Description
Pretzel Christmas Crack, also known as Pretzel Toffee, is a delectable holiday treat that combines the perfect balance of salty pretzels, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. This easy-to-make dessert features a crunchy toffee layer drizzled with melted chocolate and finished with festive optional toppings like chopped nuts or crushed peppermint candies, making it a crowd-pleasing sweet and salty snack for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- About 40 pretzel twists (or pretzel rods/nuggets as alternatives)
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, crushed peppermint candies, or white chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pretzels: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange pretzel twists in a single layer, covering the entire sheet evenly to create a base for the toffee.
- Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to develop a thick caramel consistency.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the hot caramel evenly over the arranged pretzels, spreading it gently with a spatula to coat as many pretzels as possible. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes to help set the caramel into the pretzels.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel-covered pretzels. Let them sit for a few minutes until the chocolate softens, then spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Finish and Chill: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate and add any optional toppings for extra flavor and festive decoration. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the toffee is completely hardened.
- Serve and Store: Once set, break the toffee into about 36 pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in a cool place to keep the toffee crisp and fresh for up to two weeks.
Notes
- For extra festive flair, top with crushed peppermint candies or drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished pieces.
- Pretzel rods or pretzel nuggets can be substituted depending on your preferred shape and size.
- Store Pretzel Christmas Crack in a cool, dry place or refrigerator to maintain crispness for up to two weeks.
