Rolo Pretzel Bites are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate Fat Tuesday. The combination of pretzels, chocolate, nuts and caramel is just plain irresistible!
If you love simple snacks that are both sweet and salty then this is the recipe for you. Plus, if you love Mardi Gras recipes you may also enjoy this Mardi Gras Layered Jello recipe.
Caramel Pretzel Bites
Did you know that the reason Mardi Gras is celebrated is because it marks the start of the 46-day period known as Lent? The day before Mardi Gras is Shrove Tuesday, which is when people traditionally confess their sins to prepare for Easter.
Why I Love This Recipe
These caramel pretzel bites are a delightful, irresistible confection bursting with pretzels, nuts and caramel. These sweet and salty treats are the perfect way to celebrate the start of Lent.
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easy to make
- Always a hit at parties
If you are looking for a recipe to serve for Mardi Gras you may enjoy this Spicy Chicken Pasta recipe.
Ingredients
There are not many ingredients needed for Mardi Gras Rolo Pretzels. The main problem I have at my house is making sure the Rolos don’t get eaten before I get ready to make the treats.
Pretzels – You will need small pretzel twists for this recipe.
Sprinkles – Pick your favorite festive sprinkles, I like to use purple, green and gold sprinkles.
Rolos – You will need unwrapped Rolo candy to make these sweet treats.
Pecans – Pick up a package of pecan halves for best results.
Substitutions
Pretzels: Instead of the small twists, you can use also use the small square pretzels.
Candy: Use white chocolate rolos for a different flavor.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
Here are a few ways that you can personalize this delicious snack recipe.
Crunch: For an added crunch, add some toasted coconut.
Nuts: If you are not a fan of nuts you can leave them off.
Drizzle: Drizzle some melted purple candy melts on top for extra color.
Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
You only need one single kitchen tool to help you make this simple recipe.
- Baking sheet – You will need a large baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper for easy clean up.
How to Make Rolo Pretzel Bites for Mardi Gras
Making these little treats is so simple. Just follow the instructions below and you will have a kid-friendly snack without much effort at all.
Step 1: Prepare a baking sheet
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Add the pretzels to the pan
Place pretzels in a single layer on baking sheet. On top of each pretzel, place a Rolo candy.
Step 3: Melt the candy
Bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until candies are soft but not melted. Remove from oven.
Step 4: Add the pecan
Immediately press one pecan half down on top of each Rolo candy, pressing the candy through the pretzel. Allow pretzel turtles to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Cool the pretzels
After cooling, remove pretzel turtles to a wire rack.
Step 5: Decorate – Optional
Melt candy coating in individual bowls according to package directions. One color at a time, drizzle candy coating over pretzel turtles. Immediately add sprinkles.
Step 6: Allow to harden
Allow to set before storing. To speed the setting process, place turtle pretzels in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve this simple dessert recipe with a hearty meal like this Instant Pot Jambalaya and a side of this Instant Pot French Bread.
Pro Tips
Here are a few tips to help make sure your snack turns out perfectly every time that you make it.
- Overbaking can cause the caramel filling to melt and run off the pretzel so watch them closely. Start checking them at 3-4 minutes
- Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper so that your pretzels do not burn.
- Instead of pecan halves you could top these with M&M chocolate candies.
- A hershey kiss is a great swap for the caramel candy.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Store in an airtight container or a container with a lid at room temperature for up to one week.
Yes, you can freeze these pretzel turtles up to 3 months in a freezer safe bag or container. Allow them to thaw before serving.
Yes, you can prepare the pretzels up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container.
More Pretzel Recipes
If you like pretzels, give these recipes a try:
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📋 Recipe
Rolo Pretzel Bites for Mardi Gras
Equipment
- parchment lined baking sheet
Ingredients
- 35 small pretzel twists
- 35 pecan halves, lightly toasted and salted
- 8 ounce package Rolo Unwrapped Caramel Candies
- 1 bag Yellow candy melts
- 1 bag Purple candy melts
- 1 bag Green candy melts
- Yellow, green, and purple sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place pretzels in a single layer on baking sheet. On top of each pretzel, place a Rolo candy.
- Bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until candies are soft but not melted. Remove from oven.
- Immediately press one pecan half down on top of each Rolo candy, pressing the candy through the pretzel. Allow pretzel turtles to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- After cooling, remove pretzel turtles to a wire rack.
- Melt candy coating in individual bowls according to package directions. One color at a time, drizzle candy coating over pretzel turtles.
- Immediately add sprinkles.
- Allow to set before storing. To speed the setting process, place turtle pretzels in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Overbaking can cause the caramel filling to melt and run off the pretzel so watch them closely. Start checking them at 3-4 minutes
- Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper so that your pretzels do not burn.
- Instead of pecan halves you could top these with M&M chocolate candies.
- A Hershey kiss is a great swap for the caramel candy.
Pretzels and rolo chocolate – yum!! These are indeed a perfect treat. Thanks for bringing at Fiesta Friday party!
My boys would love these – I’m adding the ingredients to the shopping list! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday – don’t forget to add in party links for a chance to be featured the following week.
Those look so yummy!! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Encouraging Hearts and home. Pinned.
I love this snack, we’ve done variations on it and I’m thrilled with another excuse to make them 🙂 Thanks for sharing.