Name: Irresistible Chubby Hubby Cookies: A Salty-Sweet Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup creamy peanut butter (conventional brands like Jif or Skippy); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt (reduce amount to enhance taste); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips/chunks (or milk chocolate); 2 cups pretzel twists (mini twists or thin sticks)

Pin1

Every now and then, I come across a recipe that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. That’s exactly what these Chubby Hubby Cookies deliver! Inspired by the famous Ben & Jerry’s flavor, each bite is an adventure of chewy peanut butter perfection, combined with the satisfying crunch of pretzels and the irresistible allure of melty chocolate. The salty-sweet balance is not just tempting; it creates a little dance party on your taste buds, making them the ultimate indulgence for any occasion.

Whether you’re reminiscing about your favorite ice cream flavor or looking for a fun way to elevate your cookie game, these gems are just what you need. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, ensuring that even on the busiest of days, you can treat yourself—and your loved ones—to a delightful homemade dessert. So, let’s dive in and explore how to create these heavenly delights right in your own kitchen!

Why are Chubby Hubby Cookies a must-try?

Irresistible Flavor: The lush combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and crunchy pretzels creates a heavenly blend that captivates your taste buds.
Quick Prep Time: These cookies are versatile and ready to enjoy in just under 30 minutes, making them perfect for any occasion.
Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out pretzels for other tasty mix-ins like nuts or flavored chips for a fun twist.
Family-Favorite Appeal: Everyone from kids to adults will adore these cookies, making them an instant crowd-pleaser at parties or gatherings.
Homemade Delight: Why settle for fast food when you can treat yourself to fresh, delectable cookies from the comfort of your kitchen?

Chubby Hubby Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the cookies; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and deep flavor; pack it for best results.
Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness and a slight crispness to the texture.
Creamy Peanut Butter – Gives the cookies structure and a nutty flavor; opt for conventional brands like Jif or Skippy for a perfect outcome.
Large Egg – Binds ingredients and enriches moisture; use at room temperature for optimal blending.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour – The key building block for the perfect cookie structure.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Essential leaveners to achieve the right rise and texture.
Salt – Balances the flavors and complements the salty pretzels; use a reduced amount to enhance taste.

For the Mix-ins

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips/Chunks – Introduces richness and sweetness; feel free to substitute with milk chocolate for a sweeter twist.
Pretzel Twists – Brings a satisfying crunch; mini twists or thin sticks are recommended to keep that perfect texture.

These Chubby Hubby Cookies are an adventure in sweet and salty delights, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor!

How to Make Chubby Hubby Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a warm environment that will help your cookies bake perfectly!
Cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the creamy peanut butter, large egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The dough will become smooth and delicious!
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This step ensures an even distribution of the ingredients for the perfect cookie rise.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do it slowly until just combined to keep a nice texture without overworking the dough!
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and pretzel pieces gently, being careful to maintain their crunchiness. You want every cookie to have that delightful mix!
Scoop generous 2-tablespoon amounts of dough onto a prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scoop for them to spread while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden, but the centers should still look slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma alone will have everyone ready to enjoy!

Optional: Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Chubby Hubby Cookies

Dough Chilling: If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 30 minutes. This prevents excessive spreading, ensuring the cookies stay chewy and thick.
Consistent Size: Make sure to use a generous 2-tablespoon scoop for each cookie. This ensures even baking and optimal texture for your Chubby Hubby Cookies.
Visual Cues: Keep an eye on the edges; they should be golden while the centers remain slightly underbaked. This will give you that perfect chewy texture.
Preserve Crunch: To keep the pretzels crunchy, fold them in gently and enjoy the cookies within 1-2 days of baking for the best texture.
Mix-In Variants: Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips with your favorite flavors or add nuts for a different twist, expanding the deliciousness of your Chubby Hubby Cookies!

Chubby Hubby Cookies Variations

Customize these delightful cookies to tickle your taste buds even more!

Milk Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate chunks for a sweeter cookie experience!
Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate for a rich flavor profile that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for an extra nutty bite and delightful texture.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture and a burst of nutty flavor in every bite.
Different Pretzels: Experiment with a variety of pretzels, like chocolate-covered ones, for a unique sweet-and-salty flavor profile.
Sea Salt Sprinkle: Top the cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking to enhance the salty-sweet contrast!
Maple Flavor: Replace some granulated sugar with maple syrup to infuse a lovely maple taste into the cookie base.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the dough for a surprising and delightful kick that complements the sweetness!

Make Ahead Options

These Chubby Hubby Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the cookie dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring fresh cookies with minimal effort on busy nights. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into individual balls and freeze them; they will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time for deliciously fresh cookies. To maintain the crunchy pretzel bits, fold them in just before baking. Enjoy homemade cookies with less hassle and more time with your loved ones!

How to Store and Freeze Chubby Hubby Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh while maintaining the delightful chewy texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 5 days. Ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: To freeze, place cookies or unfrozen dough balls in airtight bags or containers. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer, ready for a quick bake whenever you crave those Chubby Hubby Cookies!

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm and gooey, or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds!

What to Serve with Chubby Hubby Cookies?

Crafting the perfect treat is only half the fun; pairing these delectable cookies enhances your sweet experience in delightful ways.

Cold Glass of Milk: The classic duo with cookies, refreshing milk complements the salty-sweet balance, enhancing each bite.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop on top of a warm cookie creates a dreamy dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
Decadent Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle this rich sauce over cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence. A little bit goes a long way!
Coffee or Espresso: The warmth and bitterness of these drinks provide a lovely contrast to the cookies’ sweetness, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Salted Caramel Sauce: A sticky, sweet addition that amplifies the salty notes of the pretzels and chocolate; perfect for dipping!
Fresh Berries: Their tartness balances the richness of the cookies beautifully, adding a refreshing element to your dessert spread.
Toasted Nuts: Enhance the texture and flavor profile by sprinkling some toasted nuts on the side, giving a delightful crunch.
Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a warm cup of this chocolatey delight, perfectly echoing the flavors in your cookies.
Fruit Sorbet: Light and refreshing, it cleanses the palate between bites, allowing for the full flavor experience of your cookies.

Chubby Hubby Cookies Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to choose ripe ingredients for Chubby Hubby Cookies?
Absolutely! For optimal flavor and texture, use unsalted butter that’s at room temperature for easy mixing. When selecting your peanut butter, I recommend conventional brands like Jif or Skippy, as they provide better structure and flavor than natural brands, which may lead to crumbliness.

How should I store my Chubby Hubby Cookies, and how long will they last?
Store your Chubby Hubby Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and chewy. If you want to prolong their freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze unbaked Chubby Hubby Cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze unbaked dough, scoop generous 2-tablespoon amounts onto a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer the dough balls into airtight bags or containers, where they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—simply add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time!

What if my cookie dough seems too dry while making Chubby Hubby Cookies?
If your cookie dough feels dry or crumbly, it might be due to over-measuring the flour or under-mixing. Try adding a teaspoon of milk to help bring it together without affecting the texture too much. Ensure to gently mix until just combined; excess mixing can also lead to dry cookies.

Can I make Chubby Hubby Cookies gluten-free?
Certainly! To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of traditional flour in baked goods. Enjoy deliciously chewy cookies without gluten!

Can I give Chubby Hubby Cookies to my pet or someone with allergies?
It’s best to avoid giving these cookies to pets, especially due to the chocolate and sugar content which can be harmful to animals. For allergy concerns, check the ingredients carefully. Substitute nut butter with sunbutter for nut-free options and always consider dietary restrictions when baking for others.