Pecan Turtles

Pretzel turtles are a quick and easy treat that combines salty pretzels, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate in every bite. This is my go-to recipe; perfect for snacking or gifting, these sweet-and-salty bites are always a hit!

There is something about the holidays that makes me want to fill my kitchen with the scent of homemade sweets.

One of my go-to recipes for this is pecan turtles, or pecan rolo pretzels, a treat that never fails to impress. The combination of salty pretzels, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate topped with pecans is irresistible.

Whether I’m making them for a family get-together, a holiday gift basket, or just because, these treats always bring joy.

Why I love this recipe

These are quick to make, perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings or unexpected guests. I also love that I only need three items, and I almost always have them in my pantry and easily find them in the grocery store. I can also easily swap out the nuts, chocolate, or pretzels to keep things interesting.

These make such a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. Who wouldn’t smile at a jar full of these treats? It’s a great recipe to make with kids, it is simple, fun, and has no complicated steps to worry about.

If you’re a fan of pecans, you’ll love our Spicy Candied Pecans and Butter Pecan Turtle Cookie Bars. Give them a try for a sweet and savory treat!

Ingredients

• pretzel snaps – you can try other pretzel shapes but I find the snaps are a great base for the melted rolos so you don’t waste that chocolate!
• Rolos – buy in bulk bags for the best price
• pecan halves – find these in the baking aisle at the grocery store

Step by step

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay the Pretzels: Arrange the pretzel snaps on the tray in a single layer, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
3. Add the Rolo: Place an unwrapped Rolo on top of each pretzel.

1. Bake: Put the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 4 minutes, just until the chocolate becomes soft but still holds its shape. Avoid overbaking.
2. Add the Pecan: Take the tray out of the oven and immediately place a pecan half on each Rolo, pressing it gently so it sticks and the chocolate spreads.
3. Cool and Serve: Let the Pecan Turtles cool completely on the counter before serving. If needed, refrigerate for about 10 minutes to speed up the cooling process. Enjoy!

Variations

If you love variety, you’ll appreciate how customizable Pecan Turtles can be. I like to switch out pecans for walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a different nutty crunch.

I also enjoy experimenting with the chocolate. Caramel squares drizzled with chocolate or caramel-filled bars like Caramello and Dove can add a gourmet touch. And don’t forget to try out different Rolo flavors. I used milk chocolate Rolos for these to make each batch uniquely mine!

Changing up the pretzel shape is another fun way to mix things up. Twists, rounds, or flats all give a fresh look.

Serving suggestions

Use them as a delightful topping for ice cream, brownie mix cookies, or even a slice of cake. These treats are also perfect alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or creamy cookie dough iced coffee.

Add them to a dessert charcuterie board for an impressive spread. And of course, enjoy them straight from the container. My favorite way to savor these treats!

Storage

Store leftover pecan turtles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If you’re planning to gift them, be sure to package them in a way that keeps them fresh and protected.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!