Start by lining your 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they’re set.
In a medium mixing bowl, crush the pretzel sticks into smaller pieces. You want them to be broken but not turned into dust. A few larger pieces add nice texture!
In the same bowl, add the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar to the crushed pretzels. Stir until the mixture is well combined and holds together.
Pour the pretzel mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down evenly into the bottom of the dish. Make sure it’s compact so the bars hold together nicely.
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt half of the chopped semisweet chocolate, stirring until smooth. If using a microwave, do so in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning.
Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed pretzel base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This layer of chocolate is what makes these bars so decadent!
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm.
Once the bars are set, remove them from the baking dish using the parchment paper. Slice them into squares or rectangles, and they’re ready to enjoy!