Ingredients
- 1 bag (16 oz) mini pretzels
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: holiday sprinkles or chopped pecans
Tools You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Large mixing spoon for tossing
- Airtight container for storing
Possible Additions and Substitutions
Want to make your batch extra special? Try these ideas:
Additions
- Chopped pecans or walnuts — toast lightly for best flavor
- Holiday sprinkles — fun for Christmas, birthdays, or parties
- Mini chocolate chips — sprinkle on AFTER baking
- Sea salt flakes — for extra fancy sweet-salty contrast
- Crushed peppermint — perfect for winter
Substitutions
- Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar
- Gluten-free pretzels work perfectly
- Almond extract can replace vanilla for a different twist
- Salted butter can be used; just reduce any added salt
How to Make Church Lady Butter Toffee Pretzels (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat and Prep
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the mini pretzels into an even layer.
2. Make the Toffee Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture gently bubbles and thickens — about 2–3 minutes.
It should look smooth, glossy, and caramel-like.
3. Add Vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This gives the toffee its signature cozy flavor.
4. Coat the Pretzels
Pour the warm mixture over the pretzels and toss gently to coat. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even — the oven finishes the magic.
5. Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through to redistribute the coating.
As it cools, the toffee firms into a crisp, delicious shell.
6. Cool Completely
Spread the pretzels out so they cool evenly. This step is important — cooling makes them crunchy!
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Hot chocolate or apple cider
- Coffee or tea
- Holiday snack boards
- Ice cream sundaes (YES!)
- Popcorn for an easy sweet-salty mix
Tips for Perfect Butter Toffee Pretzels
- Don’t overcook the toffee: too long on the stove makes it grainy.
- Stir halfway for even baking and coating.
- Let them cool fully — that’s when the magic happens.
- Use parchment so the pretzels don’t stick.
- Add toppings quickly before the coating firms.
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
They stay crisp and delightful — perfect for gifting or snacking.
