24 Irresistible Chubby Hubby Cookies : Sweet & Salty

Some cookies are simple. These are not. Chubby Hubby Cookies are a celebration of indulgence—a rich, buttery cookie dough filled with malted milk powder, peanut butter chips, milk chocolate chunks, and crushed pretzels, all finished with a drizzle of peanut butter and chocolate. Inspired by the iconic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, this cookie version brings the same balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy in every decadent bite.

I remember the first time I made these for a neighborhood bake sale. They disappeared before any of the other treats were even touched. The combination of childhood nostalgia, bold flavor, and textural surprise makes these cookies unforgettable—and borderline addictive.

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Why You’ll Love These Chubby Hubby Cookies

• Irresistible flavor combo: peanut butter, chocolate, pretzels, and malt? Yes, please.
• Unique texture: chewy centers, crisp edges, and that satisfying crunch from the pretzels.
• Fun to bake and even more fun to eat
• Great for parties, gifts, and freezing ahead
• Inspired by a beloved ice cream flavor

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup malted milk powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips or chunks
• 1½ cups crushed mini pretzels (not too fine)
• Optional: melted peanut butter and chocolate for drizzling

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 40–45 minutes

How to Make Chubby Hubby Cookies

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.

2. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, malted milk powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

5. Fold in the Mix-Ins
Use a spatula or mixer on low to fold in peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and crushed pretzels. Don’t overmix—just enough to distribute evenly.

6. Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This helps develop flavor and prevent excessive spreading.

7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

8. Scoop and Bake
Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons (or use a cookie scoop). Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.

9. Cool and Drizzle
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If using, drizzle with melted peanut butter and chocolate once cooled.

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Flavor & Texture Profile

Chubby Hubby Cookies hit every craving. The dough is rich and buttery, thanks to the brown sugar and malted milk powder. The peanut butter chips add creamy sweetness, while milk chocolate melts into gooey pockets. Crushed pretzels bring crunch and saltiness that balances the overall sweetness, and the sea salt ties everything together.

It’s the kind of cookie that makes you close your eyes and go, “Mmm,” with every bite.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a cold glass of milk or oat milk
• Crumble into vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a DIY sundae
• Package in gift bags for party favors or holidays
• Stack on dessert platters for brunch or potlucks
• Freeze for unexpected guests or midnight cravings

Variations to Try

Nutella Swirl Version – Add small dollops of Nutella to the dough before scooping and lightly swirl.
Mini Pretzels on Top – Press a whole mini pretzel into each cookie before baking for visual flair.
White Chocolate Fans – Swap milk chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
Bacon Lover’s Twist – Add a handful of crispy crumbled bacon for an even bolder sweet-savory combo.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free pretzels.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

To Store:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

To Freeze Dough:
Scoop and freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time.

To Freeze Baked Cookies:
Let cool completely. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Nutritional Info (Per Cookie – Approximate)

Calories: 240
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 28g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 150mg

Values will vary depending on brands and optional drizzle.

Cultural Inspiration

Chubby Hubby Cookies are the cookie version of everything we love about American-style desserts: indulgent, inventive, and nostalgic. Born from the flavor profiles of the famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, they’re part cookie, part snack mix, and all comfort.

It’s a modern classic—celebrating not just the ingredients but the spirit of playful, over-the-top baking that defines today’s dessert culture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of chips?
Yes, but use a small amount and reduce the butter slightly to compensate for texture and oil.

Do I need to chill the dough?
It’s optional, but chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and deepens the flavor.

Can I make these smaller/larger?
Absolutely. Adjust baking time accordingly—shorter for smaller cookies, longer for larger ones.

What’s the best chocolate to use?
High-quality milk chocolate chunks or chips melt best. You can also try a mix of milk and dark chocolate.

Can I skip the drizzle?
Yes, the cookies are amazing on their own—but the drizzle makes them pop visually and adds an extra flavor punch.

External Links

What Is Malted Milk Powder? – King Arthur Baking
How to Properly Cream Butter and Sugar – The Kitchn
Why You Should Chill Cookie Dough – Bon Appétit
Best Chocolate for Baking – Epicurious

Final Thoughts

Chubby Hubby Cookies are more than just cookies—they’re a full sensory experience. Sweet, salty, chewy, crunchy, and visually irresistible, they’re the ultimate treat for anyone who refuses to settle for boring desserts.

Perfect for gifting, sharing, or just savoring with a cup of coffee, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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