Pretzel scotcheroos are a delicious sweet and salty dessert bar made with crunchy pretzels, crisp cereal, creamy peanut butter sauce, and a smooth chocolate-butterscotch topping.
If you love classic scotcheroos, this pretzel scotcheroos recipe is a fun variation with extra crunch and just the right amount of saltiness. The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, butterscotch, cereal, and pretzels makes these bars rich, chewy, crisp, and incredibly satisfying. They are easy to make, easy to slice, and perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you want a simple homemade treat.
Traditional scotcheroos are already a favorite because they come together quickly and do not require baking. This version keeps the same peanut butter and chocolate-butterscotch flavors but adds chopped pretzels to the cereal base. The pretzels give each bite a salty crunch that balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Pretzel Scotcheroos
Pretzels are a natural fit for scotcheroos because they add texture and a salty flavor that works so well with peanut butter and chocolate. This recipe uses a base of Rice Krispies cereal and chopped pretzels, then coats everything in a warm peanut butter sauce made with corn syrup and sugar. Once the mixture is pressed into a pan, it is finished with melted milk chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
The topping is what gives scotcheroos their signature flavor. Butterscotch chips add a warm, caramel-like sweetness, while chocolate chips make the top smooth and rich. A final sprinkle of chopped pretzels adds extra crunch and makes the bars look finished. You can also add a few whole pretzels on top before the chocolate sets if you want a more decorative finish.
Pretzel Scotcheroo Ingredients
- Pretzels: Chopped mini pretzel twists work well, but pretzel sticks can also be used. You will need some for the base and some for the topping.
- Rice Krispies cereal: This gives the bars a light, crisp texture. Other cereals such as Chex, Special K, or Corn Flakes can also work.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter creates a smooth sauce, but chunky peanut butter can be used if you like more texture.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps bring the peanut butter sauce together.
- Corn syrup: Light corn syrup helps bind the cereal and pretzel mixture and keeps the bars chewy.
- Chocolate chips and butterscotch chips: These are melted together and spread over the top for the classic scotcheroo flavor. You can use the full amount for a thick topping or slightly less for a thinner layer.
How To Make Pretzel Scotcheroos
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift the bars from the pan once the topping has set.
Place the chopped pretzels and Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl. Use a bowl with enough room for stirring so the peanut butter sauce can coat everything evenly.
In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, peanut butter, and sugar. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until it is smooth, melted, and easy to pour. The mixture does not need to boil. Heating it just until smooth helps keep the bars chewy instead of hard.
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the pretzels and cereal. Stir until the cereal and pretzel pieces are evenly coated, then press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Pack it down gently so the bars hold together, but do not crush the cereal too much.
Melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together using a double boiler or a microwave. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between each one, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Avoid overheating the chocolate, because it can become thick or grainy.
Pour the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture over the cereal base. Spread it evenly to the edges, then sprinkle the reserved chopped pretzels over the top. Add whole pretzels if desired before the topping sets.
Let the chocolate topping harden completely before slicing. You can place the pan in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once set, cut the pretzel scotcheroos into 32 bars.
Store the bars in an airtight container for up to five days. They can also be frozen for up to two months. For the best texture, allow frozen bars to thaw before serving.
Pretzel Scotcheroos Recipe
Pretzel Scotcheroos Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups pretzels chopped, divided
- 11 oz. pkg. milk chocolate chips
- 11 oz. pkg. butterscotch chips
Instructions
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Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
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Place the pretzels in a gallon-sized plastic bag and crush them into small pieces with a rolling pin. Measure 3 cups of chopped pretzels into a large mixing bowl, then set aside 1 cup for the topping.
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Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the bowl with the chopped pretzels.
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In a saucepan, heat the corn syrup, peanut butter, and sugar over medium heat until smooth and the sugar is dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from heat.
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Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
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Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down gently.
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Melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in a double boiler or microwave. If microwaving, heat in short intervals and stir often until smooth.
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Spread the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture over the bars. Sprinkle with the reserved chopped pretzels. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes, then cut into bars.