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Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

If you love rich, gooey blondies with a salty-sweet twist, you’re in for a treat with this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe. I absolutely love how the crunchy pretzels and melty butterscotch chips dance beautifully with creamy peanut butter — it’s that amazing combo you didn’t know you needed until you try it. Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together or just craving a cozy treat at home, these blondies hit all the right notes.

When I first tried this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe, I was blown away by how simple it was yet so flavorful. You’ll find that it’s perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros who want to shake up their dessert game. Plus, it comes together quickly — exactly what I need on busy days when I want homemade sweets without fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The salty crunch of pretzels contrasts beautifully with sweet butterscotch and creamy peanut butter.
  • Easy and Fast to Make: From start to finish, it takes just about 40 minutes—great for last-minute dessert urges.
  • Great for Sharing: These blondies slice perfectly into squares, making them ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or gift-giving.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these—they’re a surefire hit every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll notice this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe uses simple pantry staples that you might already have on hand — plus just a few specialty items that really make it pop. Picking quality peanut butter and fresh pretzels is key to hitting that perfect texture combo.

  • Cooking spray: Helps keep the blondies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes that deepen the blondie’s flavor.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted for a smooth, rich base; unsalted ensures you control the saltiness.
  • All-natural chunky peanut butter: Chunky gives texture and bursts of peanut goodness in every bite.
  • Baking powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
  • Pure vanilla extract: A must for enhancing all those other flavors beautifully.
  • Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and amps up flavor complexity.
  • Large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better, giving structure and moistness.
  • All-purpose flour: Provides the backbone — make sure to measure carefully for the right density.
  • Mini pretzels: Divided for mixing in and decorating; their salty crunch is essential.
  • Butterscotch chips: Also divided between batter and topping — these melt into sweet pockets of yum.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe my own by swapping out elements here and there—feel free to experiment with flavors that suit your mood or dietary needs. It’s a recipe that’s welcoming to personalization, and that’s part of the fun.

  • Nut-Free Variation: I’ve swapped peanut butter for sunflower seed butter for friends with allergies, and it worked beautifully without sacrificing richness.
  • Chocolate Swap: Sometimes I replace half the butterscotch chips with chocolate chips when craving a more traditional blondie vibe.
  • Orange Zest: Adding a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest introduces a bright note that’s super refreshing and unexpected.
  • Extra Crunch: Tossing in some chopped salted peanuts gives an awesome texture boost—I highly recommend trying it.

How to Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a 13″x9″ metal baking pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides—this will help you lift the blondies out perfectly once baked. A light spray on the parchment keeps everything smooth for cleanup later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat together brown sugar, melted butter, chunky peanut butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until combined. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to avoid overmixing. You’ll notice the batter is lush and creamy here—this is a good sign!

Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients and Pretzels

Gently fold in the flour with a spatula, stirring just until you see a few streaks of flour left—overmixing can make your blondies tough, so be gentle. Next, add 2 cups of mini pretzels, breaking them up lightly into 2 or 3 bigger pieces for texture, and toss in 2/3 cup of butterscotch chips. Fold these into the batter slowly so everything’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Spread Batter and Top

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Then, press the remaining 1/2 cup of pretzels into the top—it adds a wonderful crunch and a pretty look. Finish by sprinkling the last 1/3 cup of butterscotch chips across the surface for those irresistible melty pockets on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake the blondies for 23 to 27 minutes. You want the edges to be light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake, or you might lose that fudgy, gooey texture that makes these blondies so special.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Once out of the oven, let the blondies cool completely in the pan. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the whole slab out onto a cutting board and slice into 15 squares. This little trick keeps the blondies neat and saves your fingers from sticky situations!

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

  • Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the eggs mix in better with the butter and sugar, creating a smoother batter.
  • Don’t Overmix the Flour: Stir it in just enough to combine for tender blondies — overmixing develops gluten, making them chewy, not soft.
  • Lightly Crush the Pretzels: Breaking them into bigger pieces gives you that satisfying crunch without overpowering each bite.
  • Watch the Bake Time Closely: Oven temps vary, so start checking at 23 minutes to avoid drying out your blondies.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

The image shows three thick square bars stacked on a white plate with a red and white paper underneath them. Each bar has three visible layers: a light golden crumbly top layer sprinkled with whole salted pretzels, a middle soft caramel-colored filling with bits of pretzels inside, and a bottom golden crumbly crust similar to the top. The texture looks crumbly on the outside with crunchy pretzel pieces scattered through the bars. In the background, there is a white glass of milk and some butterscotch chips in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra pretzels and butterscotch chips on top right after baking for a pretty finish. If I’m feeling fancy, a light drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce makes them look and taste incredible. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top can also elevate that salty-sweet contrast wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These blondies pair amazingly with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For an afternoon treat, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or berries to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these blondies on a platter layered with parchment doilies and garnished with mini pretzels for an eye-catching display. You can also cut them into small squares and serve on skewers with marshmallows or fresh fruit for a fun dessert kabob. They’re just as lovely wrapped up in cellophane tied with a ribbon for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay perfectly moist for up to 3 days. If I want them a bit softer, I warm them briefly in the microwave before serving, and it’s like fresh-baked all over again.

Freezing

These blondies freeze wonderfully! I cut them into squares first, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy your peanut butter pretzel goodness whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat frozen blondies, I let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes and then warm them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. This brings back their gooey charm without drying them out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Using creamy peanut butter will give you a smoother texture throughout your blondies. Chunky adds extra bite and crunch, but creamy works just fine if that’s what you have on hand.

  2. Can I substitute pretzels with another crunchy snack?

    Yes, you can! For a different twist, try crushed salted nuts or even crispy cereal. Just keep in mind pretzels add a unique salty crunch that pairs perfectly with butterscotch and peanut butter flavor.

  3. Do I have to use butterscotch chips or can I use chocolate chips?

    You can swap butterscotch chips for chocolate chips if you prefer. It’ll change the flavor profile slightly but still produce delicious, gooey blondies. I’ve even done half and half to balance the sweet and rich flavors.

  4. What’s the best way to store peanut butter pretzel butterscotch blondies?

    Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual squares wrapped well to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe feels like giving you a little slice of my kitchen happiness. It’s one of those recipes that’s stood the test of time in my home because it’s so reliably delicious and easy. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—the mix of salty, sweet, crunchy, and chewy is pure magic. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to whenever you want to impress without fussing. Happy baking, friend!

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Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 115 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 27 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 15 squares
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Indulge in these rich and chewy Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies, combining the sweet, salty, and nutty flavors of peanut butter, crunchy pretzels, and creamy butterscotch chips. Perfectly golden and easy to make, these blondies are a delightful treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Blondie Batter

  • Cooking spray, for greasing
  • 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

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13″x9″ metal baking pan with cooking spray, line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the two long sides, and grease the parchment with cooking spray.
  2. Mix wet ingredients and sugar: In a large bowl, use a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat together the brown sugar, melted butter, peanut butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until well incorporated.
  4. Fold in flour, pretzels, and chips: Gently fold the all-purpose flour into the wet batter just until a few streaks of flour remain. Lightly crush 2 cups of mini pretzels into 2 to 3 large pieces and add to the batter along with 2/3 cup of butterscotch chips. Fold until evenly distributed.
  5. Transfer batter and top: Scoop the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Press the remaining 1/2 cup pretzels into the top of the batter, then sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup butterscotch chips over the surface.
  6. Bake: Bake the blondies in the preheated oven until they turn a light golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 23 to 27 minutes.
  7. Cool and cut: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the blondies out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 15 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Make sure to use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
  • Lightly crushing the pretzels adds texture without making them too small to enjoy.
  • You can substitute crunchy peanut butter with smooth if preferred.
  • Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chopped peanuts into the batter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1/15 of recipe)
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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