Prepare the Pretzels

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set the pretzel rods on the sheet, spacing them apart so they don’t touch. This will be the base for dipping.

Melt the Caramel

In a medium saucepan, melt the caramel bits and heavy cream over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. If you're using wrapped caramels, unwrap them and melt them in the same way. Stir until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside for a moment to cool slightly.

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The oil helps the chocolate dip smoothly and prevents it from becoming too thick.

Dip the Pretzels

Caramel Dipping: Hold a pretzel rod by one end and dip the other end into the melted caramel. You can dip as much or as little as you like. Once dipped, allow any excess caramel to drip off, then place the caramel-coated pretzel on the prepared baking sheet.
Chocolate Dipping: After the caramel has set for a minute or two (or if you prefer to layer both simultaneously), dip the same end of the pretzel into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.

Add Toppings

Before the chocolate hardens, immediately sprinkle or roll the dipped pretzels in your choice of toppings. Crushed nuts, sprinkles, sea salt, mini chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes are all excellent options. You can get creative with these based on the flavours you love or the occasion!

Set the Pretzels

Allow the chocolate and caramel to cool and harden at room temperature, which will take about 15-30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process, but be sure to keep an eye on them so the chocolate doesn’t become too hard.

Serve or Store

Once the chocolate is fully set, your chocolate caramel pretzel rods are ready to enjoy! They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, they also freeze well for up to 2-3 months—just be sure to separate the layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Tips for Perfect Pretzel Rods:

Caramel: If you can’t find caramel bits, you can also use soft caramels. Simply unwrap and melt them with the cream, just like you would with caramel bits.
Tempering Chocolate: If you want your chocolate coating to set nicely and have a shiny finish, you can temper the chocolate. However, if you’re in a rush, just melting it with a bit of vegetable oil will work fine for a smooth coating.
Customization: You can personalize these pretzel rods for different occasions—use coloured sprinkles or candy for holidays, or sprinkle with festive items like chopped candy canes for Christmas.
Make-Ahead: These are perfect for making ahead of time for parties, as they stay fresh for several days. If you're making them as a gift, wrap them in cellophane or place them in a gift box for a charming treat.

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Rods

Enjoy!