Salty sweets are the perfect marriage of that addictive can’t-stop-at-one salty taste and the sugar-craving satisfying sweetness that makes eating indulgent treats a deliciously memorable experience.
Sally McKenney’s caramel-covered pretzels — featured on her baking blog, Sally’s Baking Addiction — are the ultimate salty sweets. But the yum level doesn’t stop there, because you can customize the add-ons to match the occasion, or to give the pretzels some extra flavor!
Are you making some for a chocolate lover? Try rolling them in mini-chocolate chips or m&ms. Want to serve these at a Fourth of July BBQ? Dip the ends in some festive red, white & blue sprinkles.
Finally, a warning: Once you try these sweet pretzel sticks, you won’t want to stop at just one — or even three! But that’s okay. Once you learn how to make them, you can just make another batch.
Delicious pretzels all dressed up
If you’ve had your fill of chocolate covered pretzels, and your taste buds are craving a salty sweet that isn’t prosaic, then you’re going to fall in love with these scrumptious homemade caramel covered pretzels. Bite after bite, they whet your sweet tooth with gooey homemade caramel wrapped around salty, crunchy pretzels rods. Even better, these treats are fun to eat, simple to make, and can be deliciously dressed up with different toppings.
The best caramel covered pretzels start with homemade caramel, and Sally shows how to make caramel using just a few simple ingredients. With the expert baker’s tips, you don’t even need a candy thermometer. Combine heavy cream, sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt on the stovetop, and in 10 minutes you’ll be oohing and aahing over your thick, golden candy creation. Forget those store bought wrapped squares of caramel; the real deal is the way to go.
While the caramel is cooling, get your toppings ready. Decorating these caramel-covered sticks is part of the fun. You can even get your kids in the kitchen to help with this easy recipe. M&Ms, chocolate chips, toffee pieces, and sprinkles will cling to the caramel and make your salty sweet snack look extra fancy.
When it’s time to dip, simply swirl the pretzels rods in the warm caramel until well-coated. Immediately sprinkle on your favorite toppings, twirling the pretzel to get all sides covered, then set the pretzels aside to let the caramel set. Your loaded caramel covered pretzels are ready for snacking. You can even wrap them up in a pretty box and give them as gifts! Salty sweets are always a welcome treat.
Want to make ’em? Click here for Sally’s caramel covered pretzels recipe!