This recipe for Butter Toffee Pretzels is incredibly easy to make and so much fun to eat! Perfect for holiday parties or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family, these pretzels are always a crowd-pleaser. Every time I make them, they disappear in no time because they’re so addictive!
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The buttery toffee coats the pretzels, creating a delightful sweet and salty combination, while the crunchy texture offers a nice contrast. Once you try them, you won’t be able to resist going back for more.
If you like recipes using pretzels, you will love Pretzel S’mores Bites and No Bake Pretzel Cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Toffee Pretzels Recipe
- You need just 5 ingredients: With 5 simple ingredients, you can create a simple, yet sweet and salty pretzel treat.
- They take less than 30 minutes: It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and bake the candied pretzels. Once safely cooled, they’re ready to devour!
- It’s a low-cost recipe: The ingredients used for this pretzel toffee recipe are affordable for almost any budget.
Ingredients
Below are all of the ingredients I use to make this butter toffee pretzel recipe. I keep it relatively simple and only use 5 items to pull off this show-stopping treat.
- Butter: I use salted butter in this recipe to enhance the salty flavor of the pretzels. Feel free to use unsalted if you prefer.
- Brown sugar: I chose dark brown sugar for the deep molasses flavor. Light brown sugar works here as well if that’s what you have.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and the saltiness. Opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for the best flavor.
- Sea salt: Regular salt works in a pinch as well. I find that the recipe benefits from a hint of salt. It enhances the buttery flavor of the toffee.
- Pretzels: I prefer using mini pretzel twists for this recipe because they’re perfectly bite-sized, making them easier to coat evenly with the toffee mixture. The “waffles” or “snaps” are great, too.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the toffee pretzels when they come out of the oven for a rich and decadent twist.
- Pecan: Add chopped pecans to the pot and let them roast in the oven with the pretzels for a crunchy and nutty version.
- Spiced: Try this recipe with a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
How to Make Butter Toffee Pretzels
Here are the instructions on how to make these tasty pretzel treats. Allow your oven to preheat to 350°F while you are preparing this toffee pretzel recipe. Then, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to make it easier to remove them from the pan.
Step 1: Make the toffee mixture. Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the brown sugar, vanilla, and sea salt. Stir the ingredients well to combine them. Cook and stir the toffee mixture frequently until it’s smooth.
Step 2: Add the pretzels. Pour in the pretzels and gently fold them into the toffee until they are well coated.
Step 3: Spread and bake. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread out the pretzels (it’s fine if they overlap). Bake for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cool and serve. Allow the toffee pretzels to cool slightly so they are safe to handle, and enjoy!
⭐ Hint: Use a large saucepan to ensure the pretzels fit comfortably for coating. Tossing them directly in the pot keeps the process quick and efficient, preventing the toffee from seizing.
If you love easy recipes like this, you may also enjoy Christmas Crack Pretzel Toffee.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store the pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can refrigerate them, but that will give them a harder texture. They can also be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment in between the layers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy!
- Make Ahead: These butter toffee pretzels can easily be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
- Some other ideas for festive treats to serve alongside these pretzels at a party are my gingerbread dip and this old-fashioned homemade peanut brittle.
- Need an appetizer idea? Bourbon meatballs are a tasty option.
- Enjoy a lovely meal of air fryer turkey legs and cheesy potato casserole. Then, have a handful of toffee pretzels for dessert!
Recipe Tips
- Watch the toffee: Keep stirring the toffee mixture as it cooks to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the pot.
- Let it cool: Hot toffee must be handled with care. I like to let the pretzels cool for a few minutes when they come out of the oven.
- Don’t refreeze leftovers: These toffee pretzels freeze well, but once thawed, do not refreeze them, as it can ruin their texture.
Recipe FAQs
If the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve, it can lead to crystallization and a grainy texture. Allow the mixture plenty of time to melt and become smooth before you add the pretzels.
Yes, you can, but I prefer the flavor of the brown sugar, as it complements the butter and pretzels perfectly.
As it cools, the toffee will harden. If you allow the toffee to get too cold before you add the pretzels, you won’t be able to stir and coat the pretzels easily.
More Delicious Toffee Recipes
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Butter Toffee Pretzels
Equipment
- Baking Sheet (at least 9x13)
- Parchment paper optional
- Silicone spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 4 cups pretzels
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. You are going to be putting all of the ingredients in the pot, so make sure it is big enough to hold your pretzels too.
- Once the butter has melted, whisk in the brown sugar, vanilla, and sea salt. Continue stirring the mixture over medium heat for a few minutes, or until smooth. The butter and sugar should not separate when you stop stirring.
- Fold in the pretzels and make sure they are evenly coated in the sugar mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and then spread the pretzels onto the pan. Bake your pretzels for 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Watch the toffee: Keep stirring the toffee mixture as it cooks to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the pot.
- Let it cool: Hot toffee must be handled with care. I like to let the pretzels cool for a few minutes when they come out of the oven.
- Don’t refreeze leftovers: These toffee pretzels freeze well, but once thawed, do not refreeze them, as it can ruin their texture.
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