Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
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If you’re looking for a delicious no-bake Christmas treat, check out these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars. “Kids” of all ages are sure to enjoy them.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars:
Long-time followers of IBC are familiar with my fondness (That may be an understatement.) for peanut butter and chocolate. So when a friend recently gave me this recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars, I couldn’t wait to try it. Because the bars are so yummy and easy to make, I thought you’d also want to know about them!
As you probably know, I have my favorite Christmas cookie recipes (You can find lots of them here.), but I’m also always looking for different cookies. I think it’s fun to experiment with new (-to-me) recipes. You never know what you’re missing or what will become your newest must-make!
I’m enamored of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars for several reasons. First, they are a no-bake recipe. Second, once they’re assembled in a pan, all you have to do is cut them. It doesn’t get much easier than that. And finally, there’s the flavor! Chocolate and peanut butter, plus a hint of salt from the pretzels. Yes, please!
Now that I’ve got you drooling (like I am), let me show you how to make them!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars:
Up first is making the crust. It comes together by melting peanut butter, chocolate, butter, and vanilla in the microwave. (Full details and a list of ingredients are found below in the printable recipe card.)
Once everything is melted and smooth, mix in crushed pretzels and confectioners’ sugar. Then, press the mixture into a foil-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
Next, melt more chocolate and pour that on the crust.
Before the chocolate sets, top it with mini pretzels and your favorite holiday sprinkles. Set this aside for 1-2 hours.
The last step is to cut 2-inch square bars using a very sharp knife.
That’s it, my friends.These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are ready to be enjoyed. With all of those colorful sprinkles, they will look so festive on your cookie trays, in school lunches, or on dessert plates.
Again, if you’re looking for more Christmas cookie recipes, be sure to take a look at this post here. There are oodles of recipes to try. I’m certain you’re going to find more cookies to love.
Happy Holiday Baking!
Want More Chocolate Peanut Butter Treats? Try these:
- Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies
- Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Bite-Size Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Crust
- Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispies Treats
- Peanut Butter Brownie Pillow Cookies
If you’re looking for a delicious no-bake Christmas treat, check out these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars. “Kids” of all ages are sure to enjoy them.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars Recipe:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
Topping:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups whole mini pretzels
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Begin by lining a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add peanut butter, chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the crushed pretzels and confectioners' sugar. Beat with an electric mixer to blend. When mixed, press into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
- Then, in a microwave-safe bowl, add 2 cups of chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Pour over the prepared cookie base.
- Immediately top with pretzels, pressing them into the chocolate. Then decorate with sprinkles.
- Set aside for 1-2 hours to make sure it's completely set.* With a sharp knife, cut into 2-inch squares. Pack and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Followed the recipe exactly! They are so pretty and taste really good. BUT……After 4 hours of cooling, I went to cut them and the top layer separated from the bottom layer the bottom layer is so crumbly. So they are not so pretty anymore but they do taste really yummy. What did I do wrong? I have been baking for 40 years and I am baffled! I would really like to give these away at Christmas time but not in their current condition 🙂
Oh no. I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m not sure what could have happened.
xo Michael
Thank you Michael for getting back to me
Susan,
I just had the same thing happen…delicious crumbs! I think I’m going to try adding a little more liquid to the base (some melted Crisco, maybe?) I’m also going to try cutting them in the pan while they’re still warm, before everything sets. Maybe if I cut the lines and leave them in the pan to set, then go back and recut they’ll stay together. I managed to smoosh them into squares by heating them for a few minutes, but they’re no where near as pretty as Michael’s.
Can’t wait to try these. Thanks for you inspiration-so glad Layla introduced you to me!
Oh my! This is everything I love in a great and it’s so pretty too! Now I’ve got to go read about your other favorites!!
Enjoy, Shirley! Thanks!!
xo Michael
Two of my fave flavors, also. My question…where did you get the cute star and tree shaped pretzels for the top?? Thanks, love your blog Michael. You are a bright star in my day!
I just found them at the grocery store. They are Utz brand if that helps.
xo Michael