Tis the season for goodies and it seems like people are always looking for quick and easy ones. It recently came to my attention that not everyone in the world has been introduced to these Easy Pretzel Turtles and that’s just a cryin’ shame! This is possibly the easiest little goodie you’ll come across. They can be made in about 10 minutes and with only 3 ingredients. However here I’ll show you my little twists to take them a notch up and make them cooler than everyone else’s pretzel turtles. Because at Christmas time it’s all about one-upping everyone else, right?? Kidding people, kidding. Really though, these are great for satisfying your own sweet tooth or for making to give away. Either way they’ll be gone in a flash!
Ingredients Needed
This is just a preview of ingredients and method, keep scrolling for full printable recipe.
- Small pretzels
- Rolo candies – Each bag has about 55 candies.
- Pecan halves – Other nuts or M&M’s will also work.
- Almond bark or white chocolate – Optional, for drizzling.
How to Make Easy Pretzel Turtles
- This is easy as can be! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place pretzels on a parchment lined baking sheet. I like to use parchment paper for easy handling, but you can also put them on foil, a Silpat, or directly onto the cookie sheet.
- Unwrap your Rolo candies and place one on top of each pretzel.
- Place pan in the oven for 3-4 minutes. Any longer is probably too long. You just want the chocolate on the outside to look glossy and melty, but they should still hold their shape.
- Remove pan from oven and take a pecan and gently press it right into the center of each chocolate candy.
- Here’s where you can be creative. You don’t need to stick to pecan halves. I also love cashews and peanuts (I used honey roasted peanuts here). And for kiddos and those who can’t eat nuts or don’t like them, M&M’s make a great little topper. I always throw a few of those in for color and because the kids like them. And if it’s not Christmas time, use the colorful ones- they’re adorable!
- If you want to get fancy you can give them a little drizzle of almond bark or white chocolate. Just melt some in a plastic baggie and nip the corner off to drizzle. A little goes a long way; I used a half a square of almond bark for half a batch and had plenty left over.
- Now definitely do yourself a favor and eat a few of these babies warm off the pan. Mmmm… Wait for the rest to cool and harden before you pack or plate them up. I pop them in the fridge to hurry that process up.
Storing and Other Tips
- Allow turtles to cool and harden completely before storing or packaging. Store or package for gifting in an airtight container or cellophane bag and enjoy within about 7 days for best results.
- I love to package them in little peep-window boxes. You can grab some off of Amazon, or craft stores like Michaels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, these will work well with gluten-free pretzels! Rolos and the other suggested toppers are already gluten-free.
As long as you allow the turtles to cool and fully harden, they should stack well in packaging. If you’d like you can always add a layer of parchment between layers.
Sure! Sprinkles or a little flaky sea salt would be great.
Easy Pretzel Turtles
Ingredients
- 50 small pretzels
- 50 Rolo candies one 12- ounce bag has about 50-55
- 50 pecan halves or, optionally, honey-roasted peanuts, cashews, M&Ms, or Reese's Pieces
- almond bark or white chocolate optional, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉. Place pretzels on lined baking sheet. (Works well with a Silpat, tin foil, or parchment paper).
- Unwrap your Rolo candies and place one on top of each pretzel.
- Place pan in the oven for 3-4 minutes; until chocolate on the outside to looks glossy and melty.
- Remove pan from oven and take a pecan, peanut, chocolate candy, or whatever else you desire, and gently press it right into the center of the chocolate candy.
- Enjoy a few warm, then wait to cool and harden before you pack or plate them up.
Notes
- Great tip: To drizzle, just melt some almond bark in a plastic baggie and nip the corner off for a homemade piping bag. A little goes a long way; I used a half a square of almond bark for half a batch and had plenty left over.
- Allow turtles to cool and harden completely before storing or packaging. Store or package for gifting in an airtight container or cellophane bag and enjoy within about 7 days for best results.
- I love to package them in little peep-window boxes. You can grab some off of Amazon, or craft stores like Michaels.
Questions & Reviews
I have to say I tried this recipe tonight to the tune of three bags of rolos! They are fantastic! So much faster than traditional turtles! I did half red & green m&m’s and half pecans and they taste terrific! Love your blog!
I just made these … They aren’t even cooled yet, but I am really wondering if any are going to make it to our neighbors! 😉 Thanks! They’re delicious and super simple!
Thanks for sharing everybody loves turtles. My son also want me to put reeses cups on them says they are great..
I just whipped these up to add to our teacher gifts and oh my…..they’re SO good! Thank you so much for such an easy and scrumptious recipe!!! Now I just hope that I’ll have some left over for their gift boxes! 😉
For the pecans, do you use roasted/salted or what? Just wondering!
All of the above! They all work. I personally love a toasted pecan, but I’ve used all sorts and never had one I didn’t like 😉
that's what I wasn't sure of… whether or not the caramel in the kisses would hold up…. phooey!
I scouted another store today and… NO ROLOS!
Everyone in my area must have found your blog and been buying them up for these treats! lol
Will try again this week – good thing with these is they are SO easy and quick to make that it's no big deal to make them last minute.
btw – I found red/white/green candy corn 😉 Gonna use those on top!
Jenn–Oh, holy night, I'd die if I couldn't find Rolos. 🙂 Honestly, I'd keep looking if you can–the caramel in the caramel kisses is pretty runny (like if you break the kiss, it will all come out, but if you cut a Rolo, it'll stay solid). My worry is that it won't be able to hold up and it will make a huge mess.
Good luck! 🙂
Ok, I've made these twice now (thank you!) and I wanted to make them for Christmas goodies.
But – I couldn't find any ROLOS!! 🙁
I did buy caramel filled kisses…. would these work? Or should I scout another store for the rolos?
thanks ladies 🙂
I have ZERO time to make treats this year, but this is perfect. Thank you and Merry Christmas from a busy Mom.
they do last quite a while, but if you can help it I probably wouldn't make them a whole week ahead of time. A few days ahead would be better 🙂