Decadent Caramel-Chocolate Pretzel Delights
These Decadent Caramel-Chocolate Pretzel Delights are the perfect sweet-salty treat for parties, holidays, or just a cozy movie night at home. This irresistible recipe combines crunchy pretzel sticks with a rich caramel dip, coated in an array of chocolate chips, butterscotch, toffee bits, and toasted walnuts. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch paired with a luscious sweetness that will leave you and your guests wanting more. Originally submitted by Carrie Otepka in the Feb & March 2008 issue of Taste of Home, this dessert has become a family favorite for its delightful combination of textures and flavors. Just be prepared to share, as they’re bound to disappear quickly!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pretzel sticks
10 ounces (cut in half)
Caramels
14 ounces (melted with evaporated milk)
Evaporated milk
1 tablespoon (added to caramel)
Miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups (mixed with other toppings)
Butterscotch chips
1 cup (mixed with other toppings)
Butterscotch chips
2 tablespoons (for topping mixture)
Chocolate-covered toffee bits
2/3 cup (mixed with other toppings)
Walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped and toasted)
Instructions
1
Start by preheating your workspace and preparing your ingredients.
2
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each pretzel rod in half to create bite-sized pieces. Set these aside.
3
In a large saucepan set over low heat, gently melt the caramels together with the evaporated milk, stirring frequently until smooth and creamy.
4
While the caramel melts, prepare your topping mixture. In a large shallow bowl, combine the miniature semisweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, chocolate-covered toffee bits, and chopped walnuts, making sure everything is evenly mixed.
5
Once the caramel is fully melted, pour it into a 2-cup glass measuring cup for easy dipping.
6
Take each pretzel piece and dip the cut end about two-thirds into the warm caramel, allowing any excess caramel to drip off.
7
Immediately roll the caramel-coated end in the chip and toffee mixture until generously covered.
8
Place the completed pretzels on a sheet of waxed paper to cool and set for approximately 30 minutes.
9
Once set, store your delightful pretzel treats in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Caramel-Chocolate Pretzel Delights?
They are a sweet and salty treat made by dipping pretzel rods in caramel and rolling them in a mixture of chocolate chips, butterscotch, toffee bits, and walnuts.
Who is the original creator of this recipe?
The recipe was originally submitted by Carrie Otepka.
Where was this recipe first published?
This dessert was featured in the February and March 2008 issue of Taste of Home magazine.
What type of pretzels are required?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of pretzel sticks or rods.
How should I prepare the pretzels for dipping?
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each pretzel rod in half to create bite-sized pieces before you begin the dipping process.
What ingredients are used to make the caramel dip?
The dip is made from 14 ounces of caramels melted together with 1 tablespoon of evaporated milk.
What is the best way to melt the caramel?
Melt the caramels and evaporated milk in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
What kind of chocolate chips should I use for the topping?
The recipe specifies 1 1/4 cups of miniature semisweet chocolate chips.
Are butterscotch chips included in the topping?
Yes, the topping mixture includes 1 cup plus an additional 2 tablespoons of butterscotch chips.
What type of toffee is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of chocolate-covered toffee bits.
What kind of nuts are added to the coating?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped and toasted walnuts.
How do I prepare the topping mixture?
Combine the mini chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, toffee bits, and chopped walnuts in a large shallow bowl and mix them evenly.
Why should I pour the caramel into a measuring cup?
Pouring the melted caramel into a 2-cup glass measuring cup makes it easier to dip the pretzel pieces deep enough.
How deep should the pretzels be dipped into the caramel?
Dip the cut end of each pretzel piece about two-thirds of the way into the warm caramel.
Should I remove excess caramel after dipping?
Yes, allow any excess caramel to drip off the pretzel before rolling it in the topping mixture.
When should I apply the chip and toffee mixture?
Immediately after dipping the pretzel in caramel, roll the coated end in the topping mixture until it is generously covered.
What should I use to let the pretzels cool?
Place the completed pretzels on a sheet of waxed paper to prevent sticking while they cool.
How long do the pretzels need to set?
The pretzels should be allowed to cool and set for approximately 30 minutes.
How should the finished treats be stored?
Store the pretzel delights in an airtight container to keep them fresh and maintain their crunch.
Are these pretzels suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are described as a perfect treat for parties, holidays, or cozy movie nights.
What is the flavor profile of this dessert?
It offers a luscious sweetness from the caramel and chocolate paired with a satisfying salty crunch from the pretzels.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe that involves simple melting, dipping, and rolling steps.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
The recipe specifically calls for evaporated milk to ensure the caramel dip has the correct creamy consistency.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is crunchy and varied, thanks to the combination of chips, nuts, and toffee bits.
Is it necessary to toast the walnuts?
While optional in some recipes, this recipe specifies chopped and toasted walnuts for enhanced flavor.
Why are miniature chocolate chips used?
Miniature chips are easier to adhere to the caramel coating on the small pretzel pieces compared to standard-sized chips.
Can these be made in large batches?
Yes, given the 10-ounce bag of pretzels and large quantity of toppings, it is easy to produce many treats at once.
What happens if the caramel gets too thick while dipping?
You can gently reheat the caramel over low heat if it begins to harden or become too thick to dip.
What makes this a 'delight' recipe?
The combination of textures—crunchy, chewy, and smooth—along with the rich blend of caramel, chocolate, and butterscotch makes it a true delight.