These no-bake peanut butter pretzel cookies are the perfect combination of salty and sweet. With the crunch of pretzels, the creamy richness of peanut butter, and the smoothness of chocolate chips, these cookies are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. No oven required, making them a quick and simple treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Simplicity: These cookies come together in just minutes without the need to turn on the oven.
- Sweet and Salty: The mix of sweet peanut butter and chocolate with crunchy pretzels offers a delicious contrast in every bite.
- Easy and Quick: With only a few ingredients and minimal steps, these cookies are perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping to mix and form the cookies, making them a fun family activity.

Ingredients
- Peanut Butter: Provides a creamy base and rich flavor to the cookies.
- Pretzels: Adds a crunchy texture and a salty contrast to the sweet peanut butter and chocolate.
- Chocolate Chips: For melting and drizzling over the cookies, adding extra sweetness and richness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: For sweetness and to help bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle hint of vanilla to enhance the flavors.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzels
Begin by breaking the pretzels into small pieces. You can do this by hand or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Peanut Butter and Sweetener
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Pretzels
Add the crushed pretzels to the peanut butter mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
Step 4: Melt Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Scoop spoonfuls of the peanut butter-pretzel mixture and form them into balls or spoon them onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
Step 6: Drizzle with Chocolate
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each cookie. You can also dip the top of each cookie into the melted chocolate if you prefer a thicker coating.
Step 7: Chill
Place the cookies in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes or until they have set and are firm to the touch.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cookies are set, they are ready to enjoy! Serve chilled and savor the sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness.
FAQ
- Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you prefer. - Can I make these cookies without honey or maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute with powdered sugar or agave nectar, but the texture may change slightly. - How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. - Can I add other ingredients?
Yes, feel free to add raisins, shredded coconut, or mini M&Ms for extra flavor. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to two months. - How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your peanut butter is also dairy-free. - Can I make these cookies without chocolate?
Yes, you can skip the chocolate drizzle if you prefer a simpler version of the cookies. - How can I make these cookies more crunchy?
Add more crushed pretzels or substitute some of the peanut butter with crushed graham crackers for extra crunch. - Can I use salted pretzels?
Yes, salted pretzels work perfectly in this recipe and will enhance the sweet and salty contrast. - How do I know when the cookies are ready?
The cookies are ready once they are firm to the touch after chilling in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies with Chocolate Chips
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies are a delicious combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Made with rice crispy cereal, peanut butter, pretzels, and chocolate chips, these treats come together quickly and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 cookies (depending on size) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup light corn syrup 🍯
- 1 1/4 cup peanut butter 🥜
- 1 cup sugar 🍬
- 1 tsp vanilla 🌿
- Dash of sea salt 🧂
- 3 cups rice crispy cereal 🍚
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pretzels 🥨
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
- Dash of sea salt for topping 🧂
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Measure Cereal and Pretzels: Measure the rice crispy cereal and pretzels into a large measuring cup or bowl.
- Cook Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large pan (about 5 quarts), combine peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a dash of sea salt.
- Add Cereal and Pretzels: Add the rice crispy cereal and pretzels to the pan. Gently toss until they are coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Cool Slightly: Let the mixture cool for 3–5 minutes to prevent the chocolate chips from melting completely (a little melting is fine).
- Add Chocolate Chips: Quickly stir in the chocolate chips, mixing gently to incorporate.
- Form Cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming cookies.
- Cool and Firm Up: Allow the cookies to cool and firm up before serving.
Notes
- For an extra crunch, you can add more chopped pretzels or use crunchy peanut butter.
- Allow the cookies to set for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg