
