Butter Toffee Pretzels are an irresistibly sweet and crunchy snack, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift. Coated in a rich toffee sauce with Heath bits and roasted peanuts, these pretzels are baked to golden perfection for the ultimate sweet and salty treat.
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.