Pin These peanut butter salted pretzel bites are the kind of treat that disappear in moments at any party or family movie night. Each bite brings the perfect balance of sweet chocolate, salty crunch, and lush peanut butter, making them dangerously addictive and ridiculously simple to pull together—no oven required.
When I first whipped these up for a holiday gathering, guests kept sneaking back for seconds and thirds. Even my peanut-butter-averse sibling confessed they went back for more, which convinced me these are a new essential for my snack rotation.
Ingredients
- Mini salted pretzels: provide the signature salty crunch and work as the wrapper for the creamy filling choose an ultra-crisp variety for best results
- Creamy peanut butter: gives that rich nutty center opt for a high-quality, no-stir option for best texture
- Unsalted butter: helps the peanut butter mixture firm up and amplifies the creamy mouthfeel look for high-fat European-style if available
- Powdered sugar: sweetens and creates a smooth soft filling sift it before measuring for best blending
- Brown sugar: adds another layer of caramel sweetness and a touch of chew use fresh brown sugar to avoid clumps
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: create the glossy rich shell pick a trusted brand with a smooth melt
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil: gives the chocolate coating shine and makes dipping easier just a small amount goes a long way
- Flaky sea salt for finishing: provides pops of flavor with every bite use a delicate, bright salt like Maldon
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup
- Make the Peanut Butter Mixture:
- In a medium mixing bowl combine creamy peanut butter softened unsalted butter powdered sugar and brown sugar Use a sturdy spoon to mix until the mixture is completely smooth and thick Taste a small bit and adjust sugar if you like it sweeter
- Shape the Filling and Assemble Sandwiches:
- Scoop out roughly one teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture and gently roll it into a ball Place one mini pretzel flat on your work surface center the ball on top and then place a second pretzel over the ball Press softly to sandwich and flatten Repeat until you have used all the filling and pretzels
- Chill the Pretzel Sandwiches:
- Arrange all of your sandwiches onto the prepared baking sheet Freeze them for about 15 minutes This helps the filling firm up and makes dipping much easier
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl combine the chocolate chips and coconut or vegetable oil Microwave in 30-second increments stirring well between each until the chocolate is silky smooth Never let the chocolate overheat just melt until pourable
- Dip in Chocolate:
- Hold each pretzel sandwich and dip it halfway into the melted chocolate Allow any excess chocolate to drip off slightly then place it back on the baking sheet
- Sprinkle with Flaky Salt:
- While the chocolate is still wet lightly sprinkle each dipped pretzel bite with a pinch of flaky sea salt for an extra pop of flavor
- Set the Chocolate:
- Refrigerate the chocolate-dipped bites for about 10 minutes or until the chocolate coating has set Serve them chilled for maximum snap or at room temperature for a softer bite
Pin The magic for me is that creamy peanut butter center especially if you are a peanut butter lover—this is their time to shine Give them a little time to chill before serving and they get even better My youngest always begs to help with the chocolate dipping and gets wildly creative with the salt sprinkle
Storage Tips
Keep these bites stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain both crunch and freshness They last up to a week but rarely make it that long in my house If you want to enjoy them later freeze in single layers and thaw as needed
Ingredient Substitutions
For nut allergies swap in sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter and double-check all packaging for allergens Dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips are both welcome substitutions if you prefer a less sweet or more indulgent coating
Serving Suggestions
Set these out on game day snack platters or slip a few into a lunchbox for a fun sweet surprise They also shine on party dessert buffets nestled among fresh fruit or other chocolate treats
Cultural and Historical Context
Sweet-salty snacks have a long history in American home kitchens The combination is believed to trigger a unique pleasure response in our taste buds These pretzel bites echo classic treats like chocolate-covered pretzels and buckeye candies with a modern twist
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap out the flaky salt for festive sprinkles during holidays Drizzle with white chocolate for Valentine’s Day or add edible gold stars for New Year’s Eve For summer try using pretzel thins for a lighter crunch
Success Stories
A friend told me these were the first thing gone at her daughter’s graduation party Every time I make them for a potluck there are never leftovers which always makes the extra chocolatey hands worth it
Freezer Meal Conversion
Layer the dipped and set pretzel bites in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers Freeze for up to three months Then grab a few straight from the freezer whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up The centers stay creamy and the chocolate snap is unbeatable
Pin Once you try these pretzel bites, expect everyone to ask for the recipe They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, try dark, milk, or white chocolate to suit your preference or switch up the flavor combination.
- → How can I make these nut-free?
Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a safe alternative while keeping the creamy texture.
- → What is the best way to melt chocolate for coating?
Melt chocolate chips in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
- → How should I store these pretzel bites?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Can I prepare these ahead for a party?
Absolutely, prepare in advance and chill. Serve straight from the fridge or allow to come to room temperature before serving.
- → Is this snack suitable for those with allergies?
Contains peanuts, wheat, milk, and soy. Check all ingredient labels and choose substitutes if needed for allergies.