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Growing up, our family’s holiday baking traditions always included these chocolate-covered pretzel treats. My sister and I would spend hours dipping pretzels in melted chocolate and covering them with festive sprinkles. We called them Christmas crackers, even though they’re not the kind that pop. Mom would set up the kitchen counter with wax paper and all our supplies, and we’d make enough to fill cookie tins for teachers and neighbors. Looking back, I think she knew it was a perfect way to keep us busy during winter break while creating sweet memories (and even sweeter treats).
Ingredient Substitutions
For those seeking a healthier alternative, small pretzels can be replaced with whole grain or gluten-free pretzels, offering more fiber and accommodating gluten sensitivities. Butter can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, using a 1:1 ratio. This swap maintains the rich texture while adding a subtle coconut flavor. Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar or a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol for those watching their sugar intake. Adjust quantities to taste, as alternative sweeteners may have different levels of sweetness. Semi-sweet chocolate chips can be swapped for dark chocolate chips or carob chips for a lower sugar content or caffeine-free option. These substitutions allow for dietary flexibility while preserving the overall flavor profile of the Christmas crackers.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 8-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 18-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3400-3600
- Protein: 30-40 g
- Fat: 200-220 g
- Carbohydrates: 400-420 g
Ingredients
- 8 oz of small pretzels
- 1 cup of butter
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 12 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Take a cookie sheet and line it with parchment paper.
Grease the parchment paper lightly to prevent sticking.
Spread an even layer of pretzels across the prepared cookie sheet to create the base layer for your treat.
Step 2: Make the Toffee Mixture
In a saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir the mixture constantly until it reaches a boil.
Once boiling, continue to stir while letting it boil for 3 minutes.
This will ensure the sugar fully dissolves and creates a smooth toffee.
Step 3: Coat the Pretzels and Bake
Carefully pour the hot butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the pretzels on the cookie sheet, covering them completely.
Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes.
This step allows the toffee to further meld with the pretzels.
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Let It Melt
Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and immediately scatter chocolate chips over the hot toffee-covered pretzels.
Let the pan sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the heat to soften and melt the chocolate chips.
Step 5: Spread Chocolate and Add Final Touches
Once the chocolate chips have softened, use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly across the toffee layer.
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate while it is still melted for a savory finish.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the pretzel toffee to cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled and set, break it into pieces.
Serve and enjoy this delightful sweet and salty treat!
