Crunchy Pretzel Peanut Cups (Printable)

Sweet and salty cups featuring crunchy pretzel base, creamy peanut butter filling, and smooth chocolate topping.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pretzel Base

01 - 1 cup mini salted pretzels, crushed (approximately 2.1 ounces)
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Peanut Butter Filling

03 - 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (6.3 ounces)
04 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (1.1 ounces)
05 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Chocolate Topping

07 - 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (7.4 ounces)
08 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter

# Steps:

01 - Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels with melted butter until evenly coated. Distribute approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin cup and compress firmly to create a uniform base layer.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency. Portion approximately 1 tablespoon of the filling atop each pretzel base and spread gently to cover.
04 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until fully melted and smooth.
05 - Distribute melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layers in each cup, using the back of a spoon to create level surfaces.
06 - Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes until the chocolate layer sets completely and the cups achieve firm texture.
07 - Remove the pretzel cups from paper liners and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The textural contrast between crunchy pretzel, smooth peanut butter, and snappy chocolate is genuinely addictive and impossible to stop eating.
  • They come together in under an hour with zero baking required, making them perfect for last-minute gifts or midnight cravings.
  • You control exactly how salty, sweet, and rich they are, unlike store-bought versions that often taste too artificial.
02 -
  • Don't skip pressing down the pretzel base firmly—a loose base will crumble and fall apart when you bite into your finished cup, which sounds like a small thing until it happens.
  • The peanut butter layer needs to completely cover the pretzels, otherwise exposed pieces will wick moisture and soften during storage, so take the extra 30 seconds to spread it properly.
03 -
  • Use a kitchen scale for the chocolate chips if you have one—it's more reliable than scooping from the bag, which can lead to inconsistent chocolate-to-filling ratios.
  • Let the peanut butter layer come to room temperature for a few minutes before spreading, as cold peanut butter resists the spoon and tears more easily.
Go Back