If you love the classic combo of sweet and salty, peanut butter and chocolate, and something fun you can pop in your mouth, these Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites are going to steal your heart. Imagine biting into a crunchy pretzel, then hitting a creamy, dreamy peanut butter center, and finally, chocolate coating that melts in your mouth. Each bite is a little piece of happiness, perfect for snack time, parties, or just treating yourself to something totally indulgent. Trust me, these are addictive, and once you start, it’s hard to stop.
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Why you will love this recipe
These bites are more than a snack; they’re a little celebration in every bite. They are easy to make, customizable, and the combination of crunchy pretzel, rich peanut butter, and chocolate is always a hit. Whether you’re making them with kids, prepping them for a party, or keeping a batch in the fridge for a sweet pick-me-up, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they are fun to make, and that chocolate drizzle step? Pure joy.
Recipe Origin
Peanut butter and chocolate have been a classic pairing in American desserts for decades. Adding the salty crunch of a pretzel elevates this combo to snack perfection. These bites are a modern, no-bake spin on the classic peanut butter cup, designed to be easy, portable, and fun.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You will need a large mixing bowl for the peanut butter filling, a stand or hand mixer to get everything smooth, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate, a spoon or small cookie scoop to form the bites, and optionally a piping bag for a neat drizzle.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
Versatile: Perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving at parties. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely have at home or can get easily. No fancy items needed.
Quick and Easy: Even though they look fancy, these bites come together in less than 30 minutes.
Customizable: Swap the chocolate type, add sprinkles, or use flavored pretzels. You can make them your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, coworkers—everyone loves the sweet and salty combo. They disappear fast.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Use creamy peanut butter that isn’t runny. Natural peanut butter is too soft and will make the filling hard to shape. Chill the peanut butter mixture slightly if it’s sticky before forming into balls. Melt chocolate slowly and gently so it stays smooth. If drizzling white chocolate, make sure it’s slightly cooled to avoid mixing with the dark chocolate coating.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
Here’s what makes these treats irresistible
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the filling. Smooth, rich, and slightly sweet, it forms the creamy center.
Powdered Sugar and Peanut Butter Powder: Add structure and extra peanut flavor while keeping the filling soft but firm.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
Snap Pretzels: The crunch factor. They are salty, crunchy, and the perfect base and top for each bite.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into a smooth coating for the bites, balancing the saltiness with sweetness.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the chocolate glossy and smooth.
White Chocolate and Sprinkles: Optional toppings for a fun, festive touch or extra flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make these little bites of joy
Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a large bowl, mix creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter powder, and softened butter. Use a hand or stand mixer to combine until smooth and slightly firm.
Form the Bites: Take small spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture and roll into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Press each ball between two pretzels, gently flattening slightly. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes so the filling firms up and is easier to coat with chocolate.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil until smooth. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Coat the Bites: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each pretzel bite into melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated or partially coated, depending on your preference. Return to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Optional White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the bites for a decorative touch. Add sprinkles immediately if desired.
Chill Again: Refrigerate until chocolate sets, about 15-20 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Pop these bites in your mouth and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, salty, sweet, and crunchy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 20-25 bites
Calories per serving: Approximately 120
Preparation Time Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes including chilling
How to Serve Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
Snack Time: Serve on a plate for kids or adults for a fun after-school or work snack.
Party Treats: Place in a bowl or on a decorative platter for parties, game nights, or holiday gatherings.
Gift Idea: Wrap in small boxes or cellophane bags for gifts or bake sales.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Prep Ahead: Make the peanut butter filling and form bites in advance, storing in the fridge until ready to coat in chocolate.
Storage Tips: Store bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Double the Batch: These treats are perfect for doubling or tripling for parties or gifts.
Variations to Try
Nut Butter Swap: Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
Chocolate Varieties: Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix for coating.
Toppings: Add crushed pretzels, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts on top for texture.
Drizzle Patterns: Use different colored chocolate for festive occasions or holidays.
Additional Tips
Chill the peanut butter mixture if sticky before rolling.
Work in small batches when dipping to prevent chocolate from hardening too quickly.
Use a fork to lift bites out of chocolate and tap gently to remove excess coating.
If chocolate thickens while dipping, gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A1: Natural peanut butter is too runny. Use creamy store-bought peanut butter for best results.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Yes, use gluten-free pretzels and ensure your chocolate is gluten-free.
Q3: How long do these bites last?
A3: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q4: Can I skip the white chocolate drizzle?
A4: Absolutely, they taste amazing with just the chocolate coating.
Q5: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A5: You can, but the texture will be slightly chunkier. Smooth peanut butter creates a creamier bite.
Q6: Can I use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate?
A6: Yes, for a peanut butter coating instead of chocolate, though it will be sweeter.
Q7: Can I make mini bites?
A7: Yes, make smaller balls for bite-sized treats or larger ones for dessert portions.
Q8: Can I add sea salt on top?
A8: Definitely, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the sweet and salty flavor.
Q9: Can I use milk chocolate?
A9: Yes, milk chocolate or a combination of milk and dark chocolate works beautifully.
Q10: Can I double or triple the recipe?
A10: Yes, it scales easily, just make sure to work in batches when dipping to keep the chocolate smooth.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites are the ultimate sweet and salty snack that is easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any occasion. With a crunchy pretzel, creamy peanut butter center, and smooth chocolate coating, every bite is a little taste of happiness. Whether you are serving them for a party, gifting them, or simply keeping a batch for yourself, these bites are guaranteed to disappear fast. Make a batch, chill, coat, and enjoy a snack that is indulgent, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Print
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: Approx. 85 bites
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: No-bake / Dipping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and salty Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites made with a creamy peanut butter filling sandwiched between pretzels, then dipped in chocolate and decorated with sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (248g) creamy peanut butter (not natural)
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 6 Tbsp (34g) peanut butter powder
- 6 Tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 170 snap pretzels
- 1 1/2 cups (9 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 8 oz. white chocolate, chopped
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter powder, and unsalted butter. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Take about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll into small balls.
- Place peanut butter balls between two pretzels to form bite-sized sandwiches. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tsp vegetable oil in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Dip each pretzel bite halfway into melted chocolate and place on parchment paper.
- Melt white chocolate separately and drizzle over the pretzel bites. Add sprinkles while chocolate is still wet if desired.
- Allow chocolate to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Use good-quality chocolate for smooth melting and best taste.
- Do not use natural peanut butter as it is too runny for the filling.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg