There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and pretzels. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies strike the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy – a treat that’s impossible to resist.
I first made these candies on a whim during the holidays, hoping for an easy-to-make snack that everyone would love. They quickly became a staple, disappearing as soon as they hit the dessert table. Let me show you how to make them for your next party or indulgent snack session!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a no-bake treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These candies are a must-try for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike.
First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and no oven required, you can whip up a batch in less than 30 minutes – perfect for last-minute dessert needs.
They’re also versatile. Whether you want to top them with festive sprinkles for a holiday vibe or leave them plain for everyday snacking, these candies adapt to any occasion.
Not to mention, they’re a great recipe for kids to help with. Rolling the peanut butter mixture and dipping in chocolate makes this a fun, hands-on activity for the whole family.
Best of all, the flavor combination is irresistible. The salty crunch of the pretzels pairs beautifully with the creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate coating. It’s the kind of treat that keeps you coming back for more!
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to create these bite-sized delights:
Peanut Butter: Choose creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture, but chunky works if you want a little extra crunch in your filling.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the peanut butter mixture and helps give it a dough-like consistency for easy rolling.
Butter: A small amount of unsalted butter adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
Mini Pretzels: These act as the base of the candies, providing a delightful crunch and a touch of saltiness that balances the sweetness.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best for dipping, but you can also use milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference.
Coconut Oil (optional): Adding a bit of coconut oil to the melted chocolate gives it a glossy finish and makes dipping easier.
No special equipment is needed, though having a microwave-safe bowl and a fork or dipping tool will make the process a breeze.
How to Make These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies
Making these candies is as simple as 1-2-3. Follow these steps to create the perfect sweet-and-salty treat:
Start by preparing the peanut butter filling. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, and 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. The mixture should be firm enough to roll into balls but not crumbly.
Roll the peanut butter mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should have roughly 20-25 balls, depending on the size.
Press each peanut butter ball gently between two mini pretzels, forming a sandwich. Once all the pretzel sandwiches are assembled, place the tray in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
Meanwhile, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a smoother coating.
Dip each pretzel sandwich halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the dipped candies back on the parchment-lined tray. For a festive touch, sprinkle the chocolate with colorful sprinkles or flaky sea salt before it sets.
Let the candies sit at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate hardens completely. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy!
Storage Options
These candies are perfect for making ahead and storing for later. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Room Temperature: Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry spot to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the candies in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. The cool temperature helps maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezer: Want to save some for a rainy day? These candies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to customize based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
Chocolate Options: Try using white chocolate or dark chocolate for dipping. You can even drizzle a contrasting chocolate color over the candies for an elegant finish.
Add Texture: Mix crushed pretzels or rice cereal into the peanut butter filling for extra crunch.
Nut Butter Alternatives: Swap out peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a unique twist or to accommodate allergies.
Decorate with Flair: Roll the candies in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or holiday-themed sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Salted Caramel Version: Add a layer of caramel between the peanut butter ball and the pretzels for an indulgent variation.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these candies your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or try something new, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a treat that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds – and maybe even thirds!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies Recipe
These chocolate peanut butter pretzel candies combine creamy peanut butter, salty pretzels, and rich chocolate for the ultimate sweet and salty no-bake treat. Quick to make and perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 candies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for melting chocolate)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gently fold in crushed pretzels to create a firm, moldable dough.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the balls in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips (and coconut oil, if using) in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Dip each pretzel ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely.
- Place coated candies back on the baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top for an extra salty kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
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