No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies

Introduction

You know we love a good, old-fashioned no-bake cookie, but instead of using rolled oats in today’s no-bake recipe, we swapped a different breakfast cereal and a popular snack item into the ingredient list. No oats to be seen here, just rice crispies and pretzels and chocolate chips, all bound together by a tasty sea salt vanilla sugar mixture. Sounds pretty good, right? It is!

These ooey-gooey cookies get all mixed together, then you let them sit and voilà! You’ve got peanut butter pretzel cookies! Let’s do a deeper dive into what makes these bad boys so yummy: peanut butter, corn syrup, sugar, and brown sugar do most of the heavy lifting in regards to what makes these cookies actual cookies (i.e., what keeps them stuck together). Then it’s the crispies and the pretzels that bulk them up and give them their fun texture and crunchy consistency. Finally, little globs of chocolate chips – which are more or less incorporated depending on how long you wait to stir them into the hot cookie mixture – that round things off and really make these cookies look and taste complete. They’re so good. We love that these cookies taste amazing, and we reallllly love not having to turn on our oven or clean multiple dishes once the process is all said and done. You can mix everything together in one bowl, then just scoop the cookies out onto lined baking sheets for super easy clean-up. If you can wait the amount of time needed for them to chill and set, you’ll be golden, but if you can’t… we still understand and won’t hold it against you. They’re just too yummy to pass up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those who love a quick and easy dessert with no baking involved. The combination of peanut butter, pretzels, and chocolate chips offers a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors. Plus, the chewy and crunchy texture makes every bite a treat.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing spoon
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• 1-tablespoon scoop or spoon

Ingredients

• 3 cups rice crispy cereal
• 1 cup pretzels, crushed
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for garnish
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, peanut butter, and white and brown sugar. Whisk together until smooth and creamy, for about 3-5 minutes.
3. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in vanilla extract and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt.
4. Stir in pretzels and rice crispies, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
5. Let the mixture cool for 2-4 minutes, then stir in chocolate chips until incorporated.
6. Use a 1-tablespoon scoop or spoon to drop cookie mixture onto lined baking sheets, topping with sea salt if desired.
7. Refrigerate until set.

Tips for Success

Ensure the mixture cools slightly before adding the chocolate chips to prevent them from melting completely. For a stronger flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. And don’t forget to gently crush the pretzels for the best texture.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to customize these cookies by adding nuts, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, adjust the sugar levels to your taste.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This recipe offers a delightful balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, thanks to the combination of cereals, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Keep in mind that the nutritional content will vary based on portion size and any additional ingredients you choose to add.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, chunky peanut butter will add an extra crunch to your cookies.

How long can I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I use a different cereal?
Absolutely! Try using corn flakes or your favorite cereal for a different twist.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies are a delicious and easy treat that everyone will love. Perfect for those who crave something sweet and salty without the fuss of baking. Give them a try and let us know how they turned out for you in the comments below. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative variations you come up with!