Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This helps ensure that your brownies come out just right!

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s completely melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, whisking them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Next, in a separate bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your brownies to remain nice and fudgy!

Step 5: Add Caramel and Pretzels

Now, let’s elevate those brownies! Fold in about half of the crushed pretzels and half of the chocolate chips into your brownie batter. Once that’s done, pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Swirl in Caramel

Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the brownie batter. Use a knife or a skewer to create swirls of caramel throughout the batter, adding a delightful visual touch and maximizing that gooey goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake; you want to maintain that fudge-like texture!

Step 8: Add the Final Touch

When the brownies are out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining crushed pretzels and chocolate chips on top while they’re still warm. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the brownies have cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy your delicious Caramel Pretzel Brownies! They’re perfect for any gathering or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. Don’t forget to share them with friends and family—they’ll be begging for your secret recipe!