Sometimes, the best treats are the simplest ones. If you’ve ever craved something that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and pretzels, with just the right balance of sweet and salty, then this No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters recipe is made for you. Perfect for those days when you want a quick snack or a satisfying dessert without turning on the oven, these clusters are not only delicious but easy to make. All you need are a handful of ingredients, and you’ll have a batch of these delightful little bites ready to enjoy.

I first stumbled upon the combination of peanut butter and pretzels during a family gathering years ago. A friend brought over some pretzel bites dipped in peanut butter, and we all instantly fell in love with the sweet and salty harmony. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with variations, and this No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Cluster recipe is my absolute favorite. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon snack, an impromptu party treat, or as a gift for friends and family.

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters

There’s something magical about the contrast between crunchy, salty pretzels and creamy, sweet peanut butter, all coated in smooth milk chocolate. But these clusters are more than just a flavor combination:

Quick and Easy: With only a handful of ingredients, these clusters come together in minutes. No baking, no fuss!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a fun after-school snack, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these clusters hit the spot.
Customizable: Want to add more texture or flavor? You can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes. Add a pinch of sea salt, drizzle with white chocolate, or experiment with other types of nuts.
Kid-Friendly: This recipe is so simple that kids can get involved in making them. It’s the perfect way to teach kids the joy of cooking, while creating a delicious treat together.
A Crowd-Pleaser: These clusters have the right balance of flavors that everyone loves. Serve them at parties, potlucks, or as a gift, and watch them disappear!

Ingredients for No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. These bite-sized treats come together using just a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Clusters:

1 cup creamy peanut butter: Smooth, rich, and indulgent, this will be the base for the clusters.
1 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth texture.
2 cups mini pretzels, crushed: These provide the salty crunch that perfectly balances the sweetness of the peanut butter mixture.
1 cup milk chocolate chips: For drizzling over the clusters to give them that silky, sweet coating.
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional): Helps to make the chocolate smoother and shinier. If you don’t have coconut oil, it’s perfectly fine to skip it.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters

This No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and salty or need a last-minute treat, here’s how you can whip them up in no time:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you get started, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This ensures that your clusters won’t stick, and it makes for easy cleanup afterward. The paper will also help your clusters keep their shape when you transfer them from the baking sheet to storage.

Step 2: Combine Peanut Butter and Powdered Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix the ingredients until they form a smooth, thick paste. Make sure to stir well, so there are no lumps of powdered sugar remaining. The result should be a creamy and sweet peanut butter mixture that will hold the pretzels together.

Step 3: Add the Crushed Pretzels

Now it’s time to add the crunch! Take your mini pretzels and crush them into small pieces. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and gently using a rolling pin to crush them, or simply use your hands to break them into small bits. The pretzels should have a coarse texture, not too fine.

Once crushed, gently fold the pretzels into the peanut butter mixture. Stir until the pretzels are fully coated and the mixture feels thick and chunky. This is where the sweet and salty magic happens! The pretzels should be well incorporated into the peanut butter paste but still retain their crunch.

Step 4: Shape the Clusters

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, take small portions of the peanut butter-pretzel mixture and shape them into clusters. Each cluster should be about 1 to 2 tablespoons in size. You can make them as small or as large as you like, depending on your preference.

Place each formed cluster onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one. The clusters will firm up as they cool, so you don’t have to worry about them spreading out.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily. Stir the chocolate gently to ensure it’s nice and glossy.

If you prefer to dip the clusters in chocolate rather than drizzle, feel free to melt extra chocolate to fully coat each cluster.

Step 6: Drizzle or Dip the Chocolate

Once the chocolate is melted, use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over the peanut butter pretzel clusters. You can also dip each cluster into the melted chocolate if you prefer a more substantial coating. Either way, the chocolate will add the perfect finishing touch to these clusters.

For a fun twist, you could also drizzle a little white chocolate over the milk chocolate for contrast. If you like a richer flavor, dark chocolate works well too.

Step 7: Set the Clusters in the Refrigerator

Once all of your clusters are drizzled or dipped in chocolate, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened. The cold temperature will help the chocolate set quickly and prevent the clusters from sticking.

Step 8: Enjoy and Store

Once the clusters are firm and the chocolate is set, carefully peel them off the parchment paper. Transfer them to an airtight container for storage. Keep them refrigerated, where they’ll stay fresh for up to one week.

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters make for a great snack, dessert, or gift. They’re portable, easy to make in bulk, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (No baking required!)
Total Time: 45 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: Approximately 12-16 clusters (depending on size)

Tips for Making the Best No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters

While this recipe is already simple and delicious, here are a few tips to make sure your No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters turn out perfectly every time:

1. Use Smooth Peanut Butter

Smooth peanut butter is ideal for this recipe because it combines easily with powdered sugar to create a creamy base. If you prefer a bit more texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but the clusters will have a slightly different consistency.

2. Crush the Pretzels Well

For the best texture, crush the pretzels into small pieces. The smaller pieces will mix better with the peanut butter, ensuring an even distribution throughout each cluster.

3. Use Quality Chocolate

The chocolate coating is one of the key components of these clusters, so don’t skimp on quality. Use good milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor) for the best taste.

4. Add a Pinch of Sea Salt

For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the clusters after drizzling the chocolate. The salt enhances the sweet and salty combo and takes these clusters to the next level.

5. Make it a Gift

Pack these clusters into a small gift box, tie them with a cute ribbon, and you have a homemade gift that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back for These Clusters

There’s something about the sweet and salty combination of peanut butter, pretzels, and chocolate that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re in the mood for something to snack on, looking to impress at a party, or simply want an easy treat to enjoy at home, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters will quickly become your go-to recipe.

The best part? You don’t need to turn on the oven. In just 30 minutes, you can have these delicious clusters ready to devour,

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters

Author: ia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12-16 clusters 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy. With minimal ingredients and no oven required, you can whip up a batch in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a fun treat for a party, these clusters are sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, they’re super easy to make and great for sharing with friends and family!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups mini pretzels, crushed
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preparing your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent the clusters from sticking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix them together until they form a smooth and thick paste. Make sure there are no lumps of powdered sugar remaining.
Next, add the crushed mini pretzels to the peanut butter mixture. Gently fold the pretzels into the mixture until they are evenly coated. The mixture will be thick, but continue to mix until the pretzels are well incorporated.
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into clusters. Aim for about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each cluster. Place the formed clusters onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Once the chocolate is melted, drizzle it over the peanut butter pretzel clusters using a spoon. You can also dip the clusters into the chocolate for a more thorough coating if preferred.
After drizzling or dipping, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened and the clusters are set.
Once the clusters are firm, remove them from the refrigerator. Carefully peel them off the parchment paper and transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
Enjoy your no-bake peanut butter pretzel clusters as a sweet and salty snack! They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Use smooth peanut butter for the best texture, although crunchy peanut butter can also work for added texture.
For a more decadent treat, drizzle with white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
If you prefer a richer flavor, add a pinch of sea salt over the clusters after drizzling with chocolate.
These clusters are great for gifting! Just pack them in a cute box and tie them with a ribbon for a homemade treat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes