Peanut Butter Buckeye Pretzels Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter Buckeye Pretzels put a delightful twist on the classic Buckeyes treat. These crunchy, salty pretzel sandwiches filled with creamy peanut butter and coated in smooth chocolate are perfect for holiday gifting or anytime snacking.

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz.) bag pretzel snaps (waffle pretzels)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups (18 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 teaspoons shortening

Instructions

1. Step 1: Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat peanut butter and softened butter together until well combined.
2. Step 2: Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract; beat on low speed until the mixture forms a stiff dough.
3. Step 3: Arrange pretzel snaps in a single layer on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Roll about one scant teaspoon of peanut butter dough into a ball and place it on top of a pretzel snap.
5. Step 5: Press another pretzel snap on top of the peanut butter ball to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining pretzels and dough.
6. Step 6: Place the assembled pretzel sandwiches in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up.
7. Step 7: In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over simmering water, combine chocolate chips and shortening.
8. Step 8: Stir frequently until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
9. Step 9: Working one pretzel sandwich at a time, dip it halfway into the melted chocolate, leaving some of the pretzel exposed. Let excess chocolate drip off back into the bowl.
10. Step 10: Place the dipped pretzels on wax paper-lined trays and repeat until all sandwiches are coated.
11. Step 11: Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Add a small amount of shortening to the chocolate to create a thinner, smoother coating; vegetable oil or coconut oil can be substituted.
• Mini pretzel twists can be used instead of pretzel snaps, though snaps provide a nicer presentation.
• For helpful chocolate melting tips, see How to Melt Chocolate: On the Stove & In the Microwave.

Storage

Store the peanut butter pretzel sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 3 weeks. When ready to eat, allow them to come to room temperature briefly for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of shortening in the chocolate coating?

While shortening helps thin the chocolate and create a smooth coating, you can substitute it with a small amount of butter or vegetable/coconut oil. Keep in mind the chocolate may not set as firmly with butter.

What type of pretzels works best for this recipe?

Waffle pretzel snaps are preferred for their sturdiness and appearance, but mini pretzel twists can also be used if you prefer a different shape or texture.

Peanut Butter Buckeye Pretzels Recipe

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Peanut Butter Buckeye Pretzels are a delightful twist on the classic Buckeye candy, combining salty, crunchy pretzel snaps with a creamy peanut butter and butter filling, all enveloped in a smooth semi-sweet chocolate coating. These sweet and salty treats are perfect for Christmas gifting, parties, or anytime snacking, offering a perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor and crisp pretzel texture.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 40 pretzel sandwiches 1x
• Category: Snack, Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pretzels

• 1 (16 oz.) bag pretzel snaps (waffle pretzels)

Peanut Butter Filling

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating

• 3 cups (18 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 teaspoons shortening

Instructions

1. Prepare the peanut butter filling: Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter until well combined and smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating on low speed until the mixture forms a stiff dough that is easy to shape.
2. Assemble the pretzel sandwiches: Lay out the pretzel snaps in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Take a scant 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter dough and roll it into a small ball. Place the ball on top of a pretzel snap, then press another pretzel snap on top to form a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining pretzels and peanut butter dough until all sandwiches are made.
3. Chill the sandwiches: Place the assembled pretzel sandwiches in the refrigerator and chill them for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up the peanut butter filling, making them easier to dip in chocolate.
4. Melt the chocolate coating: In the top of a double boiler or a small heatproof bowl set over simmering water, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening. Stir frequently until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth, ensuring a glossy coating for the pretzels.
5. Dip the pretzel sandwiches: Working one at a time, dip each pretzel sandwich halfway into the melted chocolate, leaving some of the peanut butter and pretzel exposed. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, then place the dipped pretzel on a wax paper-lined pan to set. Repeat with all sandwiches.
6. Set the chocolate and store: Let the chocolate coatings set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once set, store the Peanut Butter Buckeye Pretzels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 weeks, keeping them fresh and delicious.

Notes

• For tips on melting chocolate smoothly, see resources on melting chocolate on the stove or in the microwave.
• Shortening helps thin the chocolate and create a smooth coating; vegetable oil or coconut oil can be used as substitutes if preferred.
• You can use mini pretzel twists instead of pretzel snaps for a variation, but the pretzel snaps give the best aesthetic and texture.
• Store pretzels in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 weeks to maintain freshness.
• This recipe is ideal for holiday gifting or party snacks due to its festive look and delicious flavor combination.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Buckeye Pretzels, peanut butter pretzel sandwiches, chocolate peanut butter treats, holiday snacks, no-bake peanut butter desserts, Christmas pretzel treats