Snacks and Starters
Turtle Pretzels: Easy Homemade Gifts from the Kitchen
These Turtle Pretzels are the ultimate 'little something' to have on hand for the holidays, combining a salty crunch with gooey caramel and buttery pecans. They are impossibly easy to make in big batches, making them the perfect stress-free edible gift for neighbors, teachers, and friends.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 480 kcal
Method
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure nothing sticks.
Lay out the pretzel snaps in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about half an inch of space between each one.
Place one unwrapped chocolate caramel candy directly in the center of each pretzel snap.
Carefully slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for exactly 3 to 5 minutes. You aren't looking to melt them into a puddle; you just want the chocolate to look glossy and feel soft to the touch.
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately press one pecan half firmly into the center of each softened chocolate. This action will squash the caramel candy down, anchoring it to the pretzel.
Allow the pretzels to cool completely on the pan until the chocolate has set firm. If you're in a hurry, you can pop the whole tray into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Once they are firm and cool, pack them into glass jars, cellophane bags, or holiday tins for a wonderful kitchen-made gift.
Notes
If you have time, lightly toast the pecan halves in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before using them; it significantly improves the flavor.
Do not overbake the chocolate. If it melts too much, it will run off the sides of the pretzel and make a mess.
Wait until the chocolate is 100% set before stacking them in a jar, otherwise they will fuse together into one giant turtle block.
For a festive touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after you press the pecan in.
