To bring these salted caramel dark chocolate pretzel rods to life, it all starts with selecting the best ingredients. The key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures lies in choosing high-quality pretzel rods, rich dark chocolate, creamy caramel, and the finest sea salt. By ensuring each element is of top-notch quality, you set yourself up for success in creating a truly indulgent treat that will impress anyone who takes a bite. And now, onto preparing the pretzel rods.

CARAMELS

I have experimented with four different caramel options in the past and thought I would share them again in this post. You can decide which one is your favorite. Some of the caramel options are easier than others.

Caramel Bits

CARAMEL BITS: Heat the caramel bits for 1 minute, stir, and heat for an additional 30 seconds. Set aside for 5 minutes. Dip the pretzels and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. I wasn’t too impressed with the caramel bits. They were very messy, and I had to dip them twice to get enough caramel coating.

Meltables

SALTED CARAMEL MELTING CANDY: I found this melting candy at Michael’s. The brand is Sweet Tooth Fairy Meltables Salted Caramel. If you use the melting candy, pour it into a microwave-safe container ( I used a tall glass cup) and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening. Heat for 1 minute and stir until the candy is melted. Place the dipped pretzels on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. To harden, either set them aside on the counter or, for quicker results, place them in the refrigerator (about 10 minutes).

Wrapples

WRAPPLES CARAMEL WRAPS: These fun caramel apple wraps are super easy to use and add a great caramel flavor to the pretzels. The only bad thing I can say about them is that they are a seasonal product. But if you’re lucky enough to find them (I have found them in the produce department next to the apples), they taste great and are easy to use. TO USE: Cut the caramel sheets in half ( one sheet covers two pretzel rods), wrap the sheet of caramel around the pretzel rod, and form with your hands. That’s it! Like I said, it’s super easy.

Wrapped Caramels

WRAPPED CARAMELS: If you can’t find the Wrapples caramel wraps, this is the next best option. One (11-ounce) bag of wrapped caramel covers nine pretzel rods, four per pretzel. Unwrap four caramels, microwave them for 10 seconds, and mold them around the pretzel. Only cover one pretzel at a time; repeat until all the pretzels are covered.

How to Make Wrapples at Home

As I said above, the Wrapples were my favorite of the four caramel options. Since they’re only available in the Fall, I decided to make my own and share it with you!

1. Take off all the wrappers from around the caramel. Divide the caramels into threes.
2. Press three caramels together in your hand to warm them. Then, form them into a disk and place them on a piece of parchment paper. I FOUND THE PATTY SQUARE PARCHMENT PAPERS AT THE DOLLAR TREE
3. Add another piece of parchment paper on top of the caramel disk, then press it with the palm of your hand as if you were pressing a hamburger patty.
4. Use a rolling pin to roll the caramel into a 4½ x 4½ inch round.
5. Roll the pretzel rod on the caramel disk like a burrito.
6. Use the warmth of your hands to press the caramel to the pretzel.
7. If needed, roll the coated pretzel between your hands, as shown in the post. Set it aside; once all the pretzels have a caramel coat, prepare to melt the chocolate.

CHOCOLATE-MELTING WAFERS VS CHOCOLATE BARS

MELTING WAFERS: If you choose to use melting wafers, I highly recommend choosing Ghirardelli. DO NOT USE candy melts of any brand, and not chocolate-flavored almond bark. I used the Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting wafers. I love how easy they are to use. The wafers melt beautifully without having to add any additional fat.

CHOCOLATE BAR: Chop 1 cup of your favorite dark chocolate bar and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, and continue heating until the chocolate is melted and, when stirred, is creamy.

How to Make Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pretzel Rods

Can you smell the warm, rich aroma of chocolate and caramel filling the air? It’s that time of year again when the holiday season brings forth a flurry of sweet treats and decadent desserts. Among the many delights that grace our tables during this festive time are the beloved Christmas-decorated pretzel rods. But these aren’t just any ordinary pretzel rods – they’re covered with creamy caramel and coated in dark chocolate, topped with a drizzle of holiday colors and festive sprinkles, and dressed up for the holidays. Whether you’re a die-hard chocolate lover or simply looking for a unique and delicious holiday treat, this blog post will take you on a journey through the world of dark chocolate caramel Christmas-decorated pretzel rods. So get ready to indulge your taste buds and learn how to make these delectable delights that are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

SALTED CARAMEL DECORATED PRETZELS INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card

• 13 pretzel rods
• 1 (11-ounce) bag of wrapped caramels ( I used Kraft)
• 1 ( 10-ounce ) bag of dark chocolate melting wafers ( I used Ghirardelli)
• sea salt
• Optional: red, green, and white melting wafers (½ cup each) and holiday sprinkles

CHRISTMAS DECORATED PRETZELS INSTRUCTIONS

FOR THE CARAMEL WRAPS:

1. Take off all the wrappers from around the caramel. Divide the caramels into threes.
2. Press three caramels together in your hand to warm them. Form into a disk and place on a piece of parchment paper.
3. Add another piece of parchment paper on top of the caramel disk, then press it with the palm of your hand as if you were pressing a hamburger patty.
4. Use a rolling pin to roll the caramel into a 4½ x 4½ inch round.
5. Roll the pretzel rod on the caramel disk like a burrito.
6. Use the warmth of your hands to press the caramel to the pretzel.
7. If needed, roll the coated pretzel between your hands, as shown in the post. Set it aside; once all the pretzels have a caramel coat, prepare to melt the chocolate.

FOR THE CHOCOLATE-DIPPED PRETZEL RODS:

1. Place a towel, oblong pot holder, or oblong heating pad (on low) on the kitchen counter and cover it with parchment paper. NOTE: This step is unnecessary but will help greatly, especially if your countertops are cold.
2. Use another piece of parchment paper and line a cookie sheet, set aside.
3. Pour the chocolate wafers into a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, heat on high for 1 minute, and stir. If the chocolate still needs more heating time, continue heating for another 30 seconds.
4. Pour half of the melted chocolate on the prepared parchment paper in an oblong shape. Roll each pretzel in the chocolate, making sure the top is coated and leaving a couple of inches at the bottom free of chocolate. Add the remaining chocolate as needed. Carefully tap off any extra chocolate. NOTE: With the addition of caramel, these pretzels are heavy, so be careful when tapping them.
5. Place coated pretzels on the prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle wet chocolate with sea salt. Set aside to harden. This can be done on the countertop for a quicker time; place the coated pretzels in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

FOR THE OPTIONAL HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

1. Pour each color of the melting wafers into their own small microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
3. Pour melted candy into their own squeeze bottle or small zip-top bag.
4. If you’re using a zip-top bag, snip the corner; in a back-and-forth motion, add the green, red, and white melted candy to the tops of the dipped pretzels. TIP: Before starting the decorating process, harden the dark chocolate. While the candy is still wet, add the holiday sprinkles.

HOW DO I GET RID OF THE CANDY PUDDLE?

One of my favorite tips that I use every time I decorate pretzels is using a micro plane tool for the edges that have puddled under the pretzel. Carefully scrape off the excess melted candy. NOTE: CANDY MUST BE HARD FOR THIS TO WORK

Adding the Final Touch of Sea Salt, Do I Have to Use Sea Salt?

The final touch to your salted caramel dark chocolate pretzel rods is a sprinkling of sea salt, which completes the perfect sweet, salty, and savory combo. This small but essential step enhances the flavors of the caramel and dark chocolate, adding a satisfying crunch and an extra burst of saltiness that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Gently sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the freshly dipped pretzel rods before the chocolate sets to ensure it adheres and becomes a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. The sea salt crystals will add not only a subtle brininess but also a beautiful visual contrast to the rich dark chocolate coating. Once complete, your salted caramel dark chocolate pretzel rods are ready to be enjoyed or shared with family and friends.

PERFECT FOR GIFT-GIVING

For a stunning presentation, consider placing your salted caramel dark chocolate pretzel rods in a decorative tin or gift box lined with colorful tissue paper. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also makes them perfect for gifting to friends or family or as a special treat for a party or event. Send a few home as party favors at your next Christmas Party. When displaying decorated pretzels at my parties I like to put them in tall containers like a mason jar or bucket filled with colored rice. For such a small treat, they add a pop of color and can fill the smallest of areas.

More Posts You Might Be Interested In

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CANDY MELTS 2. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW TO DECORATE PRETZELS

CAN I DECORATE PRETZELS IN ADVANCE OF MY PARTY?

One of the best things about decorated pretzels (aside from the taste) is the convenience of being able to make them in advance of your party. It’s every hostess’s dream to be able to make something this tasty before the craziness of the party prep starts. Ultimately taking some of the stress away from hosting a party. These adorable pretzels can be made as early as a week before the party.

To keep the pretzel rods fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Provided everything is fresh, to begin with, and the container is clean, dry, and has a tight seal, partially covered pretzel rods can stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks. With these storage tips in mind, your salted caramel dark chocolate pretzel rods are sure to be a hit wherever they go. Enjoy the sweet and salty goodness of this irresistible treat!

MORE HOLIDAY PARTY TREAT IDEAS

• SNOW GLOBE COCONUT CUPCAKES
• SPIRAL CHRISTMAS COOKIES
• EASY CHOCOLATE COVERED MARSHMALLOW SNOWMAN HAT TREATS
• CHRISTMAS REINDEER BARK
• COCONUT PECAN SNOWBALL CAKES
• CRANBERRY ORANGE CHRISTMAS CANDLE CAKES

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In conclusion, crafting your own salted caramel dark chocolate pretzel rods is a rewarding and delightful experience. By selecting high-quality ingredients, mastering each step with care, and adding the final touch of sea salt, you are sure to impress with these homemade treats. Whether for a holiday gathering or a simple gift, these pretzel rods offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative with your presentation, and enjoy the delicious results. Happy Creating!🎄Sheryl