Rolo Pretzels Recipe (easy dessert)
Posted: 12/17/2021
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A super easy treat with only three ingredients: pretzels, Rolo caramels, and pecan halves or M&Ms. Sweet and salty Rolo pretzels are irresistible!
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: This recipe is so easy to make and everyone loves them.
How long it takes: 10 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: baking pan, oven
Servings: Makes 35
Rolo pretzels are beyond easy to make and taste oh-so-delicious.
This isn’t an original idea. I’m sure you’ve probably had one of these delicious little bites already but it’s one of those treats that maybe you think, huh! I wonder how those are made.
They are easy, easy, easy! If you buy the unwrapped Rolos (yes, they are available!), these treats are even easier to make. Really, the most time-consuming part is unwrapping those individually wrapped chocolate covered caramels.
If you have kids in the kitchen, they’d be glad to perform this task for you. (Beware, you may lose a few of the candies in the process!) The kids love to help out and it’s an easy project that they can participate in. It’s fun to whip up a batch or two of these goodies and make special deliveries to the neighbors.
So let me tell you, Rolo pretzels are a crowd-pleaser. Who doesn’t love caramel, chocolate and a little salty crunch? If you’re a turtle fan, you’re going to love these! They look just right on a Christmas cookie platter with sand tart cookies, Brigadeiros (Brazilian fudge balls), gingersnaps with white chocolate, and chocolate peppermint kiss cookies.
About These Rolo Pretzels
As you can probably guess from the photos, you only need three ingredients: Rolos, pretzels, and pecan halves. You can mix it up and substitute colorful M&M’s for the pecans, or even another pretzel to make sandwiches. Some people are really creative and make little red-nosed reindeer.
This recipe makes as many or as little as you want. It depends on how many Rolo candies you have.
I’ll give you a quick overview of how to make Rolo pretzels, along with some extra tips. As always, you’ll find the printable recipe card near the end of the post with complete instructions and nutrition information.
What You’ll Need
- Rolos: a chocolate covered caramel candy. You can buy a bag of them, individually wrapped in foil or unwrapped. A 7.6 oz. bag contains about 35 unwrapped candies.
- Pretzels: Bite-sized mini pretzels form the base of the treat. Waffle pretzels are perfect for this job.
- Pecan Halves: Pecans are found in traditional turtles ( caramel and pecans, covered in chocolate). Toast the pecans first for the best flavor. You could also use M&M’s, or some of each, like we did for the pictures!
How To Make This Recipe
Here’s how these delicious candy bites come together:
Get your oven preheating to 350°F. Toast the pecans if you want. I always do because they taste so much better when they’re toasted.
Unwrap the Rolos if you bought the wrapped variety.
Arrange the pretzels on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper if you like).
Top each pretzel with a Rolo and pop them into the oven for just four minutes.
Immediately, while the Rolos are still soft and warm, press a pecan half or M&M in the center. Cool and enjoy!
Toasting Pecans
An easy way to toast the pecans is to use your microwave. Spread the pecans on a large plate, and microwave for about 45 seconds. This simple step really enhances the flavor of the pecans.
FAQs
Can I freeze Rolo pretzels?
Sure! Once they’ve cooled completely, put them into an airtight freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for a couple of months (only if they’re hidden!).
What is in a Rolo?
A Rolo is a milk chocolate covered caramel.
Go to SmartLabel at Hersheys.com for a complete ingredient list. You’ll also find allergen information.
Can you melt Rolos in a microwave?
Yes, you can! If you’d like to make these Rolo pretzels using a microwave, you’ll find directions on the recipe card.
Make It Your Own
- M&M Rolo Pretzels: Substitute colorful M&Ms for the pecan halves. Red and green M&Ms are very festive for Christmas. Use red, pink, and white M&Ms for Valentine’s Day or team colors for the big game day.
- Rolo Pretzel Sandwiches: Omit the pecan half and use another pretzel on top.
- Rolo Pretzel Reindeer: Use mini pretzels (tiny twists) that are heart-shaped knots for the base. Add a red M & M for a nose and googly eye candies for the eyes. Break a pretzel in half and poke the halves into each side for the antlers.
- Walnut Rolo Pretzels: Substitute a toasted walnut half for the pecan.
Storage Tips
Store Rolo pretzels, once they’ve completely cooled, in an airtight container for up to a week. There’s no need to refrigerate unless your kitchen is very warm. For longer storage, keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Looking for more easy treats?
Life can be complicated around the holidays so stock up on some easy-to-make treats. Try:
- Best Rice Krispie Treats — this is a classic recipe that I’ve improved on.
- Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats — look impressive, but are super easy.
- Snowman Oreo Pops
- Christmas Tree Brownie Bites
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars
- Perfect M&M Cookies — use festive green and red M&Ms
- Blondies — So easy to stir up, and you can be creative with add-ins.
- Cool Whip Cookies (only 4 ingredients)
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
servings
A super easy treat with only three ingredients: pretzels, Rolo caramels, and pecan halves. Sweet and salty Rolo pretzels are irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 bag (7.6 oz.) Rolos (chocolate covered caramels) (see note)
- 1 bag waffle style pretzels
- 35 pecan halves or M&Ms (or a combination)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Unwrap the Rolos, if you purchased the foil-wrapped ones.
- Arrange pretzels on a baking sheet and top each with a Rolo.
- Bake approximately 4 minutes or until the Rolo is melty. Remove from oven.
- Press in pecan or M&M candy while Rolos are still soft. Enjoy! Makes 35 treats.
Notes
- Skip the unwrapping process! Rolos Unwrapped are now available in 7.6-oz. bags. There are approximately 35 individual candies in the bag.
- For best flavor, toast pecans first. Arrange on a large plate and microwave for 45 seconds.
- Make Rolo Pretzels in the microwave: Line a microwave safe plate with parchment paper. Arrange pretzels (as many as can fit) on plate and top with unwrapped Rolo. Microwave at 50% for 30 seconds or until caramel has softened. If needed, microwave an additional 10 seconds. Remove and top with desired topping.
- Instead of pecan halves, try colorful M & Ms, walnut halves, or another pretzel (to make a Rolo pretzel sandwich).
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1g, Calories: 58kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 20mg, Potassium: 25mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 13IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 1mg
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Deborah says
These are one of my favorites!
Liz says
I haven’t made these in a couple years….I definitely need to bring these back into my Christmas rotation. Fabulous photos!
Chris says
A friend makes pretzel sandwiches like this. I love the thought of tossing out one of the pretzel sides and adding the pecan. These are an ultimate comfort food for sure! Happy Holidays!
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
I need to make these and then eat a million of them! I don’t think I could resist eating them all, haha! Mmmm. And you make them look even better with your gorgeous photos. :)
Jamie@ Thrifty Veggie Mama says
My mom introduced me to these this year. They are so addicting!