These chocolate peanut butter pretzel candies are the ultimate no-bake treat. With a creamy, salty-sweet peanut butter center packed with pretzels and peanuts, coated in rich dark and white chocolate, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven required: Quick and easy for any skill level.
- Flavor-packed: The perfect balance of creamy, salty, and sweet.
- Customizable: Switch up the mix-ins or chocolate coatings to suit your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Great for gifting or preparing in advance.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream or milk
- 2/3 cup pretzels, coarsely crushed
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate (about 150g)
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate (about 150g)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Double boiler or makeshift double boiler (small pot and heatproof bowl)
- Spoon or dipping tools
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and cream (or milk) until smooth.
Add Mix-ins:
Stir the crushed pretzels and chopped peanuts into the peanut butter mixture until evenly combined.
Shape the Candies:
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto a wax paper or parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape them into balls or mounds as desired. Freeze the candies for 1–2 hours, or until completely firm.
Melt the Chocolate:
Set up a double boiler by bringing 1 inch of water to a simmer in a small pot. Place a heatproof bowl over the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water, and add the dark chocolate. Stir until fully melted. Repeat with the white chocolate in a separate bowl.
Coat the Candies:
Remove the candies from the freezer. Dip each candy into the melted dark chocolate or white chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Use a fork or spoon to lift the candy and let the excess chocolate drip off. Place back onto the parchment-lined tray.
Optional Decoration:
Drizzle extra melted dark or white chocolate over the coated candies for a decorative touch.
Set and Serve:
Refrigerate or freeze the candies until the chocolate has completely hardened. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Variations
- Triple Chocolate: Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate for a trio of flavors.
- Nut-Free: Replace peanuts with sunflower seeds or additional crushed pretzels for a nut-free version.
- Holiday Flair: Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes, colored sugar, or festive sprinkles.
- Peanut Butter Alternatives: Swap peanut butter with almond butter or cookie butter for a different flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Enjoy chilled for a firmer texture or let them sit at room temperature for a softer bite.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the candies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw briefly before serving.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Work quickly: The chocolate may start to set while coating, so melt in small batches if needed.
- Chill for easier coating: Ensuring the candies are well-frozen makes them easier to dip in chocolate.
- Even shapes: Use a small cookie scoop for uniform candy sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a microwave to melt the chocolate?
Yes, melt the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
2. What if I don’t have pretzels?
Crushed graham crackers or rice cereal make great substitutes.
3. Can I use unsalted peanuts?
Yes, but consider adding a pinch of salt to the mixture to balance the sweetness.
4. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Ensure the candies are at room temperature for a few minutes before dipping.
5. Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use dairy-free chocolate and replace cream with coconut cream or plant-based milk.
These chocolate peanut butter pretzel candies are a delightful treat that combines textures and flavors perfectly. They’re easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try them!