Crispy Salted Caramel Pretzel Christmas Crack
This easy holiday treat combines crunchy pretzels, buttery caramel, and rich chocolate for a sweet-and-salty snack that’s dangerously addictive and perfect for festive gatherings, gifting, or late-night cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (about 4 cups) small pretzel twists or snaps
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Optional toppings: crushed candy canes, chopped toasted nuts (pecans, almonds, pistachios), holiday sprinkles, white chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
- Scatter pretzels evenly in a single layer over the baking sheet.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and stir continuously until mixture comes to a simmer (about 4–5 minutes), bubbling and thickening slightly.
- Immediately pour hot caramel evenly over pretzels and spread quickly with a spoon or spatula.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until caramel is bubbling and golden. Remove from oven and let sit for 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over hot caramel. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften, then spread into an even layer with an offset spatula or butter knife.
- While chocolate is still warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and any optional toppings.
- Cool at room temperature for 30–40 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes) until set.
- Lift slab out using parchment overhang. Slice into bite-sized shards with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container layered with parchment paper.
Notes
Stir caramel constantly to prevent burning. If chocolate doesn’t melt fully, return pan to warm oven for 1–2 minutes. For neater pieces, score slab after chilling and break apart once fully set. Layer parchment between pieces for storage to prevent sticking. Recipe is flexible—swap chocolate type, use gluten-free pretzels, or add festive toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce (about 1 pie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 160
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Christmas crack, caramel pretzel crack, holiday dessert, easy candy, Christmas treats, salted caramel, chocolate pretzel bark, festive snacks, edible gifts