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Peanut Butter Buckeye Pretzels Recipe

4.5 from 100 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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