Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars.

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey, then these Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies layered with rich caramel, roasted peanuts, and a salty crunch from pretzels—all wrapped up in a bar that’s easy to slice and impossible to resist. This recipe blends familiar favorite flavors into one show-stopping treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

There’s something undeniably special about combining the nostalgic elements of a Snickers candy bar with the homey goodness of a chocolate chip cookie. These bars bring together buttery cookie dough, luscious homemade or store-bought caramel, and crunchy roasted peanuts, all enhanced by the surprising burst of salted pretzels. The texture is a star player here—soft and chewy cookie base meets chewy caramel, with plenty of crunch from peanuts and pretzels. Plus, they’re simple enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at gatherings.

What really makes the Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars stand out is how each bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures. The salted butter and brown sugar create a deep, rich cookie base, while the vanilla extract adds warmth. Caramel and chocolate bring indulgence, and the roasted peanuts and pretzels add that irresistible contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 (10 ounce) bags caramels, unwrapped, or homemade caramel (recipe below)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
• 12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 20-24 pretzel twists

Before You Start: Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan – Perfect size for layering and slicing these bars.
• Mixing bowls – You’ll need a few for wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugars easier and faster.
• Rubber spatula – For folding in chocolate chips and peanuts gently.
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl – For melting chocolate and coconut oil.
• Wooden spoon – Essential for stirring caramel with cream.

Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars. Made Stepwise

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 2 sticks of salted butter, 2/3 cup light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for that tender, chewy cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for that aromatic depth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peanuts

Fold in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips and 3/4 cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts. The peanuts add a nutty crunch that complements the sweet components perfectly.

Step 6: Bake the Cookie Layer

Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, just until edges start to set but the center is still soft. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Layer

While the cookie layer is baking, melt 2 (10-ounce) bags of unwrapped caramels with 1/4 cup heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until smooth and pourable. If you prefer, use a homemade caramel recipe for extra richness.

Step 8: Add Caramel and Pretzels

Pour the warm caramel evenly over the baked cookie layer. Immediately sprinkle 20-24 pretzel twists on top of the caramel, pressing them gently to ensure they stick.

Step 9: Add Remaining Cookie Dough

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel and pretzels. It’s okay if it’s uneven; it will bake into delicious pockets.

Step 10: Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-18 minutes until the cookie dough on top is golden and cooked through. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 11: Melt Chocolate Topping

Melt 12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate with 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.

Step 12: Drizzle Chocolate and Chill

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set the chocolate and make slicing easier.

Step 13: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy the fabulous layers and textures of your Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars.

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before the final chocolate drizzle for extra contrast.
• Mix in chopped dried cranberries or cherries with the peanuts for a festive tartness.
• Use pumpkin spice in the cookie dough for an autumnal twist.
• Swap out pretzels for salted roasted almonds or cashews for a nutty crunch variation.

What I Learned Testing

These bars are all about balance. Too much caramel can make them overly sticky, so melting with just the right amount of cream is key. Also, pressing the pretzels lightly into the caramel ensures they don’t fall off after baking. Using room temperature eggs and butter really helps with the cookie texture, making it tender but sturdy enough to hold the layers. Lastly, chilling before slicing is a game changer—otherwise, the bars can crumble.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep the chocolate from melting unevenly.

Quick Q&A

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of whole peanuts?

You can, but whole roasted peanuts add the perfect texture contrast. Crunchy peanut butter might make the bars too soft or greasy in the caramel layer.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup equally. Just watch the baking time, as gluten-free doughs sometimes bake faster.

Can I skip the pretzels if I don’t have any?

Pretzels add a unique salty crunch, but if you don’t have them, try roasted salted nuts or even crushed potato chips for that salty surprise.

How do I make homemade caramel for this recipe?

For homemade caramel, gently melt 1 cup sugar until amber, add 6 tablespoons butter, then stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream until smooth. Let it cool slightly before using. This adds a rich, buttery depth to your bars.

Next Up in Your Queue

• For another crowd-pleasing cookie with a fun twist, try these Soft Monster Cookies.
• If you’re craving no-bake sweets, the Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are a quick and delicious option.
• Looking for a decadent bite-sized treat? The Fig Jam Chocolate Truffle Squares offer an elegant flavor profile.

The Last Word

Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars are a celebration of texture and flavor that delivers every time. They’re a perfect blend of salty and sweet, crunchy and chewy, simple and indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars will quickly become a recipe you return to again and again. Ready to get baking? Your new favorite treat awaits.

Enjoy every bite!

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