Butter Toffee Pretzels

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Sweet, salty, crunchy, and downright addictive — Butter Toffee Pretzels are everything you want in a snack and more. Imagine crisp pretzels coated in a rich, buttery toffee that melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced with a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate every bite. This is the kind of treat that disappears from the snack bowl before you even realize it.

Whether you’re hosting a movie night, putting together a holiday snack tray, or simply looking for something a little indulgent, these Butter Toffee Pretzels will absolutely steal the show. The beauty lies in their simplicity — no candy thermometer required, no complex techniques — just a handful of pantry staples transformed into something spectacular.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Toffee Pretzels Recipe

• Quick and easy: Just 15 minutes of prep and baking!
• Perfect combo: Sweet toffee and salty pretzels? Irresistible.
• Great for gifting: Bag them up for homemade holiday presents.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike devour these at gatherings.
• Customizable: Add nuts, drizzle chocolate, or sprinkle extra toppings.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To whip up the perfect batch of Butter Toffee Pretzels, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

• Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet keeps the toffee coating contained while baking.
• Saucepan: For melting the butter and sugar mixture to make the toffee base.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring without damaging your pans.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for tossing pretzels with toffee if you prefer mixing off the heat.

Each tool helps you manage the temperature-sensitive caramel and ensures the coating spreads evenly and crisps up nicely.

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Preparation Tips

Use medium heat when making the toffee — going too hot too fast can burn the butter or sugar. Stir constantly once the sugar dissolves to keep the mixture smooth and prevent separation. When coating the pretzels, work quickly before the toffee begins to harden. Lay everything out in a single layer on the baking sheet for even cooking and crunch. Finally, let the pretzels cool completely before storing, so the toffee sets up firm and glossy.

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Ingredients for this Butter Toffee Pretzels Recipe

• 10 cups mini pretzels (twists or squares)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
• Optional: sea salt flakes for topping

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step ensures the toffee doesn’t stick and simplifies cleanup.

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Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels

Spread the mini pretzels in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. You want to cover as much surface area as possible without overlapping too much. If you’re using chopped nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the pretzels now.

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Step 3: Make the Toffee Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling and stirring for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up – that’s normal and helps create a light, crisp texture.

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Step 4: Coat the Pretzels

Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the pretzels. Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat as many pretzels as possible. Work quickly as the toffee begins to set fast.

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Step 5: Bake to Set the Toffee

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning. This slow baking step allows the toffee to harden properly and coat the pretzels evenly.

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Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the pretzels cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the toffee will set into a crisp, glossy coating. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the warm pretzels for an extra burst of flavor.

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Step 7: Break Apart and Serve

After cooling, break apart any pretzels that have stuck together. Transfer to an airtight container for storage or serve immediately in a large bowl or as part of a snack mix.

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Notes

Butter Toffee Pretzels are a flexible snack that works great as a party treat, holiday gift, or even an indulgent weekday snack. If you’re adding chopped nuts, make sure they’re toasted beforehand to enhance their flavor. You can also drizzle with melted chocolate after baking for a candy-like finish. When making large batches, consider using multiple trays to avoid overcrowding and ensure even baking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Boiling too aggressively: High heat can cause the butter and sugar to separate, ruining the texture.
• Skipping the baking soda: This small ingredient is crucial for creating that light, crisp toffee texture.
• Overcrowding the pretzels: This leads to uneven coating and soggy results.
• Not stirring during baking: If you forget to toss the pretzels every 15 minutes, some will overcook or remain undercoated.
• Storing before fully cooling: Trapping steam in a container can soften the toffee.

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Storage Instructions

Once fully cooled, store your Butter Toffee Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crisp for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are at room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation. Do not refrigerate — the moisture can affect the crunch.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per 1 cup serving, estimated)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Sugar: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit any added sea salt to avoid making the snack overly salty.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can use a silicone baking mat or grease your baking sheet lightly with butter or oil.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use two baking sheets and rotate them during baking.

Can I add chocolate to this recipe?

Yes, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pretzels or mix in chocolate chips after cooling.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

Nope! This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any special equipment.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using a vegan butter substitute, though results may vary slightly.

Why do I need to add baking soda?

It helps create air bubbles in the toffee, making it light and crisp instead of dense and sticky.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they’re great for prepping a few days in advance as long as they’re stored in an airtight container.

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Conclusion

Butter Toffee Pretzels are the ideal blend of sweet and salty with an irresistible crunch. They’re easy to make, hard to resist, and perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re prepping for a party, gifting a homemade snack, or just indulging in something delicious, this recipe is a go-to favorite that never fails to impress.

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