The holiday season brings a flurry of festive flavors and sweet treats, and one delightful snack that captures the spirit of Christmas is the Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bite. This delicious concoction blends the salty crunch of pretzels with the sweet allure of caramel and chocolate, topped off with colorful M&M’s to evoke the joyous holiday mood. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a cozy night by the fire, these bites are easy to make and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients

36 Hanover Pretzel Snaps: Chosen for their perfect size and crunch.
36 Hershey’s Kisses: The classic milk chocolate that melts beautifully.
36 Brach’s Caramel Candies: Adds a soft, chewy texture with a rich caramel flavor.
Red, Green, and White M&M’s: These colors bring the festive Christmas look.

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Caramels

Cut each caramel candy into half. This size is ideal for the scale of the bites.
Use the warmth of your palm to roll each half into a ball.
Flatten each caramel ball onto a pretzel snap, ensuring it’s slightly smaller than the pretzel base for a neat fit.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate

Slice the pointy top off each Hershey’s Kiss to create a flat surface that will better adhere to the caramel.
Position the Kisses, bottom-up, on a paper plate to prepare them for melting.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave for about 50 seconds. Watch closely to ensure they soften without becoming runny.

Step 3: Assemble the Pretzel Bites

While the chocolate is still soft, press an M&M into the center of each Kiss for a pop of color and texture.
Transfer the softened Kiss to sit atop the caramel-coated pretzel using the tip of a knife.
Gently press down to merge the chocolate with the caramel, ensuring they stick together.

Step 4: Set the Pretzel Bites

Place the assembled bites into the freezer for 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it firms up the chocolate, ensuring the layers meld perfectly.

Variation

Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white, and consider using flavored caramels or colored sprinkles for different occasions.

Cooking Note

Monitor the melting chocolate closely to prevent overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the bites on a festive platter interspersed with holiday decorations for a cheerful presentation.
Pair with warm hot chocolate or spiced apple cider for a heartwarming holiday treat.

Tips

Ensure your hands are cool when handling the caramel and chocolate to prevent melting.
If the chocolate doesn’t soften enough, a few additional seconds in the microwave may be necessary. Always add time in small increments to avoid overheating.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

1 minute (microwave melting)

Total Time

16 minutes (including setting time in the freezer)

Nutritional Information (per bite)

Calories: Approximately 70
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 25mg

FAQs

Q: Can I make these in advance? A: Yes, Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Are there any alternatives for those with nut allergies? A: Yes, use nut-free chocolates and candies to avoid allergens, and always check packaging labels for safety.

Conclusion

Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites are the perfect blend of salty and sweet, embodying the festive spirit of the holiday season. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or as a fun family activity, these treats are sure to spread cheer and satisfaction. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up a batch of these delightful bites that everyone will love.

Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 16 minutes

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

36 Hanover Pretzel Snaps: Chosen for their perfect size and crunch.
36 Hershey’s Kisses: The classic milk chocolate that melts beautifully.
36 Brach’s Caramel Candies: Adds a soft, chewy texture with a rich caramel flavor.
Red, Green, and White M&M’s: These colors bring the festive Christmas look.

Instructions