Thereโs something irresistible about the combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, and these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies hit all the right notes. Imagine creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of pretzels coming together in a bite-sized treatโpure bliss!
I first made these candies for a holiday cookie exchange, and they quickly became the star of the table. Not only do they look impressive, but theyโre also ridiculously easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether youโre whipping up a quick dessert for a party, gifting homemade goodies, or satisfying a sweet tooth, this recipe is a winner every time.
Why Youโll Love These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies
These little candies might just become your new favorite no-bake treat. They check all the boxes for the perfect indulgenceโquick, delicious, and easy to make!
First, theyโre incredibly easy to prepare. You only need 4 ingredients and about 20 minutes to create a batch of these addicting treats. Theyโre perfect for busy days when you need a quick dessert without the hassle of baking.
The flavor combination is out of this world. Rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and salty pretzels create a mix of flavors and textures that will keep you reaching for just one more.
These candies are also perfect for any occasion. Whether youโre hosting a party, making holiday treats, or putting together a care package, theyโre easy to pack up and look impressive.
Finally, theyโre kid-friendly and fun to make. Let little hands help assemble the pretzels or drizzle chocolate on top for a fun family activity. Everyone will enjoy makingโand eatingโthese delightful candies!
Ingredients Notes
The magic of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, so letโs break it down:
- Pretzels: Use small, twist-shaped pretzels or square pretzel snaps for the perfect bite-sized base. Their salty crunch is essential to balance the sweetness.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: A smooth, creamy peanut butter works best here. If you prefer a stronger peanut flavor, you can use natural peanut butter, but the candies may be a little softer.
- Chocolate Chips or Melting Wafers: Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate melting wafers. Melting wafers are ideal because they melt smoothly and set with a glossy finish, but chocolate chips work just as well.
- Powdered Sugar: This helps thicken the peanut butter mixture so it stays firm inside the candy, adding just a hint of sweetness.
Optional Toppings: If youโre feeling creative, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the candies or sprinkling crushed pretzels, flaky sea salt, or festive sprinkles on top for an extra special touch.
Special Equipment: Youโll need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to assemble the candies and a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting the chocolate.q
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies
Making these candies couldnโt be easier. Follow these simple steps, and youโll have a batch of irresistible treats in no time!
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ยฝ cup creamy peanut butter and ยพ cup powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and slightly thickenedโyou want it firm enough to roll into small balls.
- Assemble the Pretzels: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place half of the pretzels in a single layer. Roll the peanut butter mixture into small teaspoon-sized balls and press one onto each pretzel. Top with another pretzel to create a little โsandwich.โ
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips or melting wafers in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. If you prefer, use a double boiler for a more controlled melt.
- Dip the Pretzel Sandwiches: Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each pretzel sandwich into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set and Decorate: Let the candies sit at room temperature until the chocolate sets, or place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the process. If you want to add toppingsโlike a drizzle of white chocolate, sea salt, or sprinklesโdo so while the chocolate is still wet.
These candies are ready to enjoy once the chocolate has fully hardened. From start to finish, youโll have these treats ready in less than 30 minutes!
Storage Options
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies store beautifully, making them perfect for prepping ahead or gifting to friends and family.
- Room Temperature: Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate from softening.
- Refrigerator: If you live in a warmer climate or prefer a firmer chocolate coating, store the candies in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Theyโll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Want to make a big batch ahead of time? These candies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
To reheat or soften slightly chilled candies, just let them sit out at room temperature for a few minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few fun ideas to mix things up and make the candies your own:
- Swap the Peanut Butter: Not a fan of peanut butter? Substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or even cookie butter for a unique twist.
- Use Different Chocolates: While semi-sweet chocolate is classic, you can experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for dipping. Combine different chocolates for an impressive marbled look!
- Add a Filling Surprise: For a little extra sweetness, press a mini marshmallow or small piece of caramel into the peanut butter filling before topping with the second pretzel.
- Top It Off: Decorate your candies with a sprinkle of crushed nuts, toffee bits, or shredded coconut before the chocolate hardens. It adds a beautiful texture and extra flavor.
- Make It Holiday-Themed: Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween. These candies are perfect for any celebration!
Donโt be afraid to get creativeโthis recipe is incredibly forgiving and endlessly adaptable. Mix and match ingredients to discover your favorite combination.
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies are the kind of treat that disappears quickly, so be sure to make extra! With their perfect mix of salty, sweet, and crunchy goodness, theyโll be a hit at any gathering, and you might just find yourself making them on repeat.
Enjoy every bite, and donโt forget to share the love (or keep them all to yourselfโwe wonโt judge!).
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies Recipe
This chocolate peanut butter pretzel candies recipe combines the rich flavor of chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy pretzels for a sweet and salty treat that's perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 candies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups pretzels (mini twists or sticks)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ยฝ cup powdered sugar
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Place pretzels on the baking sheet. Scoop a small amount of the peanut butter mixture onto each pretzel.
- Top each with another pretzel, sandwiching the peanut butter.
- Dip each pretzel sandwich into the melted chocolate, covering fully or partially.
- Place back on the baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate sets.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use white chocolate or dark chocolate for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Leave a Reply