(Makes ~24 clusters)
1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup (130g) creamy peanut butter (not “natural” style—use Jif or Skippy for best texture)
2 cups mini pretzel twists (or regular pretzels, broken into pieces)
Optional:
Flaky sea salt
Crushed peanuts
Drizzle of melted white chocolate
💡 Pro Tip: Use mini pretzels for easy-to-eat, bite-sized clusters.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Simple & Foolproof)
1. Melt Chocolate & Peanut Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips + peanut butter.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth (usually 1–1.5 minutes total).
🌡️ Stovetop option: Melt in a double boiler over low heat.
2. Fold in Pretzels
Gently stir in pretzels until evenly coated.
⚠️ Don’t overmix—you want clusters, not crumbs!
3. Drop & Chill
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto the sheet.
Optional: Sprinkle with flaky salt or crushed peanuts.
Refrigerate 15–20 minutes until firm.
4. Serve & Store
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks (if they last that long!).
✨ For gifting: Pack in mini cupcake liners inside a festive box!
Serving Suggestions & Pro Tips
Holiday twist: Add red/green sprinkles or crushed peppermint for Christmas
Birthday vibe: Mix in mini M&Ms or colorful sprinkles
Extra crunch: Use pretzel rods or sticks, broken into chunks
Dairy-free? Use dairy-free chocolate chips and sunflower butter
Gluten-free? Use certified GF pretzels
FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Not recommended—it’s too oily and can cause the mixture to separate.
Q: Why are my clusters soft?
A: They need to stay chilled. Room temperature = melty clusters!
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw 5 minutes before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have mini pretzels?
A: Break regular pretzel twists into small pieces—they’ll still work!
Q: Can I make them nut-free?
A: Yes! Use sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts.
More Than a Treat—It’s Joy in a Bite
These clusters aren’t just easy—they’re what you make when you want to spread joy without spending all day in the kitchen. They’re the quiet crunch of pretzels, the smooth hug of peanut butter, the rich kiss of chocolate—all wrapped in one humble, homemade bite.
So melt that chocolate, grab those pretzels, and let your fridge do the rest. Because some of the best treats begin with almost no effort… and end with full hearts (and happy stomachs).
Made these clusters? Did you add sea salt or keep them classic? Share your twist below—we’re all about easy joy in this kitchen! 🥜🥨✨
