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Butter Toffee Pretzels

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a bunch of Butter Toffee Pretzels on a baking sheet
These butter toffee pretzels combine crunchy pretzels with a rich, buttery toffee coating and bits of Heath toffee for a sweet and salty treat. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, they’re an easy, crowd-pleasing snack perfect for any gathering or gift.
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Table of Contents
  1. Butter Toffee Pretzel Ingredients
  2. Butter Toffee Pretzels Substitutions and Additions
  3. How To Make Butter Toffee Pretzels
  4. Troubleshooting This Butter Toffee Pretzel Recipe
  5. How To Serve Butter Toffee Pretzels
  6. How To Store Butter Toffee Pretzels
  7. Why These Homemade Butter Toffee Pretzels Are The Best
  8. Butter Toffee Pretzel Frequently Asked Questions
  9. More Simple Recipes You’ll Love
  10. JUMP TO RECIPE

Butter toffee pretzels are the perfect mix of crunchy, salty, and sweet, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. Each mini pretzel twist is coated with a rich, buttery toffee layer and sprinkled with Heath toffee bits to add even more crunch. These butter toffee pretzels have an ideal texture and flavor balance, so you get that satisfying toffee coating in every bite.

a bunch of Butter Toffee Pretzels
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What You Need To Know

  • MAIN INGREDIENTS: mini pretzel twists, light brown sugar, salted butter, light corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, baking soda, Heath English toffee bits
  • QUICK STEPS: Preheat oven to 200°F and prepare a baking sheet, combine sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes, remove from heat and add vanilla and baking soda, pour hot toffee mixture over pretzels and stir to coat, spread pretzels on baking sheet and sprinkle with half the toffee bits, bake, sprinkle remaining toffee bits and let cool
  • TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 1 hour 55 minutes, 12 servings

Why This Recipe

  • This snack balances the sweetness of brown sugar and light corn syrup with the savory crunch of mini pretzels, making it the ultimate sweet-salty treat.
  • This recipe guides you through a foolproof method of coating the pretzels evenly in hot toffee, so every piece is packed with caramelized flavor. The addition of baking soda creates a perfectly light texture in the toffee coating.

Butter Toffee Pretzel Ingredients

Butter Toffee Pretzels raw ingredients that are labeled

Here’s what you’ll need to make it happen:

  • 1 (16 ounce) mini pretzel twists
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, sliced into pats
  • 5 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 (8 ounce) package Heath English toffee bits (divided)

Butter Toffee Pretzels Substitutions and Additions

Brown Sugar: If you’re out of light brown sugar, dark brown sugar can work as a replacement. It will add a slightly deeper molasses flavor to the toffee coating. For a lighter option, try using a mix of granulated sugar and a tablespoon of molasses.

Salted Butter: If you prefer unsalted butter, you can use it here, but consider adding a pinch of salt to maintain the sweet-salty balance.

Light Corn Syrup: Dark corn syrup is an alternative, though it will give the toffee a richer, more caramel-like flavor.

Mini Pretzel Twists: If you’re looking for a variation in texture, you could swap mini pretzels with pretzel sticks or large pretzel pieces for a chunkier bite.

Heath Toffee Bits: Chocolate-covered toffee bits or crushed chocolate candies can replace the bag of toffee bits to add a chocolate layer to your pretzels. Chopped nuts like toasted pecan or almonds are also a great addition for extra crunch—just add them in with the pretzels for an even coating.

How To Make Butter Toffee Pretzels

Making butter toffee pretzels at home is surprisingly straightforward, and it fills your kitchen with a warm, caramel aroma that’s hard to beat.

STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 200°F. This low temperature allows the toffee coating to set without burning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil and generously spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

STEP TWO: Place a three to four quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the light brown sugar, sliced butter, and light corn syrup. Stir continuously as the mixture heats, allowing the ingredients to melt and blend smoothly. This ensures that the sugar dissolves properly and doesn’t clump.

Use a candy thermometer if you have one, to monitor the temperature, keeping it below 250°F to avoid burning the toffee.

brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a pot

STEP THREE: Once the mixture is smooth, increase the heat slightly and bring it to a gentle boil. Continue stirring as it boils for exactly five minutes. Maintaining this steady boil without stirring too vigorously helps develop the toffee’s flavor without overcooking.

The mixture will thicken and start to take on a richer color as it boils.

STEP FOUR: Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully add the pure vanilla extract and baking soda—the mixture will bubble up as the baking soda reacts, creating a lighter, airy toffee texture.

Stir gently until everything is well combined. This reaction is essential for coating the pretzels evenly.

vanilla extract and baking soda whisked together in a bowl

STEP FIVE:  Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the mini
pretzel twists in a heat-safe large bowl. Use a wooden spoon or silicone
spatula to stir, ensuring all the pretzels are well coated with the
toffee mixture.

This step requires quick but careful work, as the toffee will begin to cool and set.

mixture poured over the pretzels in a bowl

STEP SIX: Using your spoon or spatula, spread the pretzel mixture evenly across
the prepared baking sheet. This prevents clumping and allows each
pretzel to bake evenly. Make sure they’re spread in a single layer for
the best results.

STEP SEVEN: Sprinkle half of the Heath toffee bits over the pretzels on the baking sheet. These bits will melt slightly during baking, sticking to the toffee coating and adding an extra layer of crunchy sweetness.

toffee bits sprinkled on top of the pretzels

STEP EIGHT: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for one hour, turning the pretzels every 15 minutes with a spatula. This step helps the toffee to bake evenly and prevents any areas from becoming overly sticky. Rotating them also ensures each piece crisps up properly.

STEP NINE: Once the hour is up, remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining Heath toffee bits over the pretzels. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet, which allows the toffee to set fully. Once cooled, break apart any clusters.

toffee bits sprinkled on top of the pretzels

Troubleshooting This Butter Toffee Pretzel Recipe

The toffee mixture is grainy and doesn’t fully dissolve.
Stir the sugar, butter, and corn syrup mixture constantly over medium heat, allowing it to melt slowly and evenly before bringing it to a low boil.

The toffee coating turns out too sticky.
Be sure to bake the pretzels at 200°F for the full hour, turning every 15 minutes. This slow baking process helps the coating set properly and prevents stickiness.

The toffee mixture hardens too quickly when pouring over the pretzels.
Work quickly when pouring the hot toffee, and have your pretzels ready in a large, heat-safe bowl to make stirring easier and faster.

The toffee burns or gets too dark.
Keep the stove temperature at medium heat and don’t let the toffee mixture exceed a low boil. Using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature can help you keep the mixture below 250°F.

Heath toffee bits fall off the pretzels after baking.
Sprinkle half of the bits before baking, so they melt slightly and stick to the toffee coating. Add the other half after baking, pressing gently to help them adhere as the toffee cools.

The toffee coating is too hard or brittle.
Adding baking soda to the toffee mixture gives it a lighter, airier texture, so don’t skip this step. Stir carefully to fully incorporate it right after removing the mixture from heat.

How To Serve Butter Toffee Pretzels

These butter toffee pretzels are versatile and fit right into various settings, whether you’re entertaining guests, gifting homemade treats, or enjoying a cozy night in. Their balance of sweet and salty flavors makes them the most addictive, perfect snack, great for any occasion.

Family Movie Night: Set out a bowl of these pretzels for everyone to enjoy during a movie. Pair them with a warm mug of hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk for a simple and comforting treat. For a complete dessert spread, consider serving them alongside Dr. Pepper brownies or peanut butter brownies.

Holiday Party Snack Table: These salty sweet pretzels make a perfect addition to any holiday spread, blending well with other holiday treats. Place them alongside chocolate truffles, or peppermint brownies for a festive, sweet assortment.

Gifts or Party Favors: Package the pretzels in decorative bags or jars to give as thoughtful, homemade holiday gifts or party favors.

Office Potluck or Gathering: Bring these pretzels to the office for a treat that everyone can enjoy between meetings. Pair them with a coffee bar setup or a selection of teas for a perfect midday snack option.

How To Store Butter Toffee Pretzels

Properly storing butter toffee pretzels will help maintain their crunchy goodness and toffee coating for longer, making it easy to enjoy them fresh whenever you want.

MAKE AHEAD: These pretzels can be made ahead of time and stored for several days. Prepare and bake them fully, then allow them to cool completely before storing.

IN THE FRIDGE: Storing these pretzels in the fridge is not necessary and may cause the toffee coating to become sticky due to moisture. For best results, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container.

IN THE FREEZER: To extend their shelf life, place the cooled pretzels in a freezer-safe, airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

When ready to serve, remove the pretzels from the freezer and allow them to come to room temperature. Reheating is generally not required, as they maintain their crunch once thawed.

REHEATING: Reheating is usually unnecessary for these pretzels, as they are best enjoyed at room temperature. However, if you prefer to warm them slightly, a quick five to ten second burst in the microwave can soften them slightly, though this may alter the crunchy texture.

Why These Homemade Butter Toffee Pretzels Are The Best

These bite-sized delights have quickly become a favorite, and it’s easy to see why. They’re the kind of salty snack that’s not only easy to make but brings together simple ingredients in the best way.

Perfect Sweet and Salty Balance: With a combination of mini pretzels and toffee coating, these addictive toffee clusters offers just the right mix of salty and sweet.

Great for Gifting: These pretzels package well, making them a unique and thoughtful gift for friends or family.

Make-Ahead Friendly: They stay crunchy for days, so you can prep them in advance for gatherings or as quick treats.

Butter Toffee Pretzel Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of pretzels for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of pretzels like sticks or large twists, but mini pretzels work best as they hold the toffee coating evenly.

What’s the best way to coat the pretzels evenly with toffee?

To coat the pretzels evenly, pour the toffee mixture over them in a large heat-safe bowl and stir quickly with a silicone spatula to ensure every pretzel is covered.

Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?

A candy thermometer isn’t required, but it can help you avoid overheating the toffee. Keep the temperature below 250°F to prevent burning.

How do I keep the toffee coating from being too sticky?

Baking the coated pretzels for the full hour at 200°F helps set the toffee, reducing stickiness and giving them a firm crunch.

How do I prevent the toffee from burning?

Keep the stove on medium heat, stir constantly, and avoid bringing the toffee mixture above a low boil. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan can also help distribute heat evenly.

Can I make small batches of butter toffee pretzels?

Yes, you can easily make a small batches of butter toffee pretzels by halving or quartering the ingredients. Just be sure to keep the ingredient ratios the same, and use a smaller baking sheet to spread the pretzels in an even layer for even baking.

These butter toffee pretzels combine sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunch, making the most addictive snack for any occasion. Easy to make and share, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your snack rotation.

a bunch of Butter Toffee Pretzels

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a bunch of Butter Toffee Pretzels on a baking sheet

Butter Toffee Pretzels

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These butter toffee pretzels combine crunchy pretzels with a rich, buttery toffee coating and bits of Heath toffee for a sweet and salty treat. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, they’re an easy, crowd-pleasing snack perfect for any gathering or gift.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces mini pretzel twists
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup salted butter, sliced into pats (1-stick)
  • 5 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 8 ounces Heath English toffee bits, divided

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil and generously spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Pour the pretzels into an extra large heat safe bowl.
  • In a 3 to 4 quart saucepan over medium heat, add the light brown sugar, sliced butter pats and light corn syrup and bring to a low boil, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to boil for 5 minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be cautious, as the toffee mixture will bubble up and thicken quickly.
  • Immediately pour the hot mixture over the pretzels. Use a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula to carefully stir the toffee and pretzels together until completely coated.
  • Use the spoon or spatula to spread the pretzels out on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle ½ of the package of Heath toffee bits over the coated pretzels.
  • Bake for 1 hour, turning the toffee pretzels in 15 minute intervals.
  • As soon as the toffee pretzels are removed from the oven, sprinkle the remaining Heath toffee bits over the toffee pretzels.
  • Allow the toffee pretzels to cool completely before breaking apart.

Notes

  • You can substitute any type of small hard pretzel for the mini twists.
  • It is very important to move as quickly and carefully as possible when you pour the toffee over the pretzels as the toffee will become thick.
  • You can sprinkle chopped nuts over the toffee pretzels before baking.
    If you are not able to find the Heath toffee bits in the baking aisle, you can substitute chopped toffee candy bars.
  • You can drizzle the cooled toffee pretzels with melted chocolate candy melts.

Nutrition

Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 611mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 454IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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