Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
If you’re missing an ingredient or two, don’t fret! You can substitute crushed graham crackers for pretzels if you prefer a sweeter crust. For a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. Remember, cooking is an art, not a science—feel free to experiment!
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup caramel sauce until smooth and creamy. This step always reminds me of spending afternoons helping my mom whip up desserts for family dinners.
- Chill the cream cheese mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle.
- While the mixture chills, crush the pretzels in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor until you have a coarse crumb. Mix in the sea salt.
- Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cream cheese mixture and roll them into balls. I find this part particularly therapeutic, like shaping masa for tamales during the holidays.
- Roll each ball in the crushed pretzel mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. I recommend doing this with slightly damp hands to prevent sticking.
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second increments and stirring in between until smooth.
- Using a fork, dip each pretzel-coated ball into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the chocolate-covered balls and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for that final touch. Let them set in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International