If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a craving for that unbeatable combo of sweet and salty, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies will become your new go-to treat. They’re a playful mash-up of creamy peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and a duo of silky chocolates that come together in truly irresistible bites. Each candy feels like a decadent little secret, with the chocolate shell giving way to a rich, crunchy, salty-sweet center. Whether you’re making these for a party, gift, or your own midnight snack stash, this recipe always delights!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies is how you can make gourmet-tasting treats with such everyday ingredients. Each one brings its own unique taste and texture, turning a handful of pantry staples into something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter gives these candies their rich, nutty base, but chunky works great for extra crunch!
Powdered icing sugar: This sweetens the peanut butter mixture while creating that perfectly smooth filling.
Cream (or milk): Just a splash adds extra silkiness and helps the filling hold together without drying out.
Pretzels (coarsely crushed): The salty crunch is the twist you never knew you needed in a candy—don’t crush them too finely for the best texture!
Salted peanuts (chopped): These amp up both the nuttiness and the crunchy factor in each bite.
Dark chocolate: Melts into a rich, bittersweet coating that beautifully offsets the sweetness of the filling.
White chocolate: Adds creamy contrast and a gorgeous visual swirl when drizzled on top.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies

Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling

Start off by grabbing a large mixing bowl and your trusty electric mixer. Beat together the peanut butter, powdered icing sugar, and cream until you get a smooth, luscious consistency. You’re aiming for a texture that holds its shape but stays soft—no dry, crumbly filling here! This is the base that will cradle all those crunchy bits.

Step 2: Add the Crunch

Now for that crave-worthy crunch. Stir in your chopped salted peanuts and pretzel bits until everything is evenly coated in the peanut butter mixture. It’s so satisfying to see the salty specks swirl through the creamy base—this is the foundation of every addictive bite.

Step 3: Shape and Freeze

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper—easy cleanup coming your way! Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the sheet, using a spoon or small cookie scoop. Freeze these little mounds for about 1 to 2 hours, or until they’re completely firm. This step makes dipping them in chocolate later a breeze and helps them hold their shape.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolates

Just before your candies come out of the freezer, set up a double boiler: bring about an inch of water to simmer in a pot, then place a heatproof glass bowl on top (it shouldn’t touch the water). Add the dark chocolate to the bowl and stir until glossy and melted. Repeat in a fresh bowl with the white chocolate. If you don’t have a double boiler, microwave carefully in short bursts, stirring often—a few seconds at a time is all it takes.

Step 5: Coat and Decorate

Working quickly now, dip each frozen candy into the melted chocolates, using a fork or dipping tool to coat and lift them out. Set them back on the baking tray to set up. If you’re in the mood for some flair, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the tops for that signature swirl effect. Pop your tray into the fridge or freezer to let everything firm up—and then get ready for pure bliss.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies

Garnishes

A classic dusting of flaky sea salt or a final scatter of crushed pretzels on top of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies adds a gourmet touch and enhances that irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor. You can also drizzle any leftover chocolate in squiggles or zig-zags for an extra-fancy presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these candies at the end of a casual dinner, alongside a big mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a chilled glass of milk for nostalgia. They also pair beautifully with a fruit platter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling a little extra decadent.

Creative Ways to Present

Pack these candies into a pretty tin or jar lined with parchment for a thoughtful homemade gift, or pile them onto a tiered dessert tray for parties. Arrange them in mini cupcake liners for an elegant touch, or label them with cute handwritten tags if you’re gifting or selling at a bake sale.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies in an airtight container in the fridge for maximum freshness. They’ll stay delightfully snappy and flavorful for about a week—if they last that long!

Freezing

Yes, these candies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container (with parchment between layers to prevent sticking), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so they’re at their best.

Reheating

No reheating needed here—these are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you like a softer center, let them rest on the counter for a few minutes before eating for the ultimate creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters in this recipe?

Absolutely! Almond or cashew butter make delicious swaps for peanut butter, just make sure they’re the same consistency as the original so the filling holds together well.

Should I use salted or unsalted pretzels?

Salted pretzels are recommended for that signature sweet-salty kick, but unsalted work if you’re cutting back on sodium—just taste the filling and add a little pinch of salt if needed.

Can I melt the chocolate in the microwave?

Yes! Simply chop the chocolate, microwave in 15 to 20 second bursts, stirring well after each interval, until shiny and smooth. Be careful not to overheat or the chocolate can seize or burn.

What’s the best way to crush the pretzels?

Toss pretzels in a zip-top bag and whack gently with a rolling pin or mallet for the perfect rustic crunch—avoid pulverizing them; larger pieces add the best texture to the candies.

How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth and shiny?

Work quickly with well-chilled candies and freshly-melted chocolate. Don’t forget to let them set in the fridge or freezer for that gorgeous glossy finish every time.

Final Thoughts

I can never resist whipping up a batch of Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies because they deliver maximum delight with minimal effort. Whether you share them or keep them all for yourself, you’ll definitely start finding excuses to make these again and again. Grab your ingredients and treat yourself—you’ll be amazed at just how much joy one little bite can bring!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: About 24 candies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and creamy with these irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies. These decadent treats are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Mixture:

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
½ cup powdered icing sugar
2 tablespoons cream or milk

Add-Ins:

⅔ cup pretzels, coarsely crushed
½ cup salted peanuts, chopped

Chocolate Coating:

1½ cups dark chocolate (about 150g)
1½ cups white chocolate (about 150g)

Instructions

Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together peanut butter, icing sugar, and cream until smooth.
Combine Add-Ins: Stir in peanuts and pretzels until evenly distributed in the peanut butter mixture.
Form Candies: Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours.
Melt Chocolate: Melt dark and white chocolate separately using a double boiler method.
Coat Candies: Coat frozen candies in dark and white chocolate, then let set before drizzling with extra chocolate if desired. Chill until set.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Freezing, Melting
Cuisine: American