Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Bars

The other day my husband put in a special request for some rice krispie treats, but I figured – why not put a spin on the original recipe? I remembered seeing a recipe a while back that seemed like the perfect combination of salty and sweet, but of course I had to alter it to complete perfection! These ended up being so good that I had to share them with friends and coworkers. I should have nabbed a picture right when they were done, but until next time…you get this lone ranger. 

Peanut Butter Pretzel Rice Krispie Bars

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter

1 (10.5 oz) package miniature marshmallows

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

4 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

1 1/2 cups coarsely crushed pretzel pieces

Topping:

1 cup milk chocolate chips

2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter 

1/2 cup coarsely crushed pretzel pieces

Directions:

1. Spray a 9x13 dish, set aside. Melt butter in a large non-stick saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly until marshmallows have melted.
2. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup peanut butter and vanilla.
3. Pour Rice Krispies Cereal and 1 1/2 cups coarsely crushed pretzel pieces into melted marshmallow mixture and gently fold mixture until cereal and pretzels are evenly coated.
4. Spread mixture evenly into prepared 9x13 dish.

5. Melt chocolate chips with 2 Tbsp peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl, in 30 second intervals stirring after each interval until melted and smooth.
6. Drizzle mixture evenly over Rice Krispie Treats with a spoon while still warm.
7. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup coarsely crushed pretzel pieces, enjoy immediately with melted chocolate topping or cover and refrigerate until set for a set chocolate topping.

Enjoy!