Rolo Pretzels
A classic treat for Christmas parties, after school snacks, and gift bags, these Rolo Pretzels are festive, delicious, and cute. The crunchy pretzel, gooey caramel, and chocolate combination is a sweet and salty crowd favorite!
Square pretzels are baked with Rolo candies to make the perfect smashed together chewy, gooey treat with a red or green candy on top to make sure they say "Merry Christmas".
Ingredients
See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all ingredients and quantities.
- Square Pretzels. You could use a different type of pretzel, but the square ones work best to contain the gooey caramel and chocolate.
- Rolos. Unwrap each one. You will need an equal number of pretzels and Rolo candies -- however many you would like to make.
- Red and Green M&M’s. You will need one M&M for each pretzel.
Substitutions and Variations
- You can substitute the festive M&M’s for your favorite flavor/color M&M or with pecans. The pecan version is called rolo pretzel turtles.
- You could also use red and green peanut M&Ms for a turtle effect. For a different holiday, you could use Reese's pieces instead of M&Ms to add the peanut butter effect.
- Some recipes call for a small marshmallow instead of an M&M; that's a fun twist too.
- If you can't find Rolos, maybe you can find a different brand of small chocolate covered caramels to use instead. Caramel candy kisses are a good option. In fact, you can use almost any kind of candy kiss and change up the flavors of your pretzels! Peppermint is a fun choice.
NOTE: This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations
How to Make Rolo Pretzels
Step 1 - First, preheat the oven and get your sheet pan ready. Then add the pretzels in a single layer on your baking sheet. You can fit about 24 per baking sheet and make as many as you want.
Step 2- Place one Rolo on the top of each pretzel. Place these in the oven and bake for about 2 to 4 minutes until the chocolate is soft but not actually melted. Watch them close!
Step 3 - When you pull the pretzels out of the oven, work fast. Press an M&M candy down on the center of each one gently to smush the chocolate and caramel onto the pretzel. Allow the candies to set back up and then layer them on a platter for serving.
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Tips for Best Results
Do not overbake the Rolo Pretzels. You want to pull them out before they start losing their shape or becoming overly melted. Just soft enough to smush is perfect. Since overs vary, keep a close eye on the pretzels and don't rely on the time stated in the recipe.
Use fresh ingredients. Stale pretzels may work out since they will refresh when baked, but stale Rolos are usually dried out and won't look as good or melt as nicely.
This is a good time to get little kids involved in the kitchen! They can help you with everything from start to finish with this recipe. Have them unwrap the rolos, and lay out the pretzels while you add the Rolos, and then have them help smush M&Ms on top. It's a fun afternoon job!
How to Store Rolo Pretzels
These Rolo Pretzels will last 5 to 7 days in an airtight container at room temperature. I do not recommend freezing or even refrigerating them because the chocolate will dry out and crack.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can buy gluten-free pretzels at almost any main stream grocery store chain and they work perfectly. This is the only change needed.
No. The chocolate will crack and dry out and they will not look attractive at all. The flavor of the chocolate will also degrade.
Kept at room temperature, they will keep for up to seven days before the chocolate starts to degrade.
300ºF for 2-4 minutes. More than this and the rolos will melt to much and make messy treats. If they are just barely softening when you press the M&M onto the pretzel rolos, they will stay neat and easy to eat. This makes them a perfect finger food treat for parties!
More Pretzel Treats
Rolo Pretzels
Ingredients
- 24 Square Pretzels
- 24 Rolos unwrapped
- 24 red and green M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet. I typically do 6 rows of 4 square pretzels.
- Place one Rolo on top of each pretzel.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 2 to 4 minutes or until the Rolo is soft, but not melted. Be sure to keep a close eye on them!
- Working quickly once the pretzels are out of the oven, place the M&M’s on top and gently press down.
- Allow to set and for the Rolo to firm up again before enjoying!
- Place in an airtight container and store at room temperature for 5 to 7 days.
Notes
Nutrition
(Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.)
