Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat, this Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are a delightful blend of soft and chewy textures, combined with the satisfying crunch of pretzels and the rich sweetness of chocolate. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something special or for family gatherings where everyone will be reaching for seconds.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare. You only need a few simple ingredients, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, these cookies will become a favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and salty flavor combination.
• Make-ahead convenience: Chill the dough overnight, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want!
• Irresistible taste: The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and pretzels creates an unforgettable experience.
• Versatile treat: Perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Gather these goodies to create your delicious treats!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2/3 cup (133 g) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup (160 g) creamy peanut butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons (266 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For Mix-Ins

• 1 1/2 cups chopped chocolate, semi-sweet or dark, plus more for tops
• 1 cup mini pretzel twists, chopped into pieces, plus more for tops

Variations

This recipe is flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and mix-ins.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Switch up the chocolate: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate.
• Try different pretzels: Use flavored pretzels like honey mustard or cheese for a unique spin.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Add the butter and sugars to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring your cookies are tender.

Step 2: Incorporate Peanut Butter

Next, add the peanut butter and mix on medium speed for one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined. This ensures that every bite has that amazing peanut butter flavor!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add in your egg and vanilla extract next. Mix until everything is combined well. The egg acts as a binding agent here while adding richness to your cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute your leavening agents evenly throughout your dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed only until just combined. It’s okay if there are still a few streaks of flour—over mixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Pretzels

Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a large spatula to stir in those decadent chocolate chunks (or chips) along with the pretzel bits. Fold gently so that you don’t break up those lovely chunks too much.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a large 2-ounce cookie scoop, scoop rounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill dough for two hours or overnight if you can resist!

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Transfer your chilled cookie dough onto these sheets while leaving 2 inches between each cookie—they will spread out nicely!

Step 9: Bake & Flatten Cookies

Bake for 11-12 minutes but stop halfway through to remove the pan from the oven. Firmly tap it on the countertop; this helps flatten them out nicely! Rotate your pan before continuing to bake until they are set at the edges but still slightly puffy in the center.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, remove from oven and cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. If desired sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving—this really enhances that sweet-and-salty flavor!

And there you have it—a delicious batch of Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies that are sure to be loved by everyone! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your butter, peanut butter, and egg to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough that bakes evenly.

• Don’t skip the chilling step – Chilling the dough for a couple of hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop and helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.

• Tap your baking sheet – Tapping the pan midway through baking helps flatten the cookies slightly, leading to that perfect chewy texture while keeping the centers soft and gooey.

• Experiment with chocolate types – While semi-sweet or dark chocolate is recommended, feel free to mix in milk chocolate or even white chocolate chunks for a different flavor profile.

• Store properly – To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze beautifully if you want to save some for later!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe

These peanut butter pretzel cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt – A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving enhances the sweet and salty flavor combination.
• Chopped nuts – Adding chopped peanuts or any nuts of your choice as a garnish gives an extra crunch and a touch of elegance.
• Chocolate drizzle – Drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies adds a lovely visual flair and extra richness.

Side Dishes

• Milk – A classic pairing! The creamy texture of milk complements the rich flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate perfectly.
• Coffee or espresso – For adults, serving these cookies alongside a cup of coffee or espresso creates a delightful contrast with their sweetness.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of these cookies. Think berries or sliced apples sprinkled with lemon juice for brightness.
• Ice cream – Why not serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? The melty ice cream paired with warm cookies makes for a heavenly dessert.

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create these delightful Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies. Enjoy the process and share them with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it, ensuring you have fresh cookies ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them in the same airtight container.

Freezing

• To freeze, arrange unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag and keep for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time from frozen.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until they’re soft again.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

What makes this Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe special?

This recipe combines the rich flavor of creamy peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of pretzels and melted chocolate. The balance of sweet and salty creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to please everyone!

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe?

Yes! If you’re looking to make this recipe nut-free, you can use sun butter or another nut-free alternative. For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

How long do Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!

Can I add other mix-ins to this Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate for a unique twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies as much as I do! They’re the perfect blend of flavors and textures that make every bite special. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!