Rolo Pretzel Bites, also called Turtles, are the perfect salty and sweet treat! Keep them for yourself or offer as a gift — with just 3 ingredients and very little work, this incredibly delicious homemade candy is prepped and ready in 20 minutes.
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Why You'll Love Rolo Pretzels With Pecans:
While my first inclination was to ask who here has made turtles with pretzels and Rolos, I think the better question is, who hasn't made these? They're such an easy treat to make and gift to give.
My mom has been making these for as long as I can remember. And really, what's not to love? They're made with just 3 ingredients and require 20 minutes of minimal work to create treats that look so pretty and are downright addictive.
One thing that I think makes these so good is the combo of great flavors and textures. You've got the crispy pretzels and pecans. The creamy caramel and rich chocolate also give this a fantastic salty-sweetness that leaves everyone coming back for more.
They look seriously impressive on a cookie tray and keep very well in the fridge for a couple of weeks. That is... if they last that long! Here are a few more reasons to try this pretzel Rolo recipe:
- So, so easy!
- Baked in just 4 minutes
- Such a crowdpleaser
- Can be made ahead
- A fun project to do with kids
- Perfect to leave out on the table during the holidays
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
- Pretzels- I like the mini squares for chocolate turtles with pretzels! As you can see in the images, they're the perfect size for the Rolos and pecans. You could also use regular-shaped minis if that's all you can find.
- Rolo Chocolate Caramels- Such a great hack for getting that chocolate and caramel flavor all in one. I like Rolo best, but you can use a different brand if you prefer.
- Pecans- Make your life easier and grab a bag of pecan halves!
How To Make Rolo And Pretzel Turtles
Step 1- Arrange.
Arrange the mini pretzels on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, and top each one with a chocolate caramel candy.
Step 2- Bake.
Bake the Rolo pretzel turtles for 4 minutes.
Step 3- Add the pecans & chill.
Gently press a pecan half on each pretzel immediately after they come out of the oven and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use any brand of chocolate covered caramels! I also know Hershey's makes Kisses with a caramel center, making them another good option.
That time in the fridge is key to getting your pretzel turtles to set properly! If they're not refrigerated, they can sometimes stay soft and gooey... especially if your kitchen is warm.
You can, but you'll likely need to add a few Rolo candies instead of just one, and they'll need a tiny bit more time in the oven. I've never used full-sized pretzels because they would be very rich, but feel free to experiment and let me know how you make out!
Sure! Pecans are the traditional choice for Rolo pretzel turtles, but walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts would work too.
Tips For Making Pretzel Rolo Pecan Turtles:
- Leave enough room on the baking sheet. If you're making a big old batch of chocolate turtles with pretzels, trying to squish in as many as you can will be tempting... but it's crucial to leave space between each turtle. That way they don't all melt into each other.
- Under 5 minutes is all you need. Over-baking will cause your these to become hard and brittle or even melt into each other.
- Use a gentle hand when pressing the pecans onto the caramels. If you press too hard, the Rolo will leak out onto the other side of the pretzel.
- Fun extras- Top your cooled pretzel turtles with sea salt, a chocolate drizzle, or some colored sprinkles to make these even more festive for gifts.
- Packaging ideas- I usually add them to a clear cellophane bag and then wrap them with red and green ribbons! Small gift boxes or mason jars would also make for a great presentation.
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Make sure to unwrap the Rolos before getting started! You could also prepare your baking pan with parchment paper to save a little time.
- Leftovers and storage- Pretzel turtles with Rolos typically stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. They'll keep for a few weeks in the fridge... if they last that long! For even longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months (my girls love to eat them right out of the freezer!).
Other Delicious Homemade Treats To Try
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!
Rolo Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
- 40 mini pretzels square or regular
- 40 chocolate covered caramel candies unwrapped (I used Rolo)
- 40 pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and line a sheet pan with foil or parchment for easy clean up.
- Spread the pretzels in a single layer on the pan.
- Top each pretzel with a chocolate covered caramel candy.
- Bake for 4 minutes.
- Right after the candy comes out of the oven, lightly press a pecan half onto the top of each chocolate covered caramel candy (which will be softened from the oven).
- Refrigerate right away for at least an hour to cool and set.
Video
Notes
- Leave enough room on the baking sheet. If you're making a big old batch of chocolate turtles with pretzels, trying to squish in as many as you can will be tempting... but it's crucial to leave space between each turtle. That way they don't all melt into each other.
- Under 5 minutes is all you need. Over-baking will cause your these to become hard and brittle or even melt into each other.
- Use a gentle hand when pressing the pecans onto the caramels. If you press too hard, the Rolo will leak out onto the other side of the pretzel.
- Fun extras- Top your cooled pretzel turtles with sea salt, a chocolate drizzle, or some colored sprinkles to make these even more festive for gifts.
- Packaging ideas- I usually add them to a clear cellophane bag and then wrap them with red and green ribbons! Small gift boxes or mason jars would also make for a great presentation.
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Make sure to unwrap the Rolos before getting started! You could also prepare your baking pan with parchment paper to save a little time.
- Leftovers and storage- Pretzel turtles with Rolos typically stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. They'll keep for a few weeks in the fridge... if they last that long! For even longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months (my girls love to eat them right out of the freezer!).
Natalie says
Jessy says