Butter Toffee Pretzels
Sweet, salty, crunchy, and dangerously addictive, these butter toffee pretzels are the perfect easy homemade candy or snack. They’re great for gifts, parties, or just keeping on hand for a sweet treat.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Cool Time: 1 hour | Makes: About 6 cups
Ingredients
· 6 cups (about 12 oz) mini pretzel twists (or sticks/bites)
· 1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter
· 1 cup (220g packed) light brown sugar
· 1 tbsp light corn syrup (or honey)
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· ½ tsp baking soda
· ¼ tsp salt
· 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (optional)
· 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (optional, for thinning chocolate)
· Optional toppings: Flaky sea salt, sprinkles, crushed toffee bits, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prep
· Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
· Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
· Spread the pretzels evenly on the sheet.
- Make the Toffee Coating
· In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
· Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup (or honey). Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
· Once boiling, let it cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes. The mixture should be bubbling and slightly thickened.
· Remove from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. The mixture will foam up and become lighter in color—this is normal!
- Coat & Bake
· Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the pretzels on the baking sheet.
· Using two spoons or a spatula, gently toss and stir until all pretzels are evenly coated. Work quickly before the toffee sets.
· Spread the coated pretzels back into an even layer.
· Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring gently every 15 minutes. This slow bake helps the toffee crisp up and coat evenly.
- Cool & Optional Chocolate Drizzle
· Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The toffee will harden as it cools.
· Optional Chocolate: Once completely cooled, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in the microwave (30-second bursts, stirring) or over a double boiler. Drizzle over the pretzels with a fork or spoon.
· While chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with optional toppings like sea salt or sprinkles.
· Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature (or refrigerate for 15 minutes to speed it up).
- Break & Store
· Once fully cooled and set, break into clusters.
· Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Success Tips
· Work Quickly: The toffee coating will start to set as soon as it’s off the heat.
· Baking Soda is Key: It creates tiny air bubbles that make the coating crisp, not chewy.
· Low & Slow Baking: Don’t skip the 45-minute bake—it ensures the toffee is crunchy and not sticky.
· Stir Gently: Be careful not to break the pretzels when stirring during baking.
· Parchment is Essential: This prevents a sticky nightmare.
Storage
· Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 2 weeks.
· Freeze: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Delicious Variations
· Pecan Toffee Pretzels: Add 1 cup chopped pecans to the pretzels before coating.
· Christmas Crack: Use a mix of pretzels, salted crackers, and nuts.
· White Chocolate & Peppermint: Drizzle with white chocolate and crush candy canes on top.
· Spicy Sweet: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to the toffee mixture.
· Mocha: Add 1 tbsp instant espresso powder to the toffee and drizzle with dark chocolate.
Gift Idea
Package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or in festive tins. They make a wonderful homemade holiday or hostess gift.
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and buttery crunch!