Grinch Pretzel Bites with Caramel and Candy Melts Recipe
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Grinch Pretzel Bites dipped in vibrant green candy melts and topped with sweet heart-shaped sprinkles. Soft caramel centers add a gooey surprise, making these bite-sized treats perfect for parties and gift-giving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 48 pretzel bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Bites
- 48 mini pretzel twists
- 12 soft caramels, unwrapped and cut in half
Candy Coating
- 1 cup vibrant green candy melts
- ¼ cup kelly green candy melts
- 1–2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Decorations
- 24 heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for melting the caramel inside pretzel bites.
- Prepare pretzel and caramel: Arrange the mini pretzel twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place half a caramel on top of each pretzel twist.
- Melt caramel: Bake the pretzel and caramel bites in the oven for about 3-4 minutes until the caramel softens but does not fully melt, creating a sticky center.
- Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the caramel pretzel bites to cool slightly to handle.
- Melt candy coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the vibrant green and kelly green candy melts with 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Add an additional tablespoon of shortening if needed for a smoother consistency.
- Dip pretzel bites: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each caramel-filled pretzel bite into the melted green candy coating, covering completely.
- Add decorations: Immediately after dipping, place two heart-shaped sprinkles on top of each coated pretzel bite to resemble the Grinch’s personality.
- Set coating: Place the dipped pretzel bites back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow the candy coating to harden completely at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to speed up the setting process.
- Serve and enjoy: Once set, these Grinch Pretzel Bites are ready to be enjoyed or packaged as delightful holiday gifts.
Notes
- To make melting easier and smoother, ensure the candy melts and shortening are not overheated as this can cause the candy to seize.
- If you prefer a thicker coating, dip pretzel bites twice, allowing the coating to set between layers.
- Store finished pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a festive variation, consider using different colored candy melts and sprinkles to match other holiday themes.
Keywords: Grinch pretzel bites, holiday snacks, caramel pretzels, candy melts, festive treats, Christmas dessert