Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites are a delicious combination of sweet and salty flavors, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season. The crunchy pretzels, soft caramel-filled Rolos, and colorful M&M candies come together to create an irresistible snack that’s both festive and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal time, these bite-sized treats will be a hit at your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 bag mini pretzels
- 1 bag Rolos candies
- 1 bag M&M candies
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the mini pretzels on the baking sheet in a single layer. Top each pretzel with a Rolo candy.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, or until the Rolos are soft but not fully melted.
- Remove from the oven and gently press an M&M candy on top of each soft Rolo.
- Allow the bites to cool completely before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 12
Variations
- Add sprinkles: After pressing the M&M candy on top, you can sprinkle some holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar for extra festivity.
- Use different candies: Try substituting Rolos with other chocolate or caramel candies, such as Dove chocolates or caramel-filled Hershey’s Kisses.
- Use dark chocolate M&Ms: For a different twist, use dark chocolate M&Ms instead of milk chocolate.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store the caramel pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These treats freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
10 FAQs
- Can I use regular pretzels instead of mini pretzels?
Yes, you can use regular-sized pretzels, but the mini ones are better for bite-sized portions. - How do I know when the Rolos are soft enough?
The Rolos should be soft but not completely melted. They should be slightly squishy when touched, but still hold their shape. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these up to a few days ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. - Can I use another type of candy instead of M&Ms?
Yes, you can use any type of candy, such as Skittles, Reese’s Pieces, or even a chocolate kiss. - How do I prevent the pretzels from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to let the caramel cool completely before storing. - Can I make these without baking?
While baking helps to soften the Rolos, you could try using a microwave to soften the Rolos if you don’t want to use the oven. - What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can use wax paper or a non-stick baking mat instead of parchment paper. - Can I use a different type of chocolate candy?
Yes, you can substitute Rolos with any caramel-filled chocolate candy or a simple chocolate square. - How can I make these more festive?
Add sprinkles, holiday-themed M&Ms, or drizzle them with melted white or dark chocolate to enhance the festive look. - Can I use gluten-free pretzels?
Yes, gluten-free mini pretzels work great in this recipe as a substitute for regular pretzels.
Conclusion
Christmas Caramel Pretzel Bites are a quick and easy holiday treat that everyone will love. With just three ingredients, they’re a simple yet satisfying combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy that makes them perfect for any Christmas celebration. Whether for a party, a gift, or a snack, these bites are sure to bring joy and delight to your festive season.
PrintLemon Lush Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This refreshing Lemon Lush Dessert features a buttery shortbread crust topped with a creamy lemon layer and a light whipped topping. It’s a sweet, tangy, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Layer:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter
Lemon Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the lemon pudding mix by whisking it with 1 1/2 cups of milk until it thickens. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Once the crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- Then, spread the prepared lemon pudding layer over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the whipped topping and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your refreshing Lemon Lush Dessert!
Notes
- For added flavor, you can zest a lemon and sprinkle it on top before serving.
- If you’d like a stronger lemon flavor, you can use lemon juice in place of some of the milk in the pudding layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes