Salted Caramel Brûlée Chocolate Pretzels.

Homemade chocolate-covered pretzels made with salty pretzels, easy homemade caramel, chocolate (milk, dark, or a mix!), and flaky sea salt. Sweet, salty, and simple to make, these pretzels are perfect for holiday parties, dessert tables, or easy last-minute gifting. Tip: They make for a great hostess gift!

Happiest December 23rd! Christmas Eve is tomorrow, and I’m so excited. For once, I’ve actually done a little prep ahead of time. I may still be behind (as always), but I’m really looking forward to the next couple of days — setting the holiday table, cooking for family and friends (we have a full house this year), and filling the studio with festive cheer.

It’s busy, but it still feels so magical.

One of my favorite treats to make in the days leading up to Christmas Eve is chocolate pretzels. I add them to my cookie boxes and always keep holiday tins stocked for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day snacking. The fridge gets opened countless times as everyone sneaks a pretzel (or two) throughout the night.

I’m so happy to finally share the version I always make. I used to stick to simple chocolate-covered pretzels, but these caramel pretzels are far more delicious. The caramel sets up hard, with a perfect sweet-and-salty crunch beneath the chocolate.

Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they have just the right contrast to all that sweetness.

These are the details

Ingredients

• granulated sugar
• salted butter – softened
• heavy cream – make sure this is at room temperature
• salted pretzels – use your favorite shape
• milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate
• flaked sea salt

What You Need

Use a skillet to make the caramel, then a bowl to melt the chocolate. And a couple of sheet pans for lining up all the pretzels!

The Steps

Step 1: Make the Caramel

Add the granulated sugar to a dry skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Let the sugar melt into a golden sauce. Go slow and don’t rush — it will only take a few minutes to melt. It may smoke a bit, but don’t be alarmed.

Once melted, turn off the heat. Add the butter (make sure it’s very soft) and whisk until smooth. Whisk in the cream—just be sure it isn’t cold.

Turn the heat back up to high and let the caramel bubble for 2–3 minutes, until thick and glossy.

Step 2: Dip the Pretzels in the Caramel

Using a fork, carefully dip each pretzel into the warm caramel. Keep the caramel over very low heat if needed to prevent it from stiffening.

Place the coated pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the caramel set and harden for just a few minutes.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Melt the chocolate. I like to do this over very low heat, but the microwave works great too. I use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for a little variety.

Step 4: Dip the Pretzels

Dip each caramel-coated pretzel into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still wet.

Freeze for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

I make a big batch of these every single year — and every single year, they mysteriously disappear quite quickly. It always seems to be the simplest desserts that are loved the most.

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas. Wishing you all the best and hoping the recipes we share bring you so much joy, happiness, and comfort this season.

Merry Christmas! I can’t wait to see what everyone makes!

Looking for other holiday recipes? Here are my favorites: 

Salted Caramel Brûlée Latte

Creamy Coconut Hot Chocolate

Vanilla Mocha Hot Cocoa

Gingerbread Latte

Lastly, if you make these Salted Caramel Brûlée Chocolate Pretzels, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!