I absolutely love sharing this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe because it combines sweet, salty, and buttery flavors in the most delightful way. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked instantly—the crunch from the pretzels and the rich punch of peanut butter with melty butterscotch chips is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a comforting dessert or want something fun to bring to a party, these blondies deliver every time.

You’ll find that this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe is surprisingly simple to whip up, even if you don’t bake often. My family goes crazy for these, especially because they’re chewy with just the right amount of saltiness to balance the sweetness. Plus, the recipes uses pantry staples you probably already have, making it perfect for last-minute treats or weekend baking adventures.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Flavor Balance: The salty crunch of pretzels complements the creamy peanut butter and rich butterscotch for an irresistible treat.
  • Easy to Make: It’s straightforward with no complicated steps, ideal even if you’re new to baking blondies.
  • Great for Sharing: These blondies cut into nice square portions, perfect for parties, school snacks, or evening cravings.
  • Uses Pantry Staples: You’ll likely have everything on hand, minimizing last-minute grocery runs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe lies in the combination of simple, familiar ingredients that work together beautifully. Each element plays a specific role: from the creamy peanut butter to the crunchy pretzels and sweet butterscotch chips, these ingredients deliver texture and flavor you’ll love.

  • Cooking spray: Helps your blondies release easily from the pan; I never skip this step to avoid sticking.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor; packed is best for consistency.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted butter makes the blondies tender and rich; room temperature is key for good mixing.
  • Chunky peanut butter: Gives that iconic peanut flavor plus a little texture with the chunks.
  • Baking powder: Helps the blondies rise slightly without losing their fudgy texture.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Boosts all the sweet flavors; don’t substitute with imitation if you can help it.
  • Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor depth.
  • Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture; make sure they’re at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • All-purpose flour: The base of the batter; be gentle when folding to keep the blondies tender.
  • Mini pretzels: Crunchy texture and salty flavor—crush them lightly before folding in.
  • Butterscotch chips: Melt into sweet pockets throughout the blondies, adding gooey bursts of flavor.
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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 how this Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe can be easily adapted to suit your mood or dietary preferences. Whether you want to add more crunch, swap out flavors, or make it gluten-free, there’s room to get creative.

  • Add Chocolate Chips: Sometimes I toss in a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips alongside butterscotch for a double dose of yum.
  • Swap Pretzels for Nuts: You can use chopped walnuts or pecans if you prefer a nutty crunch instead of pretzels.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour; I’ve had great luck with this swap without losing texture.
  • Use Smooth Peanut Butter: For a creamier texture with less chunkiness, smooth peanut butter works perfectly too.

How to Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 13″x9″ metal baking pan and grease it well with cooking spray. I always line my pans with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two long sides—it makes lifting the blondies out after baking so much easier. Don’t forget to spray the parchment too; it’s an extra step that saves you from a sticky mess.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat together the brown sugar, melted butter, chunky peanut butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. You’ll notice the batter coming together into a smooth, luscious mix. Then, add the eggs one at a time—beat on low speed after each addition. This gradual mixing helps ensure the eggs incorporate evenly without making the batter tough.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Pretzels

Now, slowly fold in the flour using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle here—you want to stop as soon as most of the flour is incorporated, leaving just a few streaks. This keeps the blondies tender and chewy. Next, lightly crush 2 cups of mini pretzels into 2 or 3 larger pieces by hand, letting you enjoy bursts of crunch throughout. Fold the pretzels and 2/3 cup of butterscotch chips into the batter.

Step 4: Spread and Top Your Batter

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and spread it evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Now, press the remaining 1/2 cup of pretzels into the top of the batter for extra crunch and a pretty finish. Sprinkle the rest of the butterscotch chips on top—it gives a delicious gooey look once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven until the blondies turn a lovely light golden brown, about 23 to 27 minutes. A toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center should come out clean, maybe with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake — these blondies are best when they have a chewy, fudgy texture.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Once out of the oven, let the blondies cool completely in the pan. Thanks to the parchment overhang, you can easily lift the whole batch out and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares—15 generous pieces usually do it. These keep their moisture and flavor wonderfully, so no worries if you can’t eat them all at once!

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

  • Use Room Temperature Eggs: They mix better with the batter, helping to avoid curdling and ensuring a smooth texture.
  • Don’t Overmix Flour: Only fold until it’s mostly combined; overmixing makes blondies cakey instead of chewy.
  • Press Toppings Gently: When adding pretzels and butterscotch chips on top, don’t press too hard or you’ll lose that nice chunky texture.
  • Watch Your Bake Time: Keep a close eye during the last five minutes to avoid drying out your blondies.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

Three square bars stacked on a white plate lined with red and white striped paper, each bar showing a rough, crumbly texture mixed with pretzel pieces. The bars have a light brown, golden color with crunchy bits and broken pretzels embedded throughout. The top bar has full pretzels visible on the surface, adding contrast with their glossy, twisted shapes. The background shows a white marbled surface, with some scattered pretzels and a small white bowl filled with orange candy pieces nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with these blondies, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a special touch for guests. Sometimes, sprinkling a few extra crushed mini pretzels on top right before serving amps up the crunch and looks adorable too.

Side Dishes

These blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For an afternoon snack, a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or celebrations, I’ve arranged these blondies on a wooden board with fresh berries and nuts surrounding them for a rustic look. Cutting them into bite-sized squares on pretty parchment paper also makes them perfect for party platters or bake sales.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper, and they stay fresh for up to 4 days. Keeping them out of the fridge prevents them from drying out and keeps that chewy texture intact.

Freezing

This Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe freezes beautifully. I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, which is great for ready-made treats on busy days.

Reheating

When I want to enjoy a frozen blondie, I pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm it slightly—this melts the butterscotch chips again and brings back that fresh-baked vibe. Just be careful not to overheat or they can get tough.

FAQs

  1. Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky in the Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe?

    Absolutely! Creamy peanut butter works just fine and will give the blondies a smoother texture without the peanut chunks. It’s a great option if you prefer less texture or just want a classic peanut butter flavor.

  2. How can I tell when the blondies are done baking?

    Look for a light golden brown color on top and edges that start to pull away from the pan. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. It’s better to slightly underbake than overbake for the best chewy texture.

  3. Can I substitute pretzels with another crunchy ingredient?

    Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans work well and add a different kind of crunch and flavor. Just keep in mind pretzels add that lovely salty kick unique to this recipe.

  4. Do I need to refrigerate these blondies?

    No refrigeration is necessary if you plan to eat them within several days. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to retain moisture and chewiness.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe has become one of my go-to treats when I want to impress without fuss. There’s something so satisfying about the combo of peanut butter, butterscotch, and pretzels all in one chewy, gooey bite. I hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for these blondies again and again—they’re that good. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll understand why my whole family goes crazy for these!

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Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Wesley
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 27 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 15 squares
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these Peanut Butter Pretzel Butterscotch Blondies. Featuring a chewy, rich blondie batter loaded with crunchy pretzels and melty butterscotch chips, this dessert is an irresistible treat that combines the comforting flavors of peanut butter and buttery butterscotch with a satisfying pretzel crunch.


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

Mix-ins and Toppings

  • 2 1/2 cups (3.75 oz) mini pretzels, divided
  • 1 cup (6 oz) butterscotch chips, divided


Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Preheat your 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 to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix wet ingredients and sugar: In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer set to medium-high speed, beat together the light brown sugar, melted butter, chunky peanut butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and combined.
  3. Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, blending each in on low speed to maintain a smooth batter without overmixing.
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients and mix-ins: Gently fold the all-purpose flour into the batter until only a few streaks of flour remain to avoid overworking. Fold in 2 cups of mini pretzels, lightly crushing them into 2 to 3 large pieces, along with 2/3 cup of butterscotch chips until evenly distributed.
  5. Assemble blondies: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with an offset spatula or back of a spoon. Press the remaining 1/2 cup of pretzels into the top of the batter, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/3 cup of butterscotch chips for an attractive and flavorful topping.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the blondies turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 23 to 27 minutes.
  7. Cool and serve: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the blondies out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 15 squares and serve.

Notes

  • For chunkier texture, crush pretzels into larger pieces before folding into the batter.
  • Room temperature eggs help the batter combine smoothly.
  • Use parchment paper with an overhang to easily remove blondies from the pan without sticking.
  • Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Feel free to substitute crunchy peanut butter with smooth if preferred.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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