Butter Toffee Pretzels are a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat, perfect for snacking or holiday gifting. The toffee sauce coats every pretzel, while Heath bits and optional roasted peanuts add extra texture and flavor. Baked to perfection, these pretzels stay crunchy and make an irresistible treat that’s sure to be a hit at gatherings.
INGREDIENTS
- Pretzel Snaps: The square shape holds the toffee sauce perfectly, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
- Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the toffee coating, essential for a classic toffee taste.
- Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramelized sweetness that balances the saltiness of the pretzels.
- Corn Syrup: Ensures a smooth, glossy texture in the toffee, making it easier to coat the pretzels evenly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic touch to the toffee, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Baking Soda: Creates a light, airy texture in the toffee, making it easier to coat the pretzels without being too dense.
- Heath Bits: Adds extra crunch and a deep toffee flavor, enhancing the sweetness and texture of the snack.
- Roasted Peanuts (optional): Adds a nutty crunch, balancing the sweetness of the toffee and adding a bit of savory flavor.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Step 2:
- In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a boil. Let it boil without stirring for 2-3 minutes to allow the sugars to caramelize.
- Step 3:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up and become foamy, giving the toffee a lighter texture.
- Step 4:
- Place the pretzel snaps in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm toffee mixture over the pretzels, stirring until all pretzels are evenly coated.
- Step 5:
- Add the Heath bits to the coated pretzels and mix well to distribute them evenly across the pretzels.
- Step 6:
- Spread the coated pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking and a crunchy coating.
- Step 7:
- Remove the pretzels from the oven and sprinkle the finely chopped roasted peanuts (if using) over the warm pretzels. Gently toss to ensure an even distribution of peanuts.
- Step 8:
- Allow the pretzels to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break them into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these Butter Toffee Pretzels in a festive bowl at holiday gatherings or package them in small gift bags for a sweet, homemade holiday gift.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their crunch and flavor.
- For warmer climates, keep the container in a cool area to prevent the toffee from softening too much.
Helpful Notes
- Feel free to experiment with toppings. Crushed peppermint, mini marshmallows, or dark chocolate chips can make festive additions.
- To make the recipe nut-free, simply omit the peanuts. Add extra Heath bits or other toppings instead.
- Parchment paper is essential for easy cleanup and helps prevent sticking as the toffee cools and hardens.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten recommends using high-quality butter for a richer toffee flavor.
- Chef Martha Stewart advises adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness in toffee recipes.
- Chef Jacques Torres suggests letting the toffee cool at room temperature for the best texture.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Butter Toffee Pretzels are a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making them an addictive holiday snack.
- The recipe is easy to follow and uses minimal ingredients, ideal for quick holiday preparations.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings, this snack is versatile and loved by all ages.
Variations
- For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed peppermint or mini marshmallows on top.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a rich chocolate-covered version.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the toffee mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.