Description
These festive Grinch Pretzel Bites are a delightful holiday treat combining salty mini pretzel twists with soft caramel centers, coated in vibrant green candy melts and topped with heart-shaped sprinkles. Perfect for a fun and colorful snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Bites
- 48 mini pretzel twists
- 12 soft caramels, unwrapped and cut in half
Candy Coating
- 1 cup vibrant green candy melts
- ¼ cup kelly green candy melts
- 1–2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Decorations
- 24 heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for melting the caramel inside the pretzel bites.
- Assemble Pretzel Bites: Arrange half the pretzel twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place a half of a soft caramel candy on each pretzel. Top each with another pretzel twist, gently pressing to sandwich the caramel inside.
- Melt Caramel: Bake the assembled pretzel bites in the preheated oven for about 3-5 minutes or until the caramel softens but the pretzels do not burn. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.
- Prepare Candy Coating: While pretzels bake, melt both the vibrant green and kelly green candy melts together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening to thin the candy and create a smooth dipping consistency.
- Dip Pretzel Bites: Using a fork or skewer, dip each warm pretzel bite into the melted green candy coating, ensuring it is fully covered. Gently tap off excess coating to avoid clumps.
- Decorate: Before the candy coating sets, place a heart-shaped sprinkle on top of each pretzel bite as a fun and festive decoration.
- Set and Cool: Place dipped pretzel bites on parchment paper or a cooling rack. Allow the candy coating to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster drying.
- Serve or Store: Once coating is firm, serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the pretzels with caramel to prevent burning or caramel leakage.
- The vegetable shortening helps thin the candy melts for smoother dipping; adjust quantity to achieve desired consistency.
- If candy melts begin to harden while dipping, gently reheat in short bursts, stirring well.
- Store coated pretzel bites in a cool, dry place to prevent candy coating from melting.
- Use heart-shaped sprinkles or other festive decorations to customize these treats for different holidays or occasions.
Keywords: Grinch pretzel bites, holiday snack, caramel pretzels, candy melts, festive treats, Christmas snacks