Description
Chubby Hubby Clusters are sweet and salty snack bites featuring crunchy pretzels coated in a creamy peanut butter mixture, topped with smooth melted chocolate and optional chopped peanuts for extra crunch. Easy to prepare, no baking required, these clusters make a perfect treat for parties, gifting, or everyday 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
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare Pretzels: Break the mini pretzels into smaller pieces by hand or with a rolling pin. Place the broken pretzels in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Melt Peanut Butter and Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the peanut butter and unsalted butter together, stirring constantly until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat.
- Mix in Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Stir the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the melted peanut butter mixture until completely incorporated, forming a sticky coating.
- Coat Pretzels: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the pretzels and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly. The mixture will be sticky but ensure thorough coverage.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt chocolate using a double boiler on the stove.
- Form Clusters: Spoon the peanut butter-coated pretzel mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in spoonfuls to create clusters. Drizzle or spoon melted chocolate over each cluster to cover the tops. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped salted peanuts on top of each cluster.
- Set Clusters: Let the clusters cool and set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to speed up hardening.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate has hardened, the clusters are ready to serve. Enjoy as a snack, party treat, or gift.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for smooth coating; natural peanut butter may alter texture.
- To make clusters firmer, chill in the refrigerator until set.
- Milk chocolate chips can be substituted with semi-sweet or dark chocolate based on preference.
- Chopped salted peanuts are optional but add great texture and flavor contrast.
- Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to one week.
