Caramel Pretzel Turtle Treats

A tasty sweet and salty treat for the holidays or any celebration! Pretzel Turtle Treats are reminiscent to the well-loved Turtle Chocolates. 

I've been making these Pretzel Turtle Treats for years and this year they have made another appearance on the Christmas list of goodies! I searched the stores in vain to find Rolo caramel chocolates and not one to be found so I have substituted squares of Caramilk bars which do actually make a pretty good substitute. They are a little softer but once you pop the confection in your mouth it won't make one difference in how good they taste. And how do they taste? Very similar to a Turtle chocolate which is comprised of caramel, pecans and chocolate. The difference between a real Turtle and this sweet little fake is the base of the candy is a salty pretzel and there's a naked (the shame!) pecan sitting on top. Real Turtle chocolates have their pecans modestly enrobed in chocolate.

Note: Since I started writing this post I did find the Rolo caramel chocolates so I made a few more treats as they won't go astray over the holiday season.

This is a great little treat to make with the kiddies anytime there's a celebration in need of a few sweets. They so enjoy making their own treats to serve to their friends and family.

Also try peanut M&Ms, walnuts or almonds in place of the pecan for a different taste treat. And if you have time, toast the nuts before using. It gives extra flavour to the nut. (Don't toast the M&M's!)

Printable recipe at end of post.

Caramel Pretzel Turtle Treats

• The same amount of each of the following:
• Small pretzels
• Rolo caramel candies or Caramilk bar sections
• Pecan* halves or other nut such as walnuts, almonds, candy covered peanuts (M&Ms), etc.

How to make it:
Preheat the oven to 350. Line baking/cookie sheet with parchment paper or greased foil wrap.

Place desired amount of small pretzels on a cookie sheet Top each pretzel with a Rolo candy or piece of Caramilk bar. Place in the oven for 2-3 minutes. I found 1½ -2 minutes sufficient for the Caramilk bar pieces. 

The Rolos/bar pieces will look shiny but still holding their shape. They should be barely melted.
Remove from oven and push a pecan on top of each one. Place in refrigerator 10 minutes to set the chocolate.

Store in refrigerator or cool place in a covered container. These also freeze well for future eating. 

Makes as many as you want!

*Toast the pecans, walnuts or almonds for extra flavour.

For the best flavour take a few minutes to toast the nuts. You get a more flavourful nut when toasted.

Unable to find the Rolos I substituted the Caramilk bars. I used a serrated steak knife to saw through the bar sections. 

Of course, I found the Rolos after I'd made the candies with the Caramilk bars. 

Use the mini pretzels. You can also sometimes find square ones as well.

Line up the pretzels on a parchment paper lined pan. Use as many pretzels as Rolos or bar pieces.

Place a Rolo (or in my case a Caramilk piece) on top of each pretzel.

Place in the 350 degree oven for 2-3 minutes. I found 1½ minutes in the oven plenty of time to melt the Caramilk pieces.

As soon as the Rolos are out of the oven push a nut into the centre of the chocolate.

Don't push too hard if you are using the Caramilk bars. They are quite delicate compared to the Rolos.

Then place the pan of treats in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes until the chocolate is set. 

Serve your Caramel Pretzel Turtle Treats in a pretty bowl. This star dish is perfect for Christmas.

Don't they look inviting? Pop one or two in your mouth and have a taste.

Here are the Rolo treats. Better late than never. . . .ha, ha. I used pecans, walnuts and peanut M&Ms with the Rolos. I'll bet the kids go for the M&Ms.

All ready for a Christmas party dessert table.

Yum, yum! Crunch, crunch! What a tasty sweet and salty treat!

To print click on arrow upper right side.⇩