Christmas Rolo Pretzel Bites

Introduction to Christmas Rolo Pretzel Bites

Christmas Rolo Pretzel Bites take three ingredients: pretzels, Rolo candies and pecans. A pretzel goes on the tray, a Rolo goes on the pretzel, a short spell in the oven softens the candy, and a pecan half gets pressed on top. You end up with a salty, crunchy base under a soft layer of chocolate and caramel.

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A quick holiday treat

Prep and baking together take only a few minutes, so this is a good one for a weeknight in December or for when you need something for a party and have very little time.

Why you’ll love them

Kids and adults both go for them. They also keep well: make them ahead, store them in an airtight container, and they are ready when the guests arrive.

Key ingredients

Rolo candies

Rolos bring chocolate on the outside and caramel inside. In the oven they soften into a filling that sits right in the middle of the pretzel.

Square pretzels

Square pretzels are the base. Their crunch sets off the soft candy, and the flat grid shape holds a Rolo without letting it slide off.

Pecans

Halved pecans add a nutty flavor and a second crunch on top.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Sweet and salty in one bite, and only three ingredients to buy.

Quick and easy

The whole batch takes 15 minutes from start to finish. Unwrap, layer and bake: the oven part is just five minutes.

Good for parties and gifts

Set them out at a holiday party, eat them in front of a Christmas movie, or fill a jar for a coworker.

The flavor combination

Crunchy pretzel, soft chocolate and caramel, crunchy pecan. Save a few for yourself before you put the plate out, because they go fast.

Building a holiday gift box? A jar of spiced Christmas jam sits nicely next to these pretzel bites.

Variations

Different types of nuts

Pecans are the classic, but almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts work too. Pick whichever you like or whichever suits your diet.

Chocolate options

Dark chocolate Rolos taste richer. Peppermint-flavored chocolates give the bites a more Christmassy flavor.

Drizzled toppings

Once the bites have cooled, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top. A pinch of sea salt or some crushed candy canes on the drizzle looks good and adds a little contrast.

Cooking tips and notes

Watch the timer

Bake for exactly five minutes. That softens the Rolos without melting them into a puddle. If they go too soft, pressing the pecans on gets messy.

Storage tips

Let the bites cool completely, then store them in an airtight container so they stay fresh and keep their texture. They also freeze for up to a month.

Experimenting with flavors

Swap the nuts, drizzle with white chocolate, or finish with sea salt or crushed candy canes. Each change also makes the plate look a bit different.

To round out a holiday snack table with something tangy, serve these bites next to our cranberry cream cheese dip with crackers for scooping.

Serving suggestions

What to serve them with

Hot chocolate or a holiday punch goes well with the sweet and salty bites.

Presentation ideas

Arrange them on a platter with fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary for some color.

Gifting options

Pack them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or in a decorative jar. Add a handwritten tag and they make an easy gift for friends, neighbors or coworkers.

Time breakdown

Preparation

10 minutes: unwrap the Rolos and lay the pretzels out on a baking sheet.

Cooking/baking

5 minutes in the oven. The Rolos soften but keep their shape.

Total

15 minutes in all, which fits into even a busy holiday week.

Nutritional facts

Overview

Each bite is small, so the numbers stay modest for a holiday sweet.

Nutritional breakdown

Per serving of one bite:

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 1g

For a gluten-free batch, use gluten-free pretzels (see the FAQ below).

Frequently asked questions

Can I make Christmas Rolo Pretzel Bites ahead of time?

Yes. In an airtight container they keep for up to a week.

What are some variations I can try?

Try almonds or walnuts in place of the pecans, or peppermint chocolates in place of the Rolos.

Are these bites gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pretzels. Check the package to be sure they meet your needs.

How long do these bites last?

Up to a week at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to a month in the freezer.

Can I use other candies instead of Rolo?

Yes. Other caramel-filled chocolates work, and chocolate-covered almonds give you a different bite altogether.

Before you start

Since they keep for a week, you can bake a batch early and keep the oven free for the rest of your holiday cooking. The full recipe card is below.

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Another homemade gift idea: the cranberry jalapeno pepper jelly .

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us