Description
Pretzel Christmas Crack, also known as Pretzel Toffee, is a delightful holiday treat that combines crunchy pretzels, rich buttery toffee, and smooth melted chocolate topped with festive sprinkles. This easy-to-make sweet and salty snack is perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or enjoying as a festive dessert. It features a crunchy pretzel base, a luscious layer of homemade toffee, and a chocolate topping finished with colorful candy decorations.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Base
- 40-48 pretzel crisps (or Pretzel Crackers, or 2-3 cups pretzels not sticks)
Toffee Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Decorations
- ½ cup sprinkles (or M&M’s, or candies of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the toffee layer.
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 15″×10″ rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil lightly sprayed with cooking spray, or you can use a nonstick silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Pretzels: Place pretzel crisps in a single, even layer covering the entire bottom of the tray. Break a few pieces to fill edges and gaps, creating a uniform base.
- Make the Toffee: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling for 3 minutes until it bubbles vigorously and turns an amber color. If using a candy thermometer, cook until 270℉-290℉. Remove from heat immediately.
- Pour Toffee over Pretzels: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the pretzel layer. Quickly spread the toffee with a spatula to cover all pretzels.
- Bake in Oven: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes until the toffee starts bubbling, indicating it’s properly set.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the bubbling toffee. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to soften.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee surface. If the chocolate doesn’t melt smoothly, return the pan to the oven for 1-2 minutes to soften it further, then spread again.
- Add Sprinkles: While the chocolate is still soft, scatter your choice of sprinkles or candies evenly over the top for a festive finish.
- Cool and Harden: Allow the pretzel toffee to cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until fully hardened.
- Break into Pieces: Once hardened, flip the tray to remove the toffee from the pan, peel off the parchment or foil, and break the toffee into desired-sized pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Breaking a few pretzels to fill in gaps ensures an even toffee layer.
- Using a candy thermometer helps achieve perfect toffee consistency but is optional.
- Sprinkles or candies can be customized to match holiday themes or personal preferences.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the toffee crisp and fresh for up to two weeks.
- If chocolate is not spreading easily, briefly warming it in the oven helps.
