Crunchy Pretzel Peanut Butter Cups (Print)

Crunchy pretzel base meets creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate for a perfect sweet-salty treat.

# Components:

→ Pretzel Base

01 - 1 cup mini salted pretzels, crushed
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Peanut Butter Filling

03 - 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
04 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
05 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Chocolate Topping

07 - 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
08 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter

# Directions:

01 - Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Combine crushed pretzels with melted butter in a bowl until evenly coated. Distribute approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture into each muffin cup and press firmly to establish a compact base.
03 - Blend peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a separate bowl until achieving smooth consistency. Place about 1 tablespoon onto the pretzel base in each cup and gently spread to cover.
04 - Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.
05 - Distribute melted chocolate evenly over peanut butter layers, using the back of a spoon to create smooth, level surfaces.
06 - Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes until chocolate and filling are completely firm.
07 - Remove cups from paper liners and transfer to an airtight container. Maintain refrigerated storage.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pretzel base stays genuinely crunchy instead of getting soft, which is the whole point and honestly a small kitchen miracle.
  • You get that irresistible salty-sweet combination without overthinking it—just three simple layers that balance perfectly.
  • These are impressive enough to gift but so easy to make that even a weeknight feels like the right time to try them.
02 -
  • Do not skip the chilling time or use ice—I learned this the hard way when I tried to speed things up and ended up with a mushy mess where the layers collapsed together.
  • The pretzel base needs to be pressed firmly or it will shift when you add the peanut butter layer, and suddenly your beautiful cup has a crumbling foundation.
  • Melting the chocolate in short bursts prevents it from seizing or burning, which completely changes the texture from glossy to grainy in seconds.
03 -
  • Use a small ice cream scoop to measure your pretzel mixture and peanut butter filling—it ensures even cups and saves you from eyeballing everything.
  • Keep your chocolate bowl over warm (not hot) water while you work if the chocolate starts to thicken, and it'll stay perfectly spreadable without the risk of melting your filling.
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