Muddy Buddy Pretzels are a highly addictive snack with the perfect blend of sweet and salty in every bite. If you are looking for a yummy treat to serve at a party, add to a gift bag, or just curb a craving, this recipe is a must-try.
I’ve made this easy dessert to add to favors for a birthday party and part of a charcuterie board for the holidays. They have so many uses, and they’re just so delicious! Who knew Pretzel Muddy Buddies would be even better than the traditional Chex version?
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The creamy peanut butter and chocolate melt together to coat the pretzels. Then, they are tossed in powdered sugar to ensure all of the ingredients stick to the pretzels perfectly. It’s an amazingly balanced snack that you’ll have to hide before it’s all gone!
If you like puppy chow recipes, you will love my festive Valentine’s Puppy Chow and holiday Reindeer Chow.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to make: It takes around 10 minutes of prep to make these peanut butter covered pretzel muddy buddies. It’s super fast!
- There’s no baking required: Keep your oven off and make this puppy pretzel chow as a sweet snack. It’s perfect for summertime.
- Customize it for any occasion: Use mix-ins to make themed muddy buddy pretzels like colored sprinkles and M&Ms.
Ingredients
These are the only ingredients you’ll need to make homemade peanut butter pretzel muddy buddies. It’s so simple to make!
- Butter: I like salted butter for this recipe to offset the richness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the powdered sugar. Feel free to use unsalted butter if you prefer. There’s no need to soften the butter, as it’s going to be melted with the chocolate and peanut butter.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate has the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. It’s my favorite variety to bake with. You can try dark chocolate for a deeper flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is my go-to for classic peanut butter muddy buddies. However, crunchy peanut butter adds a little texture if you want extra crunch.
- Vanilla extract: Adding vanilla enhances the flavors of the other ingredients while simultaneously adding a subtle vanilla flavor. It just works perfectly in this recipe!
- Powdered sugar: This is needed to coat the pretzels after they have been covered in the chocolate mixture. It makes the snack easy to eat and extra tasty.
- Pretzels: I like pretzel twists or snaps for this. You will need a sturdy pretzel that can hold enough of the chocolate and peanut butter.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Nutella: Swap the peanut butter for Nutella for a rich chocolate hazelnut version.
- S’mores: Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers to create s’mores muddy buddy pretzels.
- Coconut caramel: Add shredded coconut and caramel bits for a fun twist.
How to Make Pretzel Muddy Buddies
Here are the instructions on how to make this muddy buddy pretzel recipe. Ensure your ingredients are measured, and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for the finished muddy buddies.
Step 1: Melt the butter and chocolate. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When melted, stir in the chocolate chips. Continue to mix until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Step 2: Add the peanut butter. Stir in the peanut butter, and continue to heat the mixture until the peanut butter melts and completely incorporates into the other ingredients.
Step 3: Coat the pretzels. Grab a large mixing bowl and add the pretzels. Pour the chocolate mixture over the pretzels. Stir gently to evenly coat the pretzels and avoid breaking them up too much.
Step 4: Add the powdered sugar. Pour in the powdered sugar and carefully toss the pretzels to coat them.
Step 5: Transfer and set. Pour the coated pretzels onto the lined sheet pan. Let them set for about 30 minutes before you eat them!
Recipe Tips
- Let the chocolate mixture cool before adding sugar: To prevent the powdered sugar from melting, allow the chocolate and peanut butter coated pretzels to cool down for just a few minutes before tossing them in the sugar.
- Try a Ziploc bag: Put the coated pretzels into a large plastic bag and shake them with powdered sugar. I love this method as a quick and easy way to ensure all of the pretzels are covered completely.
- Ensure all the pretzels are coated: Mix the pretzels thoroughly in the melted chocolate and peanut butter to ensure the powdered sugar sticks well.
If you love recipes like this peanut butter and chocolate treat, you may also enjoy these Muddy Buddy Cookies.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store these muddy buddies in the refrigerator in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 1 week. You can also place them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw on the counter or in the refrigerator for a few hours before eating them.
- Make Ahead: If you plan to add this pretzel and peanut butter snack to a charcuterie board or to share with guests, it’s easy to prepare it 1-2 days in advance for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
- These make a fun and unique topping for ice cream. Try enjoying them on top of Dr. Pepper ice cream or Reese’s peanut butter cup ice cream for even more peanut butter.
- Garnish a creamy dessert such as chocolate pudding or pumpkin mousse pie for added crunchy texture.
- Take the chocolate up a notch and crumble some into your chocolate raspberry cheesecake parfait.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. I do not recommend it if you have a warm kitchen because the chocolate might melt. Whether you store it in the refrigerator or on the counter, it still has a shelf life of about 1 week.
Sure! Add the chocolate, butter, and peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring often, until the mixture is fully melted.
If you like the melted chocolate texture, you can enjoy it immediately. I like to let it set so it doesn’t make a mess.
More Delicious Pretzel Recipes
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Muddy Buddy Pretzels
Equipment
- Silicone spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 ¾ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 16-ounce bag pretzels
Instructions
- Melt your butter in a large pot over medium heat on the stovetop.
- Once your butter is completely melted, add the chocolate chips and stir over medium heat until the chocolate chips are melted.
- Remove the pot from the stovetop. Quickly stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add your chocolate mixture to a large mixing bowl along with the pretzels and fold to combine. Once the pretzels are evenly coated in chocolate, toss them in the powdered sugar.
- Let your muddy buddy pretzels rest on the counter for about 30 minutes to give the chocolate time to set up a little bit. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Allow the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture to cool slightly after you coat the pretzels. This will prevent the powdered sugar from melting.
- Store these peanut butter buddies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can place them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag.
- Try melting the butter, chocolate, and peanut butter in the microwave instead of on the stovetop.
Mel says
Absolutely amazing The perfect snack Next time will make a double batch or maybe triple lol They’re different and delicious Thx KD
Karin and Ken says
They’re definitely hard to stop eating. We’re loving them too. All the best. Karin
Lola says
What a great idea. Love the saltiness of the pretzels. They’re so addictive and hard to stop eating. Will definitely make again TFS ❤️
Karin and Ken says
We love them too. Using pretzels is a wonderful change. Happy you enjoyed them. All the best. Karin