Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Recipes: A Delicious Comeback!
Costco’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets are back, and that means it’s time to celebrate! These salty-sweet snacks are incredibly addictive on their own, but did you know they can be incorporated into a variety of amazing recipes? From easy desserts to surprisingly savory treats, the possibilities are endless. This blog post is dedicated to exploring some creative and delicious ways to use these beloved pretzel nuggets. Get ready to take your snacking game to the next level!
Why We Love Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly recap why these pretzel nuggets are so popular:
* **Perfectly Balanced Flavor:** The combination of salty pretzels and sweet, creamy peanut butter is a match made in heaven.
* **Addictive Texture:** The crunchy pretzel exterior and smooth peanut butter filling provide a satisfying textural contrast.
* **Convenient Size:** The nugget shape makes them perfect for snacking on the go or adding to recipes.
* **Costco’s Value:** You get a huge container for a reasonable price, making them a great deal.
Now, let’s get cooking! We’ve compiled a list of exciting recipes that showcase the versatility of Costco’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets.
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Bark
This recipe is incredibly easy and requires minimal ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick dessert or a homemade gift.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound chocolate (milk, dark, or white – your choice!)
* 1 cup Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets, roughly chopped
* Optional: Sprinkles, sea salt, other candy pieces
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the Chocolate:** In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
2. **Spread the Chocolate:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
3. **Add the Pretzel Nuggets:** While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the chopped Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets evenly over the top. Gently press them into the chocolate to ensure they adhere.
4. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, sprinkle with sprinkles, sea salt, or other candy pieces.
5. **Chill:** Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
6. **Break and Serve:** Once the chocolate is firm, break it into pieces and serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use Different Chocolates:** Experiment with different types of chocolate to find your favorite combination. White chocolate with dark chocolate drizzle can be particularly visually appealing.
* **Add Nuts:** Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can add extra crunch and flavor.
* **Drizzle with Peanut Butter:** Melt a small amount of peanut butter and drizzle it over the bark for an extra peanut butter boost.
* **Festive Bark:** Use holiday-themed sprinkles to make this bark perfect for special occasions.
Recipe 2: Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Blondies
These blondies are chewy, gooey, and packed with peanut butter pretzel flavor. They’re a delicious twist on the classic blondie recipe.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets, roughly chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
3. **Add Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Fold in Pretzel Nuggets:** Gently fold in the chopped Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets.
5. **Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The edges should be golden brown.
6. **Cool and Cut:** Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Peanut Butter Swirl:** Before baking, swirl a spoonful of peanut butter over the top of the batter for a richer peanut butter flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the blondies after baking for added sweetness.
* **Different Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as almond extract or maple extract, to add unique flavor notes.
Recipe 3: Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Trail Mix
This is a simple and customizable recipe that’s perfect for snacking on the go. Adjust the ingredients to your liking.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets
* 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.)
* 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
* 1/2 cup chocolate candies (M&Ms, chocolate chips, etc.)
* Optional: Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc.), shredded coconut
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
2. **Mix Well:** Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. **Store:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Healthier Version:** Use unsalted nuts and dried fruit with no added sugar.
* **Custom Candy:** Use your favorite chocolate candies, such as peanut butter cups or Reese’s Pieces.
* **Popcorn Addition:** Add air-popped popcorn for extra volume.
Recipe 4: Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Rice Krispie Treats
Take your classic Rice Krispie treats to the next level with the addition of Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets. The salty-sweet combination is irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 tablespoons butter
* 1 (10 ounce) package marshmallows
* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
* 1 cup Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets, roughly chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt Butter:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. **Add Marshmallows:** Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
3. **Remove from Heat:** Remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. **Add Cereal and Pretzels:** Add the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets. Stir until well coated.
5. **Press into Pan:** Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
6. **Cool and Cut:** Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Brown Butter:** Brown the butter before adding the marshmallows for a nutty, caramelized flavor.
* **Peanut Butter Swirl:** Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter with the marshmallows for extra peanut butter flavor.
* **Chocolate Drizzle:** Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the treats after they have cooled.
* **Different Cereals:** Experiment with different cereals, such as Cocoa Krispies or Frosted Flakes.
Recipe 5: Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Granola
Upgrade your granola with the delightful addition of Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or topping yogurt.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups rolled oats
* 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.), chopped
* 1/2 cup seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax, etc.)
* 1/4 cup coconut flakes
* 1/4 cup maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1 cup Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets, roughly chopped (add after baking)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix well to coat.
5. **Spread on Baking Sheet:** Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring halfway through.
7. **Cool and Add Pretzels:** Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, stir in the chopped Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets.
8. **Store:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Dried Fruit Addition:** Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots after baking.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Stir in chocolate chips after baking for a sweeter treat.
* **Nut Butter Addition:** Add a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter to the wet ingredients for extra flavor.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
Recipe 6: Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Chocolate Chip Cookies
A fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, adding the salty-sweet crunch of peanut butter pretzel nuggets.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips
* 1 cup Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets, roughly chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Beat in Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips and Pretzels:** Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets.
7. **Drop by Spoonfuls:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. **Cool:** Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chill the Dough:** Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
* **Sea Salt Sprinkle:** Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty-sweet contrast.
* **Different Chocolate Chips:** Use different types of chocolate chips (milk, dark, white) or chunks.
* **Add Oats:** Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats for a chewier texture.
Recipe 7: Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Popcorn Balls
A playful and delicious treat combining the fun of popcorn balls with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter pretzel nuggets.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 cups popped popcorn
* 1 cup Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets, roughly chopped
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup light corn syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Popcorn and Pretzels:** Pop the popcorn and roughly chop the peanut butter pretzel nuggets. Combine them in a large bowl.
2. **Make Syrup:** In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. **Boil Syrup:** Continue to boil, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the hard-ball stage (250-265°F on a candy thermometer). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test by dropping a small amount of the syrup into a glass of cold water. If it forms a hard, brittle ball, it’s ready.
4. **Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Pour Over Popcorn and Pretzels:** Immediately pour the syrup over the popcorn and pretzel mixture. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
6. **Form Balls:** Let the mixture cool slightly until you can handle it comfortably. Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray and form the mixture into balls. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to harden.
7. **Cool Completely:** Place the popcorn balls on a wax paper-lined surface to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Food Coloring:** Add a few drops of food coloring to the syrup for festive popcorn balls.
* **Sprinkles:** Roll the popcorn balls in sprinkles while they are still slightly sticky.
* **Mini Marshmallows:** Stir in mini marshmallows with the popcorn and pretzels.
* **Peanut Butter Drizzle:** Drizzle melted peanut butter over the popcorn balls after they have cooled.
Recipe 8: Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Ice Cream Topping
Elevate your ice cream sundae with a crunchy, salty-sweet topping made from peanut butter pretzel nuggets.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets, coarsely crushed
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a bowl, combine the crushed pretzel nuggets, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
3. **Spread on Baking Sheet:** Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly toasted and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
5. **Cool and Crumble:** Let the mixture cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, crumble it into smaller pieces.
6. **Store:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Different Sugars:** Use different types of sugar, such as coconut sugar or maple sugar, for a different flavor profile.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Add Nuts:** Stir in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, before baking.
* **Chocolate Chunks:** Mix in mini chocolate chunks after baking.
Recipe 9: Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
A classic snack mix with a peanut butter pretzel twist! Perfect for parties and gatherings.
**Ingredients:**
* 9 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or wheat)
* 1 cup Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets, roughly chopped
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Cereal and Pretzels:** In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal and chopped Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets.
2. **Melt Peanut Butter, Butter, and Chocolate Chips:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
3. **Stir in Vanilla:** Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Pour Over Cereal Mixture:** Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and pretzel mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. **Coat with Powdered Sugar:** Place the powdered sugar in a large resealable bag. Add the cereal mixture in batches and shake until completely coated.
6. **Spread Out to Cool:** Spread the mixture out on wax paper to cool completely.
7. **Store:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Different Chocolate Chips:** Use different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.
* **Peanut Butter Chips:** Add peanut butter chips for an extra peanut butter flavor.
* **Sprinkles:** Add sprinkles to the powdered sugar for a festive touch.
* **Salted Caramel Version:** Use salted caramel chips instead of chocolate chips.
Recipe 10: Peanut Butter Pretzel Nugget Stuffed Dates
A simple and elegant appetizer or snack. The sweet dates pair perfectly with the salty-sweet pretzel nuggets.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 Medjool dates, pitted
* 1/2 cup Costco Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets, finely crushed
* Optional: Cream cheese, goat cheese, or mascarpone cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Dates:** Gently open each pitted date slightly.
2. **Fill with Cheese (Optional):** If desired, fill each date with a small amount of cream cheese, goat cheese, or mascarpone cheese.
3. **Coat with Pretzel Nuggets:** Dip the filled dates (or unfilled dates) into the finely crushed Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets, pressing gently to adhere.
4. **Serve:** Arrange the stuffed dates on a serving platter and serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Bacon Wrapped:** Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the bacon is crispy.
* **Nut Butter Filling:** Fill the dates with your favorite nut butter instead of cheese.
* **Chocolate Drizzle:** Drizzle melted chocolate over the stuffed dates.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the crushed pretzel nuggets.
Conclusion
Costco’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets are more than just a snack; they’re a culinary ingredient waiting to be explored. With these recipes, you can transform them into delicious desserts, snacks, and even appetizers. So grab a container (or two) of these addictive treats and get creative in the kitchen! Let us know in the comments which recipe is your favorite, or if you have any other creative ways to use these pretzel nuggets.