Name: Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4-2 cups almond flour (see note for alternative); 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or chunks; 1 cup mini salted pretzels, broken (use gluten-free if needed); 1/3 cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional); Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (if desired)

If you’re a fan of sweet-salty desserts with a hint of nutritious flair, you’re about to fall in love with these Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies. Every bite features the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, rich dark chocolate, and the irresistible crunch of salty mini pretzels, all wrapped in a cozy, nutty oat-filled dough. They come together in half an hour, using ingredients that transform into a treat that feels both nostalgic and elevated. Whatever the occasion, these cookies are bound to steal the show!

Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the countless reasons I adore these cookies is how beautifully the ingredients play together—each brings something special to the table, from flavor and texture to a wholesome twist. There are no fussy surprises here, just kitchen staples working in harmony to make every bite memorable.

Salted butter: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty undertone that makes the cookie base absolutely crave-worthy.
Maple syrup: For gentle natural sweetness and subtle caramel depth that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
Peanut butter: The classic, creamy hero, lending unmistakable flavor and extra moisture.
Large egg: Provides structure and just the right chewy texture in your cookies.
Vanilla extract: Boosts all the other flavors and adds warmth to the dough.
Almond flour: Delivers nuttiness, moisture, and a delightful tender crumb—plus it’s naturally gluten-free.
Old fashioned oats: Brings in wholesome texture, making the cookies hearty and just a tad rustic.
Baking soda: Gives your cookies a soft lift for perfect thickness.
Kosher salt: A pinch makes all the sweet and nutty notes pop, especially next to those salty pretzels.
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips/chunks: Go as bold as you like—they melt into gooey puddles of chocolatey goodness.
Mini salted pretzels: The main attraction for crunch and a hit of salt in every bite; gluten-free works beautifully, too.
Salted peanuts (optional): Chopped peanuts add extra crunch and a nutty boost—it’s up to you!
Flaky sea salt (optional): A gentle finishing sprinkle brings out the flavors in the loveliest way.

How to Make Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Before you do anything, get your oven preheating to 350° F; this ensures your cookies bake up perfectly from the start. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and flawless cookie removal.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Place your butter in a skillet over medium heat and let it melt, swirling the pan gently. In about 3-4 minutes, the butter will foam and develop golden-brown specks with a toasty aroma—that’s when it’s ready. Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes to avoid scrambling your egg later.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Into the slightly cooled brown butter, stir in the maple syrup and peanut butter. Once combined and silky-smooth, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a luscious, cohesive mixture with no streaks.

Step 4: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

Now, sprinkle in your almond flour (start with 1 3/4 cups—you may need more if the dough feels sticky), oats, baking soda, and kosher salt. Fold everything together until mostly mixed, then gently add your chocolate chips, about two-thirds of the pretzel pieces, and peanuts if using. Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes; this helps it firm up for easy shaping. If it still feels too soft, stir in that extra 1/4 cup almond flour.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Press a few of the reserved pretzel pieces onto each dough ball and flatten gently with your fingertips. Slide into the oven and bake for 9 minutes, then rotate your pan for even baking. Continue baking for another 2 minutes or until the edges are just set and golden (almond flour will brown more than regular flour, so don’t worry).

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the sheet for best results—they’ll continue to set up, giving you soft centers with chewy edges. Sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt if you like, then let them cool completely before storing (if you can wait that long!).

How to Serve Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt is magical here; the crystals accentuate both the chocolate and the pretzel’s salt for a bakery-style upgrade. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies or dust with a little extra chopped peanut for added flair and texture.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk, of course, but don’t stop there—try serving them with a warm mug of chai or rich hot chocolate. If you’re feeling festive, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies high on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy look, or bundle them in parchment with kitchen twine for charming edible gifts. For parties, display them with a DIY toppings bar where friends can dip cookies in chocolate or roll the edges in more crushed pretzels and nuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Slide a sheet of parchment between cookie layers to prevent them from sticking together and to preserve their lovely textures.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep happily for up to three months—just let them thaw at room temp when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or reheat in a 300° F oven for 2–3 minutes. This brings back the gooey chocolate and the perfect tender bite!

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! You can swap in almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Each brings its own unique flavor, but the texture of the Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies will remain deliciously chewy.

What’s the best way to get perfectly browned butter?

Keep your eye on the butter as it melts and bubbles in the skillet. You’re looking for a deep golden color and a nutty aroma; swirling the pan often prevents burning. Transfer it to a bowl as soon as the color turns to avoid over-browning.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Definitely! This recipe is very gluten-free friendly, thanks to the almond flour and oats. Use certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free pretzels to ensure your Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies are safe for everyone.

Is it necessary to let the dough rest before baking?

Letting the dough sit for 10–15 minutes allows the oats to absorb some moisture, making the dough easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape. It’s a small step but makes a big difference in texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! Prepare the dough, scoop into balls, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Let the dough balls warm up slightly at room temperature before baking for the chewiest, most flavorful Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your cookie routine in truly delicious fashion, you have to give these Wholesome Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies a try. They offer everything we crave in a treat—crunch, gooeyness, a sweet-salty punch, and a wholesome twist that’s impossible to resist. Happy baking!