Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly marries salty and sweet, then this Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe is just what you need! I adore these cookies because they bring together the creamy richness of peanut butter with the delightful crunch of pretzels and the indulgence of chocolate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

There’s something so special about baking cookies at home. The aroma fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes everyone feel at ease. These cookies are not only delicious but super easy to whip up—perfect for when you need a quick dessert to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and pretzels creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and this recipe is simple enough for them to join in!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough overnight, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Perfectly Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with crunchy bits; they always turn out just right!
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—whether it’s lunch boxes or cookie swaps, they never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies, you’ll only need some simple and wholesome ingredients. This list keeps things straightforward while delivering maximum flavor!

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 the 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 the 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 Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped peanuts or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Change the Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to suit dietary needs.
• Experiment with Sweetness: Swap some of the granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a different depth of flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by adding the unsalted butter along with both sugars into your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream them together on medium-high speed until they’re light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely texture we crave!

Step 2: Mix in Peanut Butter

Next, add in your creamy peanut butter and mix on medium speed for about one minute. Make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl so everything gets well combined. This ensures every bite is packed with that rich peanut buttery goodness!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Now it’s time to incorporate your egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg adds moisture and acts as a binder in our cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout your dough so that each cookie rises beautifully!

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet

Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture using low speed on your mixer. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are still a few streaks of flour visible! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Stir in Chocolate and Pretzels

Once combined, take your bowl out of the mixer and use a large spatula to gently fold in those chocolate chunks (or chips!) alongside chopped pretzel pieces. This is where all those wonderful textures come together!

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a large 2-ounce cookie scoop, portion out rounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill this dough in the fridge for at least two hours or even overnight if you can wait! Chilling helps enhance flavors and gives your cookies that perfect shape when baked.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Transfer those chilled dough balls onto your prepared pans—remember to leave about two inches between each one as they will spread!

Step 9: Baking Time

Bake for about 11-12 minutes but don’t forget halfway through; tap the pan firmly on the countertop to help flatten them out. Rotate your pan as well! You want edges set while keeping those centers slightly puffy (they’ll continue cooking after being pulled from the oven).

Step 10: Cool Down

Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for around 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. This cooling period allows them to firm up just right!

Step 11: Final Touches

If desired, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over top before serving—it really elevates that sweet-salty combo we love so much!

Enjoy every bite of these amazing Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies! They’re sure to become a cherished favorite in no time!

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe

Baking cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you have a few tricks up your sleeve!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, peanut butter, and egg are at room temperature allows for better mixing and creates a smoother cookie dough. This leads to uniform texture and flavor throughout the cookies.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined helps keep the cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies because it develops the gluten in the flour too much.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least two hours (or overnight) is crucial. It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, perfectly shaped treats.

• Tap the Baking Sheet: Firmly tapping the baking sheet halfway through baking helps flatten the cookies slightly, promoting an even bake and creating that delightful chewy texture we all love.

• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add different types of chocolate or more pretzel pieces to customize these cookies to your taste, making them even more irresistible.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe

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

Garnishes

• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweet and salty flavor profile of these cookies.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some additional chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch that also adds extra chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing with cookies! The creaminess of milk balances out the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness to your dessert table, providing a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy afternoon treat that brings out their nutty flavors beautifully.

With these serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with your delightful peanut butter pretzel cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored this way for up to three months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until just heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in the Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and flavor to your cookies. Just keep in mind that it may alter the consistency slightly.

How do I make the Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help maintain the cookie’s structure.

How should I store my Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.

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

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other fun mix-ins like chopped nuts, different types of chocolate, or even dried fruit for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies as much as I do! The combination of salty pretzels and rich peanut butter creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). I’m excited for you to try this recipe—it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!