Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies Recipe

Looking for a treat that combines sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite? Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies are the answer! These candies bring together the richness of peanut butter, the delightful crunch of pretzels, and the smooth indulgence of chocolate. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a peanut butter fan, or simply someone who enjoys the perfect blend of flavors, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is great for all skill levels and only requires simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re prepping treats for a holiday gathering, making gifts for friends, or just satisfying a personal craving, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies will never disappoint. Plus, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability, making it versatile and approachable.

Ingredients for the Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, depending on your preference)
• ½ cup powdered icing sugar
• 2 tablespoons cream or milk (for creaminess)
• ⅔ cup pretzels, coarsely crushed (for a salty crunch)
• ½ cup salted peanuts, chopped (for extra nuttiness)
• 1½ cups dark chocolate, about 150g (for that rich, bittersweet coating)
• 1½ cups white chocolate, about 150g (to add a beautiful contrast to the dark chocolate)

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To create these delicious candies, you will need:

• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Parchment or wax paper
• Baking sheet
• Double boiler (or makeshift version using a heatproof bowl over simmering water)
• Small pots for melting chocolate
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies

1. Mixing Peanut Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered icing sugar, and cream (or milk). Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy.

2. Adding Pretzels and Peanuts

Gently fold the crushed pretzels and chopped salted peanuts into the peanut butter mixture until evenly distributed. These add a delightful crunch and saltiness.

3. Freezing the Candies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1–2 hours, or until firm, so they hold their shape when coated with chocolate.

How to Melt Chocolate Perfectly

Double Boiler Technique

Melt the chocolate using a double boiler to prevent burning:

• Simmer an inch of water in a small pot over medium heat.
• Place a heatproof bowl on top without touching the water.
• Add the dark chocolate, stirring continuously until melted.
• Repeat with the white chocolate in a separate bowl.

Tips for Coating the Candies with Chocolate

4. Coating the Candies

Once your candies are firm and the chocolate is melted, dip each candy into the dark chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Transfer to the parchment paper.

For extra flair, drizzle white chocolate over the dark chocolate coating using a spoon or piping bag.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Freezer Step: The candies need to be firm before dipping to avoid falling apart.
• Burning the Chocolate: Always melt chocolate slowly using a double boiler to keep it smooth.
• Overmixing Pretzels: Gently fold in the pretzels to keep their crunch intact.

Variations and Substitutes

Making It Dairy-Free or Vegan

• Swap cream/milk for coconut or almond milk.
• Use dairy-free dark and white chocolate.

Other variations include:

• Different nuts: Try almonds or cashews.
• Sea salt: Add a sprinkle of sea salt after coating for a gourmet touch.

How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies

These candies can be made ahead and stored easily:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep them chilled for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Gift Boxes: Perfect for homemade gifts, place the candies in a festive box lined with tissue paper.
• Serving Tray: Arrange on a platter with both dark and white chocolate-coated candies for contrast.
• Decorations: Add sprinkles or nuts to the top before the chocolate hardens for a fun twist.

FAQs for Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies

Q: Why are my candies too hard after freezing?

If your freezer is too cold, let the candies sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes! You can use any chocolate you prefer—milk, dark, or white.

Q: What if my chocolate coating doesn’t set?

Ensure your candies are cold enough before dipping in chocolate. Cold candies help the chocolate harden faster.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies are a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy! They’re easy to make, require no baking, and offer endless ways to customize. Whether you make them for a gathering or as a special treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today and share with friends and family. For more delicious recipes, be sure to subscribe to our blog!

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