Christmas ROLO pretzels are an irresistible combination of salty, sweet, and chocolatey goodness. These festive treats are quick to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: With just three ingredients and minimal effort, these treats are foolproof.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The mix of crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and chocolate is a hit with all ages.
- Perfect for Gifting: Beautifully packaged, they make thoughtful and delicious gifts.
- Customizable: Add your own twist with festive decorations or alternate toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mini pretzels
- ROLO candies, unwrapped
- Festive toppings (red and green M&Ms, sprinkles, or pecans)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the Pretzels: Lay the mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add the ROLOs: Place one unwrapped ROLO candy on top of each pretzel.
- Bake: Heat in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the ROLOs are soft but not fully melted.
- Top and Press: Remove the tray from the oven and immediately press a topping, like an M&M or pecan, into the softened ROLO.
- Cool and Set: Allow the pretzels to cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve or Package: Once set, arrange the pretzels on a festive platter or package them in holiday bags or tins for gifting.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 40 pretzels
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Use pecans, almonds, or walnuts as the topping for a nutty twist.
- White Chocolate: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a festive striped effect.
- Holiday Colors: Decorate with red and green sprinkles or edible glitter for extra cheer.
- Peanut Butter Cups: Swap ROLOs for mini peanut butter cups for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pretzels to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pretzels?
Yes, pretzel twists, squares, or sticks all work well for this recipe.
How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too much?
Keep a close eye on the ROLOs in the oven and remove them as soon as they are soft but still hold their shape.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
What can I use instead of ROLOs?
Try Hershey’s Kisses, caramel candies, or chocolate squares as alternatives.
Can I add more decorations?
Yes, get creative with festive sprinkles, candy eyes, or drizzle additional chocolate for a fun look.
Are these suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Package them in cellophane bags, holiday tins, or mason jars tied with ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
How do I ensure the toppings stick to the chocolate?
Press the toppings firmly into the softened ROLOs immediately after removing them from the oven.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, avoid nuts and use candy toppings like M&Ms or sprinkles for a nut-free option.
Can I use dark chocolate ROLOs?
Yes, dark chocolate ROLOs add a richer, slightly less sweet flavor.
What’s the best way to transport these treats?
Place them in a sturdy container with layers separated by wax paper to prevent sticking or breaking.
Conclusion
Christmas ROLO pretzels are a simple, festive, and utterly delicious holiday treat. With their perfect blend of flavors and textures, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Customize them with your favorite toppings and decorations, and enjoy the holiday season with these easy-to-make delights. Whip up a batch today and spread the cheer!
Print
Christmas ROLO Pretzels
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 60 pretzels 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas ROLO Pretzels are the ultimate sweet and salty holiday treat! Made with just three ingredients, these bite-sized snacks are quick to prepare and perfect for cookie trays, gift bags, or a festive snack for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 bag mini pretzels (about 60 pieces)
- 1 bag ROLO candies (about 60 pieces), unwrapped
- 1 bag holiday-themed M&M’s (red and green)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Assemble the Pretzels:
- Lay the mini pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place one ROLO candy on top of each pretzel.
- Bake:
- Bake for 3–4 minutes, or until the ROLO candies are softened but still hold their shape.
- Add the M&M’s:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Quickly press one M&M into the center of each softened ROLO, gently squishing it into the pretzel.
- Cool and Set:
- Allow the pretzels to cool at room temperature until the chocolate is set, or place them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to speed up the process.
- Serve or Store:
- Transfer the ROLO pretzels to a serving plate or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- Use festive-shaped pretzels, like stars or Christmas trees, for an extra holiday touch.
- Swap M&M’s for crushed candy canes or other small candies for variety.
- These treats freeze well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.