Christmas Rolo Pretzels
Christmas gatherings are incomplete without a touch of sweetness, and this recipe for Christmas Rolo Pretzels is a delightful addition to any festive spread. Combining chocolate, caramel, and a crunch from pretzels, these treats hit all the right notes. My first experience with these festive bites was at a holiday party, where they quickly became the highlight of the dessert table. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal time, making them perfect for both seasoned bakers and those new to the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Christmas Rolo Pretzels. For one, they’re kid-approved, making them a great project for little hands eager to help during the holiday season. Plus, they are budget-friendly and come together in just about 15 minutes! Whether you’re looking to treat your family during a movie night or wow guests at a holiday gathering, these pretzels fit the bill perfectly. Their festive colors create a visually appealing treat that can elevate any holiday dessert table.
"Made these for my family holiday party, and they were gone in seconds! Everyone loved the combination of sweet and salty!"
The cooking process explained
Creating Christmas Rolo Pretzels is a straightforward affair, making it easy even for those who claim they can’t bake. You’ll start by preheating your oven and preparing your ingredients. The simple steps that follow allow for quick assembly, requiring just a few minutes of baking to achieve that soft, gooey texture beloved by all.
What you’ll need
To recreate this holiday favorite, gather the following ingredients:
- 48 dark salted caramel Rolos
- 48 pretzel snaps (or mini twists or waffle rounds)
- 48 red and green M&M’s
- ¼ cup holiday nonpareil sprinkles
Feel free to switch out the pretzel shape according to your preference!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the pretzels on the parchment in a single layer.
- Place one Rolo on top of each pretzel.
- Bake for 2-3 minutes, just until the Rolo softens—be careful not to melt it completely!
- Remove from the oven and quickly add a single M&M in the center of each melted Rolo. Follow up by sprinkling on the nonpareil sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft.
- Allow the pretzels to set at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving or storing.
How to serve Christmas Rolo Pretzels

These pretzels can be served in multiple ways. Consider presenting them on a decorative platter as part of a holiday dessert table or individually wrapped in clear cellophane as cute gifts for friends and neighbors. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, coffee, or even a festive punch, making them the ideal sweet nibble to enjoy during your holiday gatherings.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To ensure your Christmas Rolo Pretzels taste their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week, although I doubt they will last that long! If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them and enjoy these treats for weeks to come.
Helpful cooking tips
- For perfect melting, check on the Rolos closely as they bake. You want them soft but not fully melted.
- Try mixing up the M&M colors based on the holiday theme, using pastels for Easter or team colors for game day.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some melted white chocolate on top for an extra special touch!
Creative twists
While this recipe is undeniably delicious as is, there are always opportunities to mix it up. Consider adding crushed peppermint for a refreshing twist during the winter holidays, or swap out the M&M’s for chopped nuts to add a crunchy element. You could even try using seasonal candy like Reese’s or peppermint bark!
Your questions answered
How much time does it take to prepare and cook?
The entire process takes about 30-45 minutes. Most of that time is just allowing the pretzels to set!
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! You can make them a couple of days ahead and store them in an airtight container.
What can I use instead of Rolos?
If Rolos aren’t available, any chocolate caramel candy will work, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
With this festive treat in your arsenal, you are set to impress during the holidays! Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Christmas Rolo Pretzels as a sweet symbol of the season.

Christmas Rolo Pretzels
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the pretzels on the parchment in a single layer.
- Place one Rolo on top of each pretzel.
- Bake for 2-3 minutes, just until the Rolo softens—be careful not to melt it completely!
- Remove from the oven and quickly add a single M&M in the center of each melted Rolo.
- Sprinkle on the nonpareil sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft.
- Allow the pretzels to set at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving or storing.
