Rolo Pretzel Turtles
These Rolo Pretzel Turtles are sweet-and-salty bite-size candies made with mini pretzels, gooey caramel-filled Rolos, and buttery pecan halves. They’re quick, oven-baked, and perfect for holidays, gifting, or an easy treat anytime.
Ingredients
- 48 mini pretzel twists regular salted mini twists, not rods or sticks
- 48 Rolo candies unwrapped
- 48 pecan halves use whole, unbroken halves; can be lightly toasted and cooled
- coarse sea salt or flaky salt optional, a small pinch on top for a salted caramel finish
- plain or peanut M&Ms optional nut-free topping instead of pecans
- red and green M&Ms or sprinkles optional, for holiday decoration
- dark chocolate melting wafers optional, for extra dark chocolate flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This gentle heat will soften the Rolos without burning the chocolate or drying out the pretzels.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. If you plan to make a large batch, prepare a second baking sheet as well.
- Lay the mini pretzel twists in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Keep them close together but not touching so they bake evenly and are easy to move later.48 mini pretzel twists
- Place one unwrapped Rolo candy in the center of each pretzel. It’s fine if they’re not perfectly centered; they will spread slightly as they soften.48 mini pretzel twists, 48 Rolo candies
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 3–4 minutes, just until the Rolos look glossy and soft but still hold their shape. Check at 3 minutes—if you can gently press the top of a Rolo with a spoon and it gives easily, they are ready.48 Rolo candies
- Remove the tray from the oven and work fairly quickly. Press one pecan half straight down into each softened Rolo so the caramel spreads and hugs the pretzel. For a nut-free version, press one M&M into each softened Rolo instead of the pecan.48 Rolo candies, 48 pecan halves, plain or peanut M&Ms
- While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse or flaky sea salt over the tops for a salted caramel flavor. You can also add red and green M&Ms or sprinkles for a festive holiday look, or gently press a dark chocolate melting wafer into some of the candies for extra chocolate intensity.coarse sea salt or flaky salt, plain or peanut M&Ms, red and green M&Ms or sprinkles, dark chocolate melting wafers
- Let the Rolo pretzel turtles cool on the counter until the chocolate is firm to the touch, about 30–45 minutes depending on room temperature. For a faster set, place the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
- Once fully set, gently peel the turtles off the parchment. Serve immediately, pack into tins or gift boxes, or transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
Storage: Store Rolo Pretzel Turtles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5–7 days, away from direct heat or sunlight. For a firmer bite or in a warm kitchen, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks and let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. To freeze, place in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment between layers; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. They are also tasty straight from the freezer if you enjoy chewier caramel.
Tips: Don’t overbake; 3–4 minutes is usually enough for the Rolos to soften without overheating the chocolate. Press toppings straight down, not sideways, to keep the caramel centered on the pretzel. Lining the pan with parchment or a silicone mat helps prevent sticking and breakage.
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