Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to cut the bars.
2. In a large mixing bowl, crush the pretzel sticks into smaller pieces. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or your hands to break them up. Aim for a coarse texture, not a fine powder.
3. In another bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. This will create a rich, sweet base for your bars.
4. Add the creamy peanut butter to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is creamy and smooth. This will be the binding agent for your bars.
5. Pour the crushed pretzel sticks into the peanut butter mixture. Stir gently until all the pretzel pieces are evenly coated with the mixture. The pretzels should be well-distributed throughout.
6. Transfer the pretzel mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish. Ensure it's packed tightly for the best texture.
7. Bake the pretzel base in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it starts to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
8. While the base is baking, melt the chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stovetop.
9. Once the pretzel base is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the melted chocolate over the top. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly across the surface.
10. Sprinkle the sea salt generously over the melted chocolate. This will enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile of the bars.
11. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
12. Once the chocolate has hardened, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
13. Serve the Sweet Salty Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to a week.