Buckeye Pretzels are peanut butter balls sandwiched between pretzels and dipped in chocolate, this is a salty-sweet twist on a classic!
If seeing the ever-popular Peanut Butter Balls (a.k.a. Buckeyes) waiting on a dessert table thrills you, then these salty-sweet bites of chocolate peanut butter happiness are going to be your new favorite!
The Christmas baking bug gets me every year and even though we will have an especially busy December this year, I want to make ALL the recipes.
It never fails that I’m flooded with ideas for new holiday treats all season long. If I’m still sharing Christmas recipes in January, you’ll know why.
Buckeye Pretzel Ingredients
- creamy peanut butter
- butter, softened
- vanilla extract
- powdered sugar
- semi sweet chocolate chips
- mini pretzel twists
How To Make Buckeye Pretzels
In the bowl of a mixer, beat peanut butter and butter. Stir in vanilla. Add powdered sugar and beat on low speed until smooth.
Roll into small balls (about 1½-2 teaspoons worth) and sandwich between two pretzels. Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
Place the chocolate in a deep bowl and microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals, until melted.
Dip the chilled peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate and place on parchment or wax paper to set.
I like these best when about half coated in melted chocolate. When I don’t want them to be quite so sweet, I just drizzle a bit of chocolate on top, or alternatively, pour chocolate over the top. However, you coat them, they’re delicious.
Buckeye Pretzels
There’s just something irresistible about the chocolate + peanut butter combination, isn’t there?
Adding pretzels to that combination? and making it bite-size and snackable? That’s pretty much a guaranteed win.
These Peanut Butter Pretzel Buckeyes are a twist on classic Buckeyes, one of the most popular recipes on this site.
Let’s be real, is there anyone anywhere who doesn’t love Peanut Butter Balls during the holidays??
As much as we love Buckeyes, it’s fun to mix it up sometimes too!
Try these Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies for a little extra crunch with your Buckeyes. And these Peanut Butter Balls with Graham Crackers taste just like Reese’s peanut butter cups.
Salted Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls are another salty-sweet combination that you’re going to love as well.
Creamy, fluffy peanut butter mousse (and this chocolate mousse too!) are no-bake summer desserts that get made frequently. This is the perfect after-dinner treat with friends, but it is also a fun dessert for no special occasion at all.
If you need a chocolate and peanut butter snack for one, Puppy Chow for One satisfies the craving perfectly, because resisting the temptation to gorge the entire massive bowl is a struggle!
Peanut Butter Pretzel Buckeyes
Ingredients
- 1½ cups peanut butter
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3½ cups powdered sugar, about 1 pound
- 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 15 ounce bag mini pretzel twists
Instructions
- In the bowl of a mixer, beat peanut butter and butter. Stir in vanilla. Add powdered sugar and beat on low speed until smooth.
- Roll into small balls (about 1½-2 teaspoons worth) and sandwich between two pretzels. Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
- Place the chocolate in a deep bowl and microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals, until melted.
- Dip the chilled peanut butter pretzel balls into the melted chocolate and place on parchment or wax paper to set.
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 11/28/17 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/8/21}
While we are talking peanut butter pretzel treats, this Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie looks delicious and these Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars would cure any salty-sweet cravings!
Susan says
Hi Mallory, I have more of a question then a comment. Do these need to be stored in the refrigerator and does the peanut spread when you bite into them?
Mallory says
These are best stored in the fridge and no the peanut butter will not spread.
Pam Neitz says
Can the peanut butter mixture be made day before sandwiching them between the pretzels
Mary says
I’ve never tried that, it will get firm in the fridge.
Beverly says
How long can they be stored in the refrigerator. Can they be made inadvance?
Mallory says
I would only store them for a day or so. They would keep better in the freezer for a week or so. the longer you store them, the more chance the pretzel will get stale.
Jay says
WOW! Did I say WOW!? I made these on Friday and they were outstanding…and addictive. I already had a great buckeye recipe (which is very similar to yours) that I’ve used many a time, so I adapted it to this recipe. The addition of the crunchy / salty pretzel and then dipping in chocolate was genius. The recipe generated over 60 treats, so I sent some with my wife to work, some with my daughter to work, and we were in and out of the refrigerator constantly eating them through the weekend. What a great joining of flavors and textures. Thank YOu!!!
Mary says
I’m so happy to hear that these were a hit, Jay!
Chastity says
I have been making these for the past 6 years.. Everyone is so excited when I make them… I use Snyder snap (square) pretzels and I use crunchy peanut butter for filling and I drizzle red & green candy melts over the chocolate to make them festive…
Mary says
I bet they’re super cute, Chastity. I’m glad you’re enjoying them!
Katrina says
These are delicious and were a huge hit at Thanksgiving. No doubt these will be part of Christmas as well!
Mary says
I’m so glad you like them, Katrina!
Barb. says
They are really good and so easy to make. I had to add a 1/2 c. Of crunchy peanut butter because I ran out of creamy. It was still good.
Mary says
I’m glad you’re enjoying them, Barb!
Tiffany says
What about coconut oil instead of butter? Just wondering about making them vegan.
Mary says
That should work fine, Tiffany.
Christine says
This looks very good please send me the website thank you
Barbara says
Going to try these for Christmas grandkids will love them thank you
Mary says
You are welcome, Barbara. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!