If you love that irresistible combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and buttery, these Butter Toffee Pretzels are about to become your new favorite snack. Easy to make and dangerously addictive, they’re perfect for holiday gift tins, party snack bowls, game nights, or simply enjoying straight from the pan.
Coated in a rich caramel-toffee glaze made with butter and brown sugar, then baked low and slow until crisp and golden, these pretzels deliver the classic candy-crunch of toffee with a perfectly salty twist. Every bite is buttery, sweet, and crunchy—the kind of snack that keeps you reaching back for “just one more handful.”
Ingredients
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10 cups small pretzels (twists or sticks)
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1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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½ cup light corn syrup
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Spread the pretzels evenly across the sheets.
Step 2: Make the Toffee Coating
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Once the mixture begins to bubble, stop stirring and allow it to cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam—this is normal and helps create a lighter, crunchier coating.
Step 3: Coat the Pretzels
Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the pretzels. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat them as evenly as possible.
Step 4: Bake Until Crisp
Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and spread the pretzels into a single layer. Allow them to cool completely so the toffee can harden.
Step 5: Break and Store
Once cooled, break apart any large clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Butter Toffee Pretzels
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Do not skip the baking soda—it creates a light, crunchy toffee instead of a hard candy shell
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Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup
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Stir during baking to keep the coating evenly distributed
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Make extra—these disappear fast, especially during the holidays
Variations and Add-Ins
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Nutty Crunch: Add almonds, pecans, or cashews before baking
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle cooled pretzels with melted dark or white chocolate
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Holiday Version: Add festive sprinkles while still warm and sticky
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Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl 2 tablespoons peanut butter into the hot toffee sauce before coating
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy with simple pantry ingredients
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Perfect for parties, gifts, and holiday snacking
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Ideal balance of sweet, salty, buttery, and crunchy
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Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored properly