Chocolate and peanut butter dipped pretzels are a yummy sweet and salty treat, snack, or gift! The peanut butter keeps the coating smooth for easy dipping!
Back before I was married and my (now) husband and I were still dating, we didn’t see his in-laws very much. That didn’t stop me from wanting to make a good impression with them. (Can you relate?!)
So, one of the first things I learned about my mother-in-law is she LOVES the peanut butter filled pretzels. So, in an effort to make a good impression, I made her these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzels!
The first time I made them for her it was near Christmas. So, I made some with and without candy cane bits. Ever since, I’ve make these for her every Christmas. To be honest, I’m not even sure if she likes the ones with candy canes or not, but she never complains. And, even though the combo seems strange, I think they taste yummy.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzels Ingredients
Since I make these for my mother-in-law every Christmas, I’m providing instructions in the recipe card to customize these for Christmas treats. However, for the base recipe, you only need three ingredients! Plus, you can easily customize these chocolate peanut butter pretzels for any holiday or occasion!
For the basic recipe, you’ll need:
- Chocolate Chips
- Peanut Butter
- Pretzel Rods
Over the years, I’ve made several chocolate-coated treats. Normally, I would use candy melts. But for this recipe, I prefer using semi-sweet chocolate chips. But white chocolate or milk chocolate work well too.
When using chocolate chips, the coating tends to be thicker than if you use candy melts. However, in this case, that’s a good thing! I don’t know about you, but I love a heavier coating of chocolate on my pretzels. Plus, when you mix the chocolate with the peanut butter, the chocolate becomes much easier to work with.
Don’t use a natural peanut butter. The oils in natural peanut butter separate too easily from the peanuts. For the best results, use a conventional peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Otherwise, your chocolate may clump and won’t have the right consistency.
I like to use Pretzel Rods instead of Mini Pretzels. While you could use either, I like the rods because they are much faster to dip. Especially if you are making large batches!
Finally, you can customize the toppings in so many ways! Use different colored sprinkles for different holidays. Or try using colored candy melts, nuts, or candy pieces.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzels Prep Tips
Before starting, make sure all your toppings are ready, and set out all your equipment. There’s nothing worse than having to stop and remelt your chocolate because something isn’t ready.
To keep prep tidy, I like to use a 1/2-Sized Rimmed Baking Sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silicone Baking Mat. This keeps counters clean when sprinkling the toppings on top of the dipped pretzels. Plus, if you need counter space, you can easily move the pretzels out of the way while the chocolate hardens.
Tips for Working with Chocolate
If I can give you one tip for working with chocolate, melt it slowly. If it melts too quickly, when it hardens again, the chocolate may look white and splotchy. It will still be perfectly edible, but it won’t have the same pretty finish.
So, when melting the chocolate chips in the microwave, do it in short 20-30 second intervals. Stir the chocolate after each interval. Then, stop cooking when the chips are mostly melted and only a few unmelted chips remain. If you keep stirring at this point, the rest of the chips will melt from the residual heat.
Additionally, make sure you use a dry, clean bowl. If there is any residual water in the bowl, it could cause the chocolate to seize up. My favorite melting bowl is actually a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Since the bowl has tall sides, the chocolate stays pooled in the center. It makes coating so much easier, especially when using the last bits of chocolate.
Once you melt the chocolate, you want to work quickly to prevent the chocolate from hardening. If the chocolate starts to harden, go ahead and microwave the chocolate for an additional 10-15 seconds. Then, continue coating.
If you are decorating the pretzels, make sure you sprinkle any toppings while the chocolate is still wet. The outsides can set fairly quickly, so it may be better to work with one pretzel at a time.
Store the dipped Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzels in the fridge. Especially, if it’s a hot day! Otherwise, they may melt.
Want More Chocolate and Peanut Butter Desserts?
When it comes to chocolate and peanut butter, I can’t get enough!
If you’re looking for another quick and easy snack or dessert, give these Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pretzel Bites a try. They taste like ice cream, but they are much healthier! It’s another great way to satisfy a sweet craving!
Or try my recipe for Mini Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Be warned, it will be hard to stop at eating just one! They are so yummy! If you want a single-serving dessert, try this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie with a Peanut Butter Cup in the middle!
Finally, these Microwavable Scotcheroos are a family favorite! They are full of peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch flavor. Mmmm! Give them a try!
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Dipped Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzels
Ingredients
- 4 oz Chocolate Chips Semi-Sweet or Milk
- 1/4 cup Peanut Butter
- 15 Pretzel Rods
- 2 Candy Canes Optional
- 1 oz White Chocolate Optional
Instructions
- Line a 1/2 sized baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips, and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring at each interval, until chips are melted. Add peanut butter to chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Working with one pretzel at a time, use the back of a spoon to evenly coat the pretzel leaving about 1 inch of the pretzel uncovered at the end. Place on prepared pan.
- If desired, sprinkle crushed candy canes on wet chocolate. Or drizzle melted white chocolate over the pretzel rod.
- Repeat coating remaining pretzels.
