Game Day Touchdown! Easy Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies Recipe

Get ready to score big with the ultimate game day treat: Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies! These irresistible no-bake delights are crafted by stuffing crunchy pretzels with creamy peanut butter cups and then dipping them in rich chocolate. It’s an effortlessly easy and incredibly delicious recipe that’s perfect for any football party, tailgating event, or simply enjoying during a casual game day at home. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this simple dessert ensures you’ll have more time to cheer on your favorite team.

Every memorable game day or football-themed gathering demands outstanding food, and these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The harmonious blend of salty pretzels and sweet, gooey peanut butter cups, all enrobed in a decadent chocolate coating, creates a flavor experience that guests of all ages will adore. This recipe not only offers a fantastic balance of textures and tastes but also serves as a wonderfully festive addition to your dessert spread, pairing beautifully with the Best Football Cake Ideas or other themed snacks. For those who love the classic sweet and salty combo, I’ve also been making popular Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods for years, proving this flavor profile is always a winner!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Game Day Dessert

This recipe is an absolute favorite for countless reasons, making it a go-to for anyone looking to create an impressive yet simple game day treat. Firstly, its incredible ease of preparation means you don’t need to be a baking expert to achieve perfect results. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a fantastic project for kids to help with, too! Secondly, the festive football design instantly elevates your party décor, adding a playful and thematic touch that guests will adore. The magic truly lies in the delightful flavor profile: the irresistible crunch and savory notes of pretzels perfectly complement the smooth, sweet peanut butter cups, all brought together by a generous coating of rich chocolate. This harmonious blend of salty and sweet is simply divine, leaving everyone craving more. It’s a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also looks the part for any football celebration, making it a true touchdown in your recipe playbook.

Simple Ingredients for Sweet & Salty Perfection

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its short and accessible ingredient list. You likely have most of these items in your pantry already, or they are easily found at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious treats:

• Pretzels: You have a couple of great options here! Pretzel snaps, with their flat, square shape, are ideal for creating a stable “sandwich” for the peanut butter cup. Mini pretzels also work wonderfully, providing that signature salty crunch. Choose your favorite, but ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: These are truly the star of the show, providing that iconic creamy peanut butter and chocolate flavor. Make sure to buy the “mini” size, as they fit perfectly between the pretzels. Unwrapping them beforehand will save you time during assembly.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: This forms the delicious outer shell of your pretzel cookies. Semi-sweet chocolate offers a balanced sweetness that complements the peanut butter. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like rich milk chocolate for a sweeter profile or even white chocolate for a different visual and taste experience. Quality chocolate makes a difference!
• Coconut Oil (optional, but recommended): A small amount of coconut oil helps thin out the melted chocolate, making it smoother and easier to dip your pretzels. It also contributes to a glossy finish and helps the chocolate set nicely.
• White Decorating Icing: This is essential for creating the distinctive football laces on top of your chocolate-covered pretzels. You can find pre-made tubes of white decorating icing with a fine tip in the baking aisle, which makes the decorating process super simple and mess-free.

The complete ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Creative Variations & Customization Ideas

While the classic Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies are absolutely delightful, this recipe is also incredibly versatile! Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them to your taste or for different occasions. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Different Candy Centers: Instead of the mini Reese’s peanut butter cup, try other small candies. Rolos, with their caramel filling, offer a chewy, sweet alternative. Hugs (Hershey’s Kisses with white chocolate swirls) could also add a unique flavor and visual. Even a small piece of a chocolate bar or a mini marshmallow could work for a different texture.
• Alternative Chocolate Coatings: Don’t limit yourself to semi-sweet chocolate chips!
  • Melting Wafers/Candy Melts: Substitute melting chocolate wafers (often called candy melts) for chocolate chips. These are specifically designed for easy melting and a smooth, professional finish, often requiring less or no coconut oil. They come in various colors, perfect for team colors!
  • Milk Chocolate: For a sweeter, creamier taste, opt for milk chocolate chips.
  • White Chocolate: Dipping the entire pretzel cookie in white chocolate provides a stunning contrast and a different flavor. You could even use colored candy melts in your team’s colors!
• Sprinkle of Sea Salt: For an extra boost of that beloved sweet and salty contrast, add a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each chocolate-dipped pretzel treat before the chocolate sets. This simple addition really enhances the flavors.
• Homemade Football Design with White Chocolate: If you don’t have decorating icing or prefer a more chocolatey finish, melt some white chocolate (or white candy melts). Pour the melted white chocolate into a small piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped off) and pipe the football lace design onto the set chocolate-covered pretzels. This method often results in a slightly thicker, more pronounced lace.
• Pretzel Rods for a Different Shape: If you love the idea but want a different presentation, use pretzel rods instead of snaps or minis. Dip entire pretzel rods in the melted chocolate and decorate them with white icing to make “Chocolate Dipped Football Pretzel Rods.” These are great for a longer, more substantial treat.
• Team Colors: Use colored candy melts (yellow, red, blue, etc.) as your base chocolate coating or for the laces to match your favorite team’s colors!

How to Make Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these game day masterpieces is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps to make a batch of delicious and festive football pretzel cookies:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Assemble the Pretzel & Peanut Butter Base. Arrange half of your pretzels (e.g., 24 snaps if making 24 cookies) in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Unwrap your mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and place one on top of each pretzel. Bake these for a very short duration, typically 3 to 4 minutes, just until the chocolate on the peanut butter cups begins to look soft and glossy, or “glisten.” Be careful not to overbake, as the peanut butter cups will melt too much.

Step 3: Create the Pretzel Sandwiches. As soon as you remove the baking sheet from the oven, immediately place the remaining half of the pretzels directly on top of each warm, glistening Reese’s cup. Gently press down to slightly flatten and “smash” the peanut butter cup, sandwiching it between the two pretzel pieces. This creates a secure, sweet and salty core for your cookie. Once assembled, place the entire baking sheet into the fridge for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the peanut butter cups to harden and set completely.

Step 4: Melt the Dipping Chocolate. While your pretzel sandwiches are chilling, prepare your dipping chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The coconut oil helps achieve a silky, easy-to-work-with consistency. Be careful not to overheat to prevent burning.

Step 5: Dip the Pretzel Sandwiches. Once the pretzel sandwiches are firm and the chocolate is melted, it’s time to dip! Carefully immerse each pretzel sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. You can use a fork or a dipping tool to help with this process. Gently tap off any excess chocolate against the side of the bowl to ensure a clean, even coating.

Step 6: Allow to Cool and Set. Place the chocolate-dipped pretzels back onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature or, for faster setting, pop them back into the fridge for about 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is firm to the touch. This step is crucial before adding the football laces.

Step 7: Add the Football Laces and Serve. Once the chocolate coating has fully set, it’s time for the finishing touch! Use your white decorating icing (with a fine tip) to carefully draw the iconic football laces onto each chocolate-covered pretzel. A simple line down the middle with a few perpendicular short lines is all you need. Allow the icing to set for a few minutes, then arrange your festive Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies on a platter and serve! They are now ready to be enjoyed by all your game day guests.

Storage Best Practices for Freshness

To keep your delicious Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies fresh and tasting their best, proper storage is key. Once the chocolate and icing have completely set, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They will remain wonderfully fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you live in a particularly warm or humid environment, or if your kitchen tends to get hot, it’s advisable to refrigerate them. This will prevent the chocolate from melting or becoming sticky, ensuring they maintain their shape and texture. To prevent the cookies from sticking together in the container, you might want to place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between layers.

How to Freeze for Future Game Days

These football pretzel cookies are not only easy to make but also freeze exceptionally well, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy schedules. You can freeze this treat for up to 6 months without compromising on taste or texture. Freezing is an excellent way to prepare for upcoming parties, save time during holiday seasons when you have a multitude of other treats to bake, or simply to have a stash of these delightful snacks ready whenever a craving strikes. To freeze, arrange the fully set and decorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for an hour or two until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, layering with parchment paper if necessary to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes, and they’ll be as good as new!

Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Pretzel Cookies Every Time

Achieving perfectly delicious and beautifully decorated Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies is easy with a few simple tips:

• Choose the Right Pretzels: While mini pretzels work, pretzel snaps are often preferred due to their flat, square shape. This makes them more stable and creates a neater “sandwich” when pressed with the peanut butter cup.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl for Chocolate: Always use a microwave-safe bowl when melting chocolate to prevent any accidents or damage. Glass or ceramic bowls are typically good choices.
• Melt Chocolate in Short Intervals: This is arguably the most important tip for melting chocolate! Microwave your chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring vigorously after each interval. This gradual melting process prevents the chocolate from burning, seizing, or becoming grainy, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish for dipping.
• Act Fast After Baking: The moment the baking sheet comes out of the oven, immediately place the second pretzel on top of the softened peanut butter cup. The residual heat is essential for the peanut butter cup to adhere properly and allow you to gently press and “smash” it into place. If you wait too long, it might not stick.
• Line Your Baking Pans: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is a game-changer for easy removal of the cookies and makes cleanup incredibly quick – simply toss the lining!
• Chill Thoroughly Before Dipping: Ensure your pretzel and peanut butter sandwiches are completely cooled and firm before attempting to dip them in melted chocolate. If they are still warm or soft, they are likely to slide apart or become messy during the dipping process.
• Remove Excess Chocolate: After dipping each pretzel sandwich into the melted chocolate, use a fork to lift it out. Gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to allow any excess chocolate to drip off. This helps create a smooth, even coating and prevents thick puddles of chocolate around the base of the cookie.
• Decorating Icing Application: For neat football laces, make sure your white decorating icing has a fine tip. Practice a few lines on parchment paper first if you’re nervous. Consistency is key for uniform lines.
• Embrace Imperfection: Remember, homemade treats have charm! Don’t stress if every cookie isn’t perfectly identical. The joy is in the making and the delicious result!

More Game Day Football Desserts to Try

If you’re hosting a full-blown football party or simply love a themed treat, we have plenty of other fantastic dessert ideas to complement your pretzel cookies. These recipes are just as easy to make and will round out your game day spread perfectly:

• Football Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries dipped in chocolate and decorated like footballs for a lighter, fruity option.
• Easy Football Rice Krispie Treats: A classic no-bake treat shaped and decorated to look like mini footballs – always a hit with kids and adults.
• Chocolate Football Cookies: Rich chocolate cookies cut into football shapes, offering a chewy, fudgy delight.
• Football Cupcakes: Moist cupcakes topped with green frosting and football decorations, perfect for individual servings.
• Football Oreo Balls: Creamy, no-bake Oreo truffle balls coated in chocolate and decorated for a bite-sized indulgence.
• Football Sugar Cookies: Classic sugar cookies cut into football shapes and decorated with royal icing, offering a customizable and artistic dessert.

With these easy and festive recipes, your game day celebration will be a culinary triumph! Everyone will undoubtedly enjoy these delicious Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies, offering the perfect combination of sweet and salty crunch. Make a batch today for an unforgettable snack or dessert that’s sure to be a fan favorite. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment and a star recipe rating once you try them!

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Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies

4.67 from 3 votes

Pretzels stuffed with peanut butter cups and dipped in chocolate make the best Football Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies. This no bake dessert recipe is an easy treat for game day.

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings 8

Cuisine American

Course Dessert

Calories 464

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• ▢ 48 Pretzels snaps or mini
• ▢ 24 Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• ▢ 8 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
• ▢ White Decorating Icing

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place ½ of the pretzels on a baking sheet.
• Unwrap the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and place them on top of each pretzel.
• Bake for 3-4 minutes until the peanut butter cups start to glisten.
• Remove from the oven and immediately add another pretzel on top. Press down gently to smash the Reese’s peanut butter cups.
• Place in the fridge and allow to harden for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the coconut oil in a small bowl by microwaving them in 30 second intervals until the chips are completely melted.
• Dip the pretzel sandwiches into the melted chocolate chips.
• Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment pepper and allow to cool completely before serving. 
• Use the white decorating icing to add the laces to each treat.  Allow the icing to set and then they are ready to enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week.  If you live in a more humid or warm area, refrigerate them to prevent them from melting.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 464kcal, Carbohydrates 48g, Protein 8g, Fat 28g, Saturated Fat 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat 3g, Monounsaturated Fat 10g, Trans Fat 0.02g, Cholesterol 5mg, Sodium 259mg, Potassium 349mg, Fiber 4g, Sugar 35g, Vitamin A 43IU, Vitamin C 0.3mg, Calcium 59mg, Iron 3mg

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