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Peanut Butter-Pretzel Brownies

Pretzels are a bit of a mystery to me. More specifically, it’s the appeal of pretzels that I don’t get. I don’t dislike them, but I just can’t really seem to get behind them on their own. But, add some pretzels to something more interesting, and now we’re talking.

Peanut Butter-Pretzel Brownies add a salty, crunchy twist to brownies with plenty of peanut butter and chopped pretzels.

Little bits of pretzels are mixed into these peanut butter-y brownies to give you little pockets of saltiness. Any shape of pretzel will work for these, but I like to use pretzel rods for bigger salty bites.

I may not be a big pretzel fan, but I’m definitely a big fan of these brownies. If you are a sweet and salty fan like I am, I think you’ll agree.

A little bonus tip: Don’t discard the crumbs when you chop the pretzels. Use those in the brownie batter for some extra salty bites!

Peanut Butter-Pretzel Brownies

Yield 16 2-inch brownies
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes

Peanut Butter-Pretzel Brownies add a salty, crunchy twist to brownies with plenty of peanut butter and chopped pretzels.

Peanut Butter-Pretzel Brownies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 6 ounces (1 cup) bittersweet chocolate
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup chopped pretzels

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan. Line with parchment paper (or foil), leaving a couple of inches of overhang on two sides. Grease parchment.
  2. Place butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at half power in 30-second intervals until butter is melted and chocolate melts when stirred. Stir to combine. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Add sugar to butter/chocolate mixture, and mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.
  5. Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 20-30 seconds, or until it can be easily stirred. Add to chocolate mixture, and mix until combined.
  6. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in about 3/4 cup of pretzels.
  7. Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly. Place remaining pretzels over the top of the batter, and press down gently into the batter.
  8. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until a pick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
  9. Using overhanging parchment, lift brownies from pan onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into bars.

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    8 Comments on “Peanut Butter-Pretzel Brownies”

  1. I need these in my life now! I have a complete pretzel and peanut butter addiction!

  2. I’m totally with you. You’ll never see me snacking on a bag of pretzels, but I love adding them to other things. Not only are these brownies pretty, but they look rich and delicious too. I could use one right now!

  3. I love pretzel m & m’s and peanut butter m & m’s, this like a wonderful combination of both.

  4. Do you think I could use cocoa powder instead of actual chocolate?

  5. Amanda, you can try. If you have unsweetened cocoa powder, you’ll need to add some extra sugar to make up for the sugar in the bittersweet chocolate. Also, chocolate has a fat component that you’ll miss out on with cocoa powder. Most cocoa powder has some percentage of cocoa butter, but it varies by brand. So, you’d need either butter or oil to do that. Overall, you’d need less cocoa powder than chocolate, but with the other additions, it should be close to the total amount.

    From what I have read, there’s no magic substitution formula, so I can’t give you an exact substitution because of all the variables. The good news is that even if you don’t get a perfect substitution, it will still get you a pan of brownies, although the consistency and sweetness may not be the same.

  6. No worries I get you: I’m the same way. I really love soft, fresh pretzels, but I have to be in the mood just to munch of pretzel rods or the little snyder’s pretzels.

    Put them into brownies though?! Now we’re talking 😀

  7. Ohh I love bits of saltiness in my brownies and cookies! These look lovely

  8. Perfect combo of salty and sweet. I love baking with pretzels so this recipe is going to the top of my must-make list.

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