There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and pretzels. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies strike the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy, making them impossible to resist. Whether you need a last-minute treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next gathering, this recipe has got you covered.
I first stumbled upon this creation during a holiday baking marathon, and it’s been a go-to ever since. Not only are these candies incredibly easy to make, but they also offer the kind of indulgent flavor that feels like a special occasion every time. Ready to discover your new favorite no-bake treat? Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies are a trifecta of deliciousness that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
First off, they’re ridiculously easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and no oven required, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned bakers alike.
The flavor combination is out of this world. Creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and the salty crunch of pretzels come together to create a bite-sized treat that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.
These candies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday tray, gifting them to friends, or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Finally, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Swap out the pretzels for crackers, add a sprinkle of sea salt, or experiment with different types of chocolate—the possibilities are endless!
So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on this delightful treat.
Ingredients Notes
This recipe shines because of its simple yet perfectly paired ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in making these candies unforgettable.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best here. They melt smoothly and provide the perfect balance to the salty pretzels and sweet peanut butter. Milk chocolate can also be used if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter to ensure a smooth consistency. Natural peanut butter works, but make sure it’s well-stirred to avoid a grainy texture.
Pretzels: Mini pretzel twists or sticks are ideal. Their crisp texture and salty flavor add a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate and peanut butter.
Butter: Just a small amount of unsalted butter helps make the peanut butter mixture even creamier and easier to work with.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the peanut butter mixture and gives it structure so it holds its shape when dipped in chocolate.
You’ll also need parchment paper and a baking sheet for easy assembly and cleanup.
How To Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies
Making these candies is as simple as it gets, and the results are absolutely irresistible. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the candies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. The mixture should be thick enough to roll into small balls. If it feels too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Take a small amount of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a marble. Press the ball gently between two pretzels, forming a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler.
Dip each pretzel sandwich halfway into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place the dipped pretzels on the parchment-lined baking sheet. For an extra touch, drizzle additional chocolate over the top or sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Allow the candies to set. You can speed up the process by placing the tray in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. Once the chocolate has hardened, your candies are ready to enjoy!
These little bites of heaven come together in under an hour and are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
Storage Options
One of the best things about these candies is that they store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or edible gifts.
To store at room temperature, place the candies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week, though they rarely last that long!
For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll remain delicious for up to two weeks—just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
If you’d like to freeze these candies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to three months.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the joys of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ideas to customize your candies:
Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter for a nut-free or allergy-friendly option.
Swap the pretzels for crackers like Ritz or graham crackers for a different texture and flavor profile.
Experiment with different chocolates. White chocolate or caramel-filled chocolate can add a unique twist to this classic combo.
Add toppings like sprinkles, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.
For a holiday-themed version, decorate with festive colored sprinkles or edible glitter to match the occasion.
No matter how you make them, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies are a treat worth savoring. Have fun experimenting and discovering your own favorite version!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate combination of sweet and salty flavors with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies. Made with creamy peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and rich chocolate, these no-bake treats are quick, easy, and perfect for snacking, gifting, or party desserts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for melting chocolate)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 candies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzel twists or sticks
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (optional for smoother melting)
- ½ cup crushed peanuts (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Crush pretzels into small pieces, leaving some chunks for texture.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Roll the peanut butter mixture into small balls, then press crushed pretzels into each ball to coat.
- Melt chocolate chips (with coconut oil if using) in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.
- Dip each pretzel-peanut butter ball into melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating.
- Place the coated candies on a parchment-lined tray and sprinkle with crushed peanuts, if desired.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use dark chocolate for a less sweet option.
- Store candies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- These make great holiday gifts when wrapped in decorative packaging.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 95mg
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