These gingerbread peanut butter pretzel bites are the kind of holiday treat that disappears fast. Sweet, salty, warmly spiced, and finished with a glossy chocolate shell, they pack all the cozy flavors of gingerbread into an easy, no-bake bite. The crunchy pretzel base balances the creamy peanut butter filling, while molasses and classic spices bring that unmistakable gingerbread warmth that feels right at home on a holiday dessert board.
They’re festive without being fussy, come together in minutes, and require zero oven time, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking or edible gifting. Whether topped with sparkly sprinkles or a pinch of flaky sea salt, these bites feel nostalgic and special all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These gingerbread peanut butter pretzel bites hit every note: creamy, crunchy, sweet, salty, and spiced. The filling is smooth and rich with just enough molasses to give it depth without overpowering the peanut butter. They’re naturally portioned, easy to decorate, and sturdy enough to travel well, making them ideal for cookie swaps, parties, and gift tins. Plus, since they’re no-bake, they’re a great option when oven space is limited during the holidays.
How to Make Gingerbread Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
The filling comes together in one bowl by mixing peanut butter with molasses and a blend of classic gingerbread spices. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves add warmth and aroma, transforming the peanut butter into something distinctly seasonal. Once mixed, a small amount gets sandwiched between two pretzels and gently pressed together.
The assembled pretzel bites are then dipped or drizzled with melted chocolate. Adding a touch of coconut oil to the chocolate helps it melt smoothly and set with a glossy finish. While the chocolate is still wet, finish with festive sprinkles for a playful holiday look or flaky sea salt for a more grown-up, sweet-salty contrast.
Tips for the Best Texture
Use small, traditional pretzel twists or squares for the best balance of crunch and filling. If your peanut butter is very thick, stirring it well before mixing helps create a smoother filling. When pressing the pretzels together, aim for just enough pressure to spread the filling to the edges without squeezing it out.
Let the chocolate set fully at room temperature or speed things up with a short chill in the fridge. Once set, the bites hold their shape beautifully and have the perfect snap when bitten into.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Gingerbread peanut butter pretzel bites are excellent for making ahead. Once the chocolate has fully set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for several days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw briefly before serving so the filling softens slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These pretzel bites shine on holiday cookie trays, dessert boards, or packaged up in clear bags tied with ribbon for edible gifts. They pair especially well with coffee, hot cocoa, or a mug of chai. Their small size makes them perfect for grazing, and the gingerbread spice makes them feel unmistakably festive.
If you’re building out a holiday dessert spread, these pair beautifully with truffles, shortbread, or classic chocolate chip cookies for a mix of textures and flavors. Some other great additions to holiday gatherings and cookie boxes alike are my Orange Sugar Cookies with Orange Glaze, Brown Butter Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookies, and 4-Ingredient S’mores Bites (No-Bake Mini S’mores).
Gingerbread Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Microwave Safe Bowl
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 30 small pretzels
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1.5 teaspoons molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger
- 1/3 cup chocolate melted with 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil
- Festive sprinkles or flaked sea salt for decorating
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until smooth and fully combined.
- Spoon a small amount of the gingerbread peanut butter mixture onto one pretzel and top with a second pretzel, gently pressing together until the filling reaches the edges. Repeat with the remaining pretzels.
- Melt the chocolate with the coconut oil until smooth, then dip or drizzle the pretzel bites with the chocolate.
- While the chocolate is still wet, decorate with festive sprinkles or a sprinkle of flaked sea salt. Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving or storing.
