Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites Recipe
Introduction
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy pretzels, all wrapped in rich dark chocolate. This easy no-bake treat is perfect for snacking or sharing at parties. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated white sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 72 mini twist pretzels
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- Sea salt (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to beat the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until fully combined.
- Step 2: Gradually add the powdered sugar on a low speed and continue beating until you achieve a soft dough.
- Step 3: Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside for freezing.
- Step 4: Scoop out ½ tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into a ball.
- Step 5: Sandwich the peanut butter ball between two mini twist pretzels, gently pressing them to create a ½ inch thick sandwich. Repeat until all dough is used, making about 36 sandwiches.
- Step 6: Arrange the pretzel sandwiches on the prepared sheet pan and freeze for 30 minutes to set.
- Step 7: Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted (about 2-3 minutes).
- Step 8: Dip each peanut butter pretzel sandwich halfway into the melted chocolate, then place back on the parchment paper. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Step 9: Return the sheet pan to the freezer for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
- Step 10: Serve immediately or store the bites in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy. Serve chilled.
Tips & Variations
- For a crunchier texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate if preferred.
- Use mini pretzels with different shapes for a fun twist on presentation.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder to the peanut butter mixture for a subtle spice.
Storage
Store the peanut butter pretzel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to one month. To enjoy, let frozen bites thaw in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and oilier, which may affect the dough’s consistency. You might need to chill the mixture longer to firm up the dough.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?
Heat the chocolate slowly in short intervals and stir frequently. Avoid any moisture contact, and use a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler for gentle melting.
PrintPeanut Butter Pretzel Bites Recipe
These Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter filling sandwiched between crunchy mini pretzels, then dipped in rich dark chocolate and optionally sprinkled with sea salt. Perfect as a sweet and salty snack or dessert, they are easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and no baking required.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 36 pretzel bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Filling
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated white sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Assembly
- 72 mini twist pretzels
Chocolate Coating
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- Sea salt, optional garnish
Instructions
- Mix the Peanut Butter Filling: Use a stand or hand mixer to beat together creamy peanut butter, softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar on low speed until a soft dough forms, ensuring the mixture is uniform and pliable.
- Prepare Freezing Sheet: Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper that fits inside your freezer to hold the pretzel bites as they set.
- Form Peanut Butter Balls: Scoop ½ tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands for uniform portions.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Take two mini twist pretzels and create a sandwich by pressing a peanut butter ball between them, gently pressing until about ½ inch thick. Repeat to make about 36 sandwiches.
- Freeze Sandwiches: Place the pretzel sandwiches on the lined sheet pan and freeze for 30 minutes to set the filling firmly. The refrigerator can be used as an alternative but freezing is recommended for best results.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes total.
- Dip Pretzel Bites: Dip each peanut butter pretzel sandwich halfway into the melted chocolate, then place back on the parchment paper. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired for an extra touch of flavor.
- Set the Chocolate: Return the chocolate-dipped pretzel bites to the freezer for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully harden.
- Serve and Store: Serve the peanut butter pretzel bites immediately chilled or store them in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Using the freezer ensures the peanut butter filling firms up quickly and helps the chocolate set properly.
- If you prefer a sweeter snack, consider using milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate.
- Handle the pretzel sandwiches gently to avoid breaking the pretzels during assembly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
Keywords: peanut butter pretzel bites, no bake snack, chocolate dipped pretzels, sweet and salty snacks, peanut butter desserts
