Chocolate Covered Pretzel Brownies

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Brownies are the ultimate salty-sweet treat that combines fudgy brownies with chocolate-covered pretzels. These brownies are easy to make and are perfect for any occasion. With a fudgy base, chocolate-covered pretzels mixed in, and a decadent melted chocolate topping, these brownies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

  • ½ cup butter

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup Dutch process cocoa powder

  • 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

  • 2 eggs + 1 egg yolk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ⅓ cup bittersweet chocolate baking chips

  • ½ cup pretzels, roughly chopped (or chocolate-covered pretzels for extra flavor)

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup pretzels

  • 4 oz chocolate, melted

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8″x8″ pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.

  2. Prepare the Brownie Base:
    In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in sugar and microwave for another 90 seconds until the sugar and butter bubble slightly.
    Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate, stirring until it melts completely. If the chocolate doesn’t fully melt, microwave for 15 more seconds.

  3. Mix the Batter:
    Whisk in eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour and cocoa powder until combined.
    Gently fold in the chopped pretzels and chocolate chips.

  4. Bake the Brownies:
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely.

  5. Add the Topping:
    Once cooled, arrange a layer of pretzels on top. Pour melted chocolate over the pretzels, making sure to coat them well.
    Place the brownies in the freezer for about 10 minutes to set the chocolate.

  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    Slice the brownies into 16 pieces using a serrated knife. Serve and enjoy the perfect balance of salty and sweet!

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 210

  • Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Protein: 2g

  • Fat: 12g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

  • Cholesterol: 50mg

  • Sodium: 180mg

  • Potassium: 90mg

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 15g

A Sweet and Salty Combination

The charm of Chocolate Covered Pretzel Brownies lies in the harmonious balance between the sweetness of the brownies and the saltiness of the pretzels. The brownie base itself is rich and decadent, with a fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of chocolate-covered pretzels inside the batter not only gives each bite a bit of crunch but also enhances the overall flavor profile with a savory twist. The salty pretzels pair beautifully with the sweetness of the brownies, making them the perfect complement to the rich, dark chocolate. Finally, the topping of additional pretzels coated in melted chocolate adds another layer of texture and flavor, ensuring every bite is a delightful combination of crunchy, salty, and sweet.

Decadent and Fudgy Brownie Base

The foundation of these brownies is a rich, fudgy batter that’s made even more indulgent with the inclusion of chopped bittersweet chocolate. The melted chocolate in the batter creates a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar and the slight bitterness of the cocoa powder. This combination results in a decadent, fudgy texture that’s the hallmark of a great brownie. The addition of two eggs and an egg yolk ensures that the brownies have a dense, moist texture, making them satisfyingly chewy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The salt in the batter also enhances the chocolate’s flavor, giving the brownies an extra depth that makes each bite even more indulgent.

The Role of Pretzels in the Recipe

Pretzels play a crucial role in this dessert, adding a delightful contrast to the rich and fudgy brownie base. The chopped pretzels inside the batter provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the chocolate and the chewiness of the brownie. The salty flavor of the pretzels perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a salty-sweet combination that keeps you coming back for more. Additionally, the pretzels help break up the density of the brownie base, giving it a unique texture and providing a fun surprise in every bite. For an extra layer of flavor, using chocolate-covered pretzels inside the batter enhances the chocolate flavor while adding a touch of sweetness to complement the saltiness of the pretzels.

The Decadent Chocolate Topping

The topping of these brownies is what makes them truly special. After the brownies have cooled, they’re topped with a layer of pretzels that are covered in melted chocolate. The melted chocolate hardens slightly when chilled, creating a glossy, indulgent finish that elevates the entire dessert. This topping not only adds a layer of sweetness and richness but also brings a bit more crunch to the brownies. The pretzels on top remain crispy, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft, fudgy brownie base. This layer of chocolate also serves to bring the flavors together, tying in the salty pretzels with the sweet, gooey brownie base in a way that is both visually stunning and delicious.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Brownies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just a weeknight treat, these brownies fit the bill. Their combination of flavors makes them a great choice for gatherings, as they appeal to a wide range of tastes—combining the best of chocolate, pretzels, and brownies in one easy-to-make dessert. These brownies are also a great option for bake sales, potlucks, or parties, as they’re easy to cut into small pieces and serve to a crowd. Their irresistible salty-sweet flavor and rich, indulgent texture make them a dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

One of the best things about Chocolate Covered Pretzel Brownies is how simple they are to make. The recipe requires just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making it easy to whip up on a whim. The brownie base comes together quickly, and the addition of pretzels inside the batter doesn’t require any extra effort. The most time-consuming part of the recipe is waiting for the brownies to bake and then allowing them to cool before adding the chocolate topping. Despite their simplicity, the resulting brownies are incredibly indulgent, showcasing how a few quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

Customizing the Recipe

While the recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences. If you want to add even more chocolate to the brownies, you can mix in chocolate chips or chunks into the batter for extra pockets of melted chocolate. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, to create a different flavor profile. For those who enjoy a more intense chocolate flavor, swapping out the bittersweet chocolate for dark chocolate will provide a deeper, richer taste. If you’re looking to enhance the saltiness, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate before chilling it, further enhancing the sweet-salty flavor contrast.

A Versatile Dessert for All Ages

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Brownies are not only delicious but also versatile enough to please people of all ages. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the combination of textures—from the fudgy brownie base to the crunchy pretzel topping. The recipe can also be easily adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. For a gluten-free version, you could swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the treat. The richness of the brownies makes them perfect for pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, adding another layer of indulgence for special occasions.

A Dessert That Stands Out

What sets Chocolate Covered Pretzel Brownies apart from other brownie recipes is the unique combination of flavors and textures. The addition of pretzels not only adds a surprising crunch but also provides an unexpected salty contrast to the rich sweetness of the brownies. This makes them stand out from traditional brownies, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The crispy pretzels, combined with the smooth chocolate topping, elevate the brownies into something truly special, offering a dessert that’s sure to be remembered.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Brownies are the perfect dessert for anyone who craves the perfect balance of salty and sweet. The fudgy brownie base, combined with the crunchy pretzels inside and the decadent chocolate topping, creates a flavor experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just indulging in a treat for yourself, these brownies are guaranteed to impress. Their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable nature make them a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice for any dessert table. With their rich flavor and satisfying texture, Chocolate Covered Pretzel Brownies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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