Rolo Pretzel Turtle Candies or Rudolph Noses

Rolo Pretzel Turtles are salty pretzels layered with a sweet caramel chocolate Rolo candy and topped with a toasted pecan halve or red m&m candies to make Rudolph Noses. 

I don't recall where I got this recipe but I have been making them for years. Some of you might already know what I'm talking about when I say the word Rolo Pretzel Turtles, but if you're not familiar with them then I have a treat for you.

These are the perfect candy to satisfy your sweet and salty craving. Once you try one you'll be hooked just like I was the first time I had one. They are knock down easy peasy to make and a fun recipe to get the kids involved in the kitchen. My kiddos help me unwrap all of the rolo's, count out the pretzels and place them on the baking sheet.

They can also help match up Rolo's to pretzels. I would let mom add the pecans at the end since the candies are warm out of the oven. But more or less the kids can do most of work and have fun all at the same time.

Each turtle candy contains one pretzel, one Rolo and one pecan. If you don't like pecans that's OK, just use holiday themed m&m's in place of the pecans or mix and match like I did for a pretty festive look. Some people use all red m&ms and call them Rudolph noses. You can use regular small pretzels or waffle pretzels like I used its all up to you.

Once the candies have set add to clear treat sacks or place in a holiday tin with tissue paper. You will have a nice homemade gift that's next to nothing to make. I warn you once you get a bite of these little turtles you will be addicted. Who doesn't love chocolate, caramel and nuts the perfect combination.

Start by preheating your oven to 250 degrees. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place pretzels individually to form one layer only. 

Unwrap all the rolo candies. This is perfect for the kiddos to help out with.

Place one Rolo Candy on top of each pretzel. Place the baking tray in a 250 degrees oven for 4 minutes or until the candies softened. You just want the candy warm not melted.

If using pecans toast them. I did this in the microwave see my note at the end of this post.

Immediately remove the chocolate covered pretzels from the oven they will look shiny and soft. Quickly place a pecan half on top of a candy

push down to squish the chocolate into the pretzel and flatten it out. If you don't like pecans you can use toasted almonds or m&m candies in holiday colors.

Cool for 20 minutes, then place uncovered in refrigerator for about 20 minutes to set. When the candy is set transfer to a serving plate or add to individual clear gift sacks. I did a few with m&m's so you could see what they looked like. 

These little turtle candies look so cute in clear individual gift sacks. Teachers love getting this festive sweet and salty treat, so keep this recipe in mind for teacher gifts.

Sweet & Salty Rolo Pretzel Turtles

Ingredients:
1 - package small regular shaped pretzels (waffle squares or rounds)
1-13-oz. package rolo candies (aprox 60 in package), unwrapped
1 - package pecan halves (toasted), almonds or m&m candies

Directions:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place pretzels individually to form one layer. 

Place one Rolo Candy on top of each pretzel. Place the baking sheet in a 250 degree oven for 3 - 4 minutes or until the candies softened.

Immediately remove from the oven and quickly place a pecan halve or m & m candy on top of a Rolo candy and push down to squish the chocolate into the pretzel and flatten out.

Cool for 20 minutes, then place uncovered in refrigerator for about 20 minutes to set. 

Transfer to a decorative plate.

How to quickly Toast Pecans in the microwave:  spread out the pecan halves in a single layer on a microwavable plate and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir the pecans around and microwave another 20 - 30 seconds until toasted. If you do not like pecans you can substitute with almonds or m&m's candies.