Description
Chubby Hubby Clusters are a delightful sweet and salty treat combining crunchy mini pretzels with a creamy peanut butter coating, topped with smooth milk chocolate and optional salted peanuts for extra crunch. These no-bake clusters come together quickly and make for a perfect party snack or gift-worthy indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 cups mini pretzels (twists or sticks)
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
- 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzels: Break the mini pretzels into smaller pieces by hand or using a rolling pin. Place the broken pretzels into a large mixing bowl and set aside for later use.
- Make the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt together the creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully incorporated into a thick, sticky mixture.
- Combine with Pretzels: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the broken pretzels in the bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the pretzel pieces evenly. Expect the mixture to be sticky, ensuring all pretzels are well covered.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop, stirring until smooth.
- Form the Clusters: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter-coated pretzel mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then spoon a small amount of melted chocolate over each cluster to cover it. If desired, sprinkle chopped salted peanuts on top of each cluster for extra texture and flavor.
- Cool and Set: Allow the clusters to cool and set at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until the chocolate hardens. For faster setting, refrigerate the clusters for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve: Once the chocolate is hardened, the clusters are ready to enjoy. These are perfect for gifting, entertaining at parties, or as a tasty everyday snack.
Notes
- You can use either milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preference for sweetness.
- For a different texture, substitute salted peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews.
- Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free pretzels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
