Imagine a dessert that takes the best of all worlds: the chewy indulgence of chocolate chip cookies, the satisfying crunch of pretzels, the sweet richness of caramel, and the nutty flavor of peanuts, all layered together to create an unforgettable treat. That’s exactly what you get with these Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat to indulge in after a long day.

These bars combine textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. If you’re ready to take your cookie game to the next level, follow along as we dive into this delicious recipe!

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets these Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars apart from your average dessert bar? It’s all in the layers! The combination of a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie base, a gooey caramel center, crunchy pretzel topping, and a rich chocolate coating makes each bite a delightful experience. The saltiness of the pretzels perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel, creating a harmonious flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they’re just so fun to make and share!

Ingredient Breakdown

To create these heavenly bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature – For that deliciously rich flavor and chewy texture.
2/3 cup light brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bars perfectly.
2 large eggs, at room temperature – Helps bind the ingredients together.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of your cookie layer.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Provides the necessary rise.
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – For that melty chocolate goodness.
2 (10 ounce) bags caramels, unwrapped, or homemade caramel – The star of the show, providing rich, gooey sweetness.
1/4 cup heavy cream – Helps to melt the caramels into a silky sauce.
3/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped – Adds a crunchy, nutty element.
12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped – For the luscious chocolate coating.
1 tablespoon coconut oil – Ensures a smooth melt for the chocolate.
20-24 pretzel twists – Delivers that satisfying crunch and salty flavor.

Tools of the Trade

To make your baking experience seamless, you’ll need the following tools:

Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
Electric mixer – Eases the process of creaming the butter and sugars.
Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking!
Baking dish (9×13 inch) – Perfect size for this recipe.
Parchment paper – For easy removal of the bars.
Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl – For melting the chocolate and caramel.
Spatula – To scrape down the sides and mix in all the goodness.

Build Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars. Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Spread the Cookie Base

Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Layer

In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Heat gently until melted and smooth, stirring frequently. Once melted, pour the caramel over the cooled cookie base, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add Peanuts and Pretzels

Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the caramel layer, followed by the pretzel twists. Gently press them into the caramel to ensure they stick.

Step 7: Melt the Chocolate Topping

In a clean bowl, melt the chopped chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth. You can do this in a double boiler or microwave in short intervals. Stir until fully melted and combined.

Step 8: Drizzle the Chocolate

Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzel layer, spreading it gently to cover everything. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature until the chocolate sets.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Once the chocolate has set, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper edges. Slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars!

Better Choices & Swaps

If you’re looking to make some substitutions or healthier choices, consider these options:

Butter – Swap for coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Light brown sugar – Can be replaced with coconut sugar for a less processed option.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor and less sugar.
Caramels – Try using homemade date caramel for a healthier sweetener.

What I Learned Testing

The balance of salty and sweet is key! Don’t skip the pretzels; they elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Be patient when melting chocolate. Slow and steady prevents burning and results in a smooth finish.
Letting the bars cool completely before slicing makes for cleaner, more precise cuts.
These bars can be stored for several days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh for that ultimate gooey texture.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

To keep your Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars fresh:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate, where they can last up to a week.
Freezing is also an option! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

The Takeaway

These Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars are not just a treat; they are an experience. The layers of flavor and texture create a symphony that is sure to please anyone who takes a bite. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, these bars are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress with this scrumptious dessert that you’ll want to make again and again.

Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars.

These Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars are a delightful treat! Layers of chewy cookies, gooey caramel, and crunchy pretzels create an unforgettable dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

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

For the Caramel Layer:

2 10 ounce bags caramels unwrapped, or homemade caramel
1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Toppings:

3/4 cup roasted peanuts roughly chopped
12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate chopped
1 tablespoon coconut oil
20-24 pretzel twists

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking dish (9x13 inch)
Parchment paper
Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Spatula

Method

Build Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars. Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Heat gently until melted and smooth, stirring frequently. Pour the caramel over the cooled cookie base, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the caramel layer, followed by the pretzel twists. Gently press them into the caramel to ensure they stick.
Step 7: In a clean bowl, melt the chopped chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth. Stir until fully melted and combined.
Step 8: Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzel layer, spreading it gently to cover everything. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature until the chocolate sets.
Step 9: Once the chocolate has set, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper edges. Slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your Salted Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Snickers Bars!