If you’re craving a sweet treat with a perfect balance of salty, nutty, and buttery flavors, the Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe is going to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how these blondies come together – the crunchy pretzels add just the right amount of saltiness that pairs beautifully with the rich peanut butter and gooey butterscotch chips. Whenever I want a dessert that’s indulgent but still has that homemade charm, this blondie recipe is my go-to.
What makes this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe really special is how effortlessly it blends simple pantry staples into something utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a casual family night or bringing a dessert to a friend’s gathering, these blondies are guaranteed to impress. Plus, they’re super simple to make, even if you’re not usually a baker – trust me, you’ll find that the steps are straightforward, and the end result feels like a little celebration with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Sweet-Salty Combo: The salted pretzels and sweet butterscotch chips create a delicious balance you won’t stop craving.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be an expert baker to pull off these blondies – the steps are easy to follow and forgiving.
- Great for Sharing: These blondies hold up well, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or snack times with friends and family.
- Decadently Delicious: Peanut butter and butterscotch is a flavor pairing I always come back to – it never disappoints!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe calls for classic ingredients that play off each other so well. I like keeping my pantry stocked with these staples, so when that craving hits, I’m always ready to whip up a batch.
- Cooking Spray: Essential for greasing the pan to avoid sticking; helps get those blondies out cleanly.
- Light Brown Sugar: I prefer packed light brown sugar here because it brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness; plus, melted butter makes the batter super rich and smooth.
- Chunky Peanut Butter: Chunky adds texture and extra peanutty goodness – smooth works too if that’s what you have.
- Baking Powder: Just enough leavening to give the blondies a gentle rise without losing that dense, chewy texture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A pantry must-have that enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and complements the pretzels perfectly.
- Large Eggs: Room temperature eggs help the batter come together smoothly and lock in moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; make sure to measure it correctly to keep the blondies tender.
- Mini Pretzels: Broken into chunks, these add delightful crunch and a salty counterpoint – fresh pretzels work best.
- Butterscotch Chips: These little pockets of sweetness melt beautifully, giving bursts of buttery, caramel flavor.
Variations
I love that this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe easily adapts to whatever mood I’m in or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative — these blondies are like a delicious canvas for flavor play!
- Swap the Chips: I’ve tried chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of butterscotch, and they turn out just as amazing.
- Salted Peanut Butter: If you like things saltier, swapping regular peanut butter for salted adds a nice punch.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the pretzels for allergy-friendly treats.
- Add Some Nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and earthiness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F – no one likes a surprise when the batter is ready! Grease a 13″x9″ metal baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper leaving a couple of inches hanging over the edges. I always spray the parchment too; it makes lifting the blondies out a breeze once they’re baked and cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the packed brown sugar, melted butter, chunky peanut butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until it’s well combined and smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each until fully incorporated. This ensures your blondie batter will be nice and silky without any lumps.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour with a spatula, stirring just until you see a few streaks left – don’t overmix or the blondies could get tough. Next, break 2 cups of the mini pretzels into 2-3 big pieces each and add them by hand, along with 2/3 cup of your butterscotch chips. The mix of chunks and chips scattered throughout is what makes these blondies so irresistibly textured!
Step 4: Assemble the Blondies
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Then, press the remaining 1/2 cup of crushed pretzels gently on top and sprinkle with the rest of the butterscotch chips. This topping not only looks inviting but also creates a lovely crunchy contrast once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 23 to 27 minutes, or until the blondies turn a light golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I tend to check around 22 minutes to avoid overbaking because I love them fudgy rather than cakey – but it’s up to your preference!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out onto a cutting board. Cut into 15 squares and get ready for all the compliments that come your way. Pat yourself on the back – you just made something truly scrumptious!
Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: I learned this early on—it helps the batter blend smoothly and results in better texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Fold in flour just until combined to keep your blondies tender and soft.
- Press Toppings Gently: When adding pretzels and butterscotch chips on top, press lightly to prevent sinking but ensure they stick.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Every oven’s different; keep an eye after 20 minutes to avoid drying out your blondies.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually dust these blondies with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking—that little extra seasoning really amps up the pretzel’s flavor and highlights the butterscotch. Sometimes, I like to drizzle some melted peanut butter or even a thin layer of chocolate on top for an extra special touch.
Side Dishes
My favorite accompaniments with these blondies are a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich coffee. On chilly days, a warm mug of milk or hot chocolate pairs beautifully to balance the salty-sweet flavors and create a cozy dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to cut these blondies into bite-sized squares and serve them on pretty platters sprinkled with extra chopped pretzels and chips. Wrapping individual bars in wax paper tied with twine also makes a charming gift or party favor that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, I store my leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 4 days like this. If you want to keep that fresh-baked softness longer, refrigerate for up to a week—just bring them to room temp before enjoying.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these blondies successfully by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They last 2-3 months frozen. Just thaw at room temperature or pop briefly in the microwave for a warm treat anytime.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I like to microwave them for about 15-20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Alternatively, warming in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes works great if you want that just-out-of-the-oven feel.
FAQs
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Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky in the Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe?
Absolutely! Smooth peanut butter will give you a more uniform texture, while chunky peanut butter adds little bits of crunch. Either works well, so choose based on your texture preference.
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What’s the best way to crush the pretzels for this recipe?
I like to put the pretzels in a zip-top bag and gently break them into chunky pieces with a rolling pin or by pressing with my hands. This ensures you get sizable pieces that provide satisfying crunch without turning into dust.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure your pretzels are also gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
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How do I know when the blondies are perfectly baked?
Look for a light golden brown color on top and edges that start pulling away from the pan. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached—no wet batter.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the ingredients and using a larger pan or baking in two pans works well. Just keep an eye on baking time as it might take a little longer to bake through.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe is truly one of those treats that feels elevated, yet is so easy to whip up on a whim. I’ve made it countless times for my family, and it never fails to bring smiles and requests for seconds. If you love the idea of a dessert that marries salty crunch with melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, you really can’t go wrong here. Give it a try—you’ll soon discover why I keep coming back to this recipe as a fun, comforting staple in my baking rotation.
PrintPeanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 15 blondies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and butterscotch with a salty crunch from pretzels. Soft, chewy, and sweet with a hint of saltiness, these blondies are perfect for snack time or dessert.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 3/4 cups (375 g) packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (180 g) all-natural chunky peanut butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
Add-ins
- 2 1/2 cups (3.75 oz) mini pretzels, divided
- 1 cup (6 oz) butterscotch chips, divided
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13″x9″ metal baking pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang on two long sides. Grease the parchment paper as well to ensure easy removal of blondies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat together the light brown sugar, melted butter, chunky peanut butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until well incorporated to create a uniform batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Pretzels: Gently fold the all-purpose flour into the batter until only a few streaks remain. Then hand fold in 2 cups of mini pretzels, crushing them lightly into 2 to 3 large pieces for texture. Add 2/3 cup of butterscotch chips and fold everything together until evenly mixed.
- Transfer to Baking Pan and Add Toppings: Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Press the remaining 1/2 cup pretzels onto the top of the batter, then sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup butterscotch chips evenly over the surface.
- Bake Blondies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the blondies are light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 23 to 27 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 15 squares for serving.
Notes
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- Lining the pan with parchment makes removing the blondies easier and cleaner.
- Lightly crushing the pretzels keeps some larger pieces for texture while evenly distributing the salty crunch.
- Use an offset spatula for smooth, even spreading of the batter.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie (approx. 1/15th of batch)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg