Description
Pretzel Christmas Crack, also known as Pretzel Toffee, is a delightful sweet and salty treat featuring a crunchy pretzel base topped with a buttery brown sugar toffee layer, melted semi-sweet chocolate, and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe serves up to 48 bite-sized pieces and combines rich caramel flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 40-48 pretzel crisps (or Pretzel Crackers, or 2-3 cups pretzels, not sticks)
Toffee Layer
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, unsalted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
Toppings
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup sprinkles (or M&M’s, or candies of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ to prepare for baking the toffee layer over the pretzels.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed 15″×10″ sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray, or use a nonstick silicone baking mat for easy removal.
- Arrange Pretzels: Place the pretzel crisps in a single, even layer covering the entire bottom of the baking tray. Break a few crackers if necessary to fill gaps for full coverage.
- Make Toffee: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally, and cook for 3 minutes until bubbling and amber in color. Remove from heat and carefully pour evenly over the pretzel layer, quickly spreading with a spatula.
- Bake Toffee: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes until the toffee mixture starts to bubble vigorously, signaling it is setting.
- Melt Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let sit for 1-2 minutes until the chocolate softens, then spread smoothly with a spatula. If needed, return to the oven for 1-2 minutes to melt completely.
- Add Toppings: Quickly scatter sprinkles or your choice of candies evenly on top of the melted chocolate before it hardens.
- Cool and Set: Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until firm.
- Break into Pieces: Once hardened, invert the tray to lift the toffee off the paper or foil. Peel away the lining and use your hands or a knife to break or cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for freshness.
Notes
- Use pretzel crisps or flat pretzels, not pretzel sticks, for best coverage and texture.
- If available, a candy thermometer can be used to ensure toffee reaches 270℉-290℉ for optimal texture.
- Sprinkles or candies add festive color and can be customized to suit occasion or preference.
- Store this treat in an airtight container to maintain crispness and freshness.
- Breaking the toffee by hand gives a rustic look, but a sharp knife can create neat bars.
