Chocolate peanut butter pretzel candies are the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat. These bite-sized delights combine creamy peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and rich chocolate for a treat that’s perfect for parties, gifting, or snacking. They’re quick to make and disappear even quicker!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with a salty twist.
- Requires no baking and minimal prep time.
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting.
- Easy to customize with toppings or variations.
- A crowd-pleasing treat that’s fun to make!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mini pretzels
- Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- Powdered sugar
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Optional: Sprinkles, crushed peanuts, or sea salt for garnish
Directions
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until a thick, dough-like consistency forms. Adjust the ratio if needed to ensure the mixture is easy to shape.
- Assemble the Pretzel Sandwiches:
- Take a small amount of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into a ball. Place it between two mini pretzels, pressing gently to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Chill the Sandwiches:
- Place the pretzel sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Dip in Chocolate:
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Dip each pretzel sandwich halfway into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Decorate:
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or a pinch of sea salt.
- Set the Candies:
- Let the candies sit at room temperature or refrigerate them until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the candies to a serving platter or store them for later indulgence.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 24 candies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate: Use white chocolate for dipping or drizzle it over the dark chocolate layer for a decorative touch.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
- Crunchy Additions: Add crushed pretzels or toffee bits to the chocolate coating for extra texture.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cayenne or chili powder on the chocolate for a spicy-sweet twist.
- Holiday Flair: Use colored sprinkles or edible glitter to match the season or occasion.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: These candies are best served as is and don’t require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use large pretzels instead of minis?
Yes, large pretzels work well but will yield fewer candies.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Ensure all utensils and bowls are dry, as water can cause chocolate to seize.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these candies can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What’s the best chocolate for dipping?
High-quality semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips or melting wafers work best for smooth dipping.
Can I add caramel to these candies?
Absolutely! Spread a thin layer of caramel between the pretzels before adding the peanut butter mixture.
Are there alternatives to powdered sugar in the filling?
You can use honey or maple syrup, but the texture will be softer.
How do I make the chocolate coating smoother?
Adding a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to the chocolate when melting can make it smoother and shinier.
Can I skip the chilling step?
Chilling helps the peanut butter mixture firm up, making it easier to dip, so it’s highly recommended.
Can I use flavored peanut butter?
Yes, flavored peanut butter (like chocolate or honey) can add a fun twist.
Are these candies suitable for gifting?
Yes! Package them in decorative boxes or bags for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
Conclusion
Chocolate peanut butter pretzel candies are a delectable combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy goodness. With minimal effort and endless customization options, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe and enjoy a homemade snack that’s sure to become a family favorite!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies are a perfect combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy! They’re quick to make and ideal for parties, holiday gifting, or just a delicious snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 25 candies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 50 mini pretzel twists (approximately)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. The mixture should be thick and moldable.
- Assemble the Pretzel Candies:
- Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into a small ball. Place the ball on top of a pretzel and gently press another pretzel on top to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining pretzels and peanut butter filling.
- Place the pretzel sandwiches on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and glossy.
- Dip the Pretzels:
- Remove the pretzel sandwiches from the freezer. Using a fork, dip each pretzel sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Garnish and Set:
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate-coated pretzels if desired. Allow the candies to set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a festive twist, drizzle the candies with white chocolate or sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
- Use dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.
- You can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter for dietary needs.