Name: Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup butter, room temperature; 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed; ½ cup white sugar; ½ cup peanut butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 1 cup pretzels, crushed; 12 oz chocolate chips (one package)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 81 reviews

If you are craving a cookie that perfectly balances salty crunch and sweet, nutty goodness, this Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with the rich flavor of peanut butter melting alongside bursts of crunchy pretzel bits and luscious chocolate chips. This delightful combo is incredibly simple to make yet delivers a complex, crave-worthy treat that you’ll want to share with everyone you know. Whether for a quick snack, a party treat, or just a comforting homemade dessert, these cookies become an instant favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white mixing bowl filled with a thick, creamy light brown batter. Two raw eggs with bright yellow yolks sit on top of the batter, visibly unblended. The bowl rests on a soft, light beige cloth over a white marbled surface. The texture of the batter is smooth with some swirl marks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy peanut butter giving richness to the crunchy pretzels adding texture and that satisfying salty contrast.

12 oz chocolate chips: These add gooey sweetness and melt beautifully into the dough for pockets of chocolate delight.
2 eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the cookies a tender structure.
2 cups sifted flour: Sifting ensures even mixing and a light cookie crumb.
1 cup pretzels (crushed): Pretzels provide a salty crunch that perfectly offsets the sweetness.
1 cup butter (room temperature): Butter adds richness and helps the cookies stay soft and chewy.
1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed): Brown sugar brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
½ cup white sugar: White sugar adds just enough sweetness and helps with browning.
½ cup peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter infuses the cookies with its signature nutty flavor.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla boosts the overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
1 tsp salt: Salt enhances flavor depth and balances sweetness.
1 tsp baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise just right, creating a perfect chewy texture.

How to Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Gather Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when your cookie dough is perfectly chilled. This step ensures even baking and crisp edges. Meanwhile, have all your ingredients at hand for a smooth mixing process.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter together with both brown and white sugars along with vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy.This helps create a rich base and makes for tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Eggs

Mix in the peanut butter to fully blend its nutty richness with the creamy base. Then, beat in eggs one at a time to maintain the smooth texture while properly binding the dough.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution. Slowly fold this into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula, mixing gently to keep the dough tender but well combined.

Step 5: Stir in Pretzels and Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part—fold in the crushed pretzels and chocolate chips. This adds both texture and bursts of flavor throughout every bite. Once mixed, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Use a cookie scoop to form balls of dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. Keep them rounded and avoid pressing them down to maintain their chewy interior. Bake in batches, up to 9 cookies at a time, for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This step is key for the cookies to set with that perfect chewy-yet-soft texture. Then, grab one and savor that incredible harmony of peanut butter, chocolate, and salty pretzel in every bite.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe

The image shows a single round cookie lying flat on crinkled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The cookie is golden brown with a slightly crispy edge and a softer center. Chocolate chunks and chips are embedded throughout the cookie, some melted slightly. A small pretzel with a shiny light brown crust sits on top of the cookie near the center, adding texture and contrast. Another cookie edge is visible in the top right corner, partially in the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle a few crushed pretzels or drizzle melted chocolate on top once cookies cool. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance the sweet-salty contrast and make them look utterly gourmet.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a celebration, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of peanut butter frozen yogurt for an indulgent dessert combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them up in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Or create cookie sandwiches by pairing two cookies with peanut butter or chocolate spread in the middle. These little presentation ideas will impress friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their chewy texture and prevents them from becoming stale.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm gently in an oven. This refreshes the gooey chocolate and softens the cookie without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy in this Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture and nutty bits inside the dough, which many peanut butter lovers enjoy.

What if I don’t have pretzels—can I use something else?

If pretzels aren’t on hand, crushed salted nuts or even crispy cereal can be great alternatives that will still give you a salty crunch.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. The texture should remain similar, just ensure the blend has xanthan gum or a binding agent.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Natural peanut butter works well, but it may change the dough’s consistency slightly since it tends to be less creamy and more oily. You might want to chill the dough a bit longer before baking.

Do these cookies freeze well after baking?

Yes, the baked cookies freeze beautifully. Make sure they are completely cooled before freezing, and wrap them well or store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies Recipe if you’re after a treat that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s comforting, easy to make, and bound to become one of your trusted go-to recipes whenever you want to whip up something spectacular with simple ingredients. Give it a try and watch these cookies disappear right before your eyes!