Chubby Hubby Cookies

Few things in life are more satisfying than biting into a chewy, gooey Chubby Hubby Cookies that hits every note—sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy. Enter the these Chubby Hubby Cookie, a bold, indulgent dessert inspired by a beloved ice cream flavor. These cookies are a mouthwatering mashup of malted milk, chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzels, and rich vanilla cookie dough, all finished with a drizzle of chocolate-peanut butter magic.

Whether you’re craving something different or looking to impress guests, these cookies will be your new go-to for any occasion.

In fact, the inspiration for this cookie comes from the iconic Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream—a vanilla malt base with fudge-covered pretzels, peanut butter, and fudge swirls. But what if you could take those same flavors and wrap them into a warm, oven-fresh cookie instead? That’s where this cookie lover’s dream comes to life.

For a deep dive into why cookies behave the way they do (from crispy edges to soft centers), check out this guide on the science of cookie baking. It’s pure gold for bakers who want to tweak texture to perfection.

🧁 What Are Chubby Hubby Cookies?

Chubby Hubby Cookies are inspired by the outrageous combo of flavors found in the ice cream version:

Malted vanilla dough for a rich, nostalgic base
Chocolate-covered, peanut butter-filled pretzels chopped into the dough

A drizzle of melted chocolate and peanut butter chips over the top
Finished with a sprinkling of crushed pretzels for crunch

These cookies are:

Chewy on the inside
Slightly crispy on the edges
Packed with sweet and salty bursts in every bite

🍦 The Ice Cream That Started It All

The original Chubby Hubby ice cream was a hit for a reason—it nailed the salty-sweet combo with its trio of peanut butter, pretzels, and chocolate. In cookie form, the malted milk powder mimics the base flavor of the ice cream, while chocolatey peanut butter pretzels bring in all the crunchy-creamy joy of that first spoonful.

Not familiar with malted milk powder? Here’s an in-depth guide to malted milk powder and how it brings warmth, richness, and a nostalgic creaminess to baked goods.

🧂 Key Ingredients You’ll Need For Chubby Hubby Cookies

To replicate that indulgent ice cream experience in cookie form, you’ll need a few specialty ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:

Flour – All-purpose flour is perfect for structure.
Baking soda – Gives a slight lift.
Salt – Enhances every other flavor.

Unsalted butter – Room temperature for easy creaming.
Brown sugar & granulated sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and chew.
Eggs – Help bind and structure.

Pure vanilla extract – Adds depth.
Malted milk powder – For that creamy, old-school soda fountain flavor.
Chocolate-covered, peanut butter-filled pretzels – The star mix-in.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips – For drizzling or folding into the dough.
Peanut butter chips – Complements the chocolate drizzle.

💡 Tip: Trader Joe’s has excellent chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzels that work perfectly here.

🔁 Ingredient Substitutions & Add-ins

Want to make these cookies your own? Try these swaps and upgrades:

Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and egg replacers. Opt for dairy-free chocolate.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and certified GF pretzels.

White chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a creamier drizzle.
Almond butter in place of peanut butter for a different nutty twist.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

Good news: you don’t need anything fancy.

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons

Parchment-lined baking sheets
Cooling rack
Small bowl for melting chocolate chips

📋 Before You Bake: Tips for Success

Want cookies that are chewy in the middle and perfectly crisp on the edges? Follow these quick tips:

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This prevents overspreading.
Reserve some pretzel pieces to press on top before baking for a prettier presentation.

Don’t overbake – remove cookies when edges are golden, centers still soft.

🍽 Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Chubby Hubby Cookies

Ingredients:

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda

Pinch of salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temp
1 cup brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsp vanilla extract

½ cup malted milk powder
2 cups chopped chocolate peanut butter-filled pretzels
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

¼ cup + 2 tbsp peanut butter chips

Instructions:

Whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt.
Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy (2–3 mins).

Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Mix in malted milk powder until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Fold in 1½ cups of chopped pretzels.
Chill dough for 30 minutes.
Scoop dough onto baking sheets in generous tablespoon portions.

Bake at 350°F for 12–14 mins until edges are golden.
Cool on wire racks completely.
Melt chocolate and peanut butter chips together.

Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with reserved chopped pretzels.

No-bake protein bites made with creamy cheesecake flavor and sweet blueberries for a healthy, energizing snack.

❄️ Storage & Freezing Tips

Once you’ve baked a batch of Chubby Hubby Cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Thankfully, these cookies store and freeze beautifully—so you can enjoy that sweet and salty goodness whenever the craving strikes.

🏠 Room Temperature Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft and chewy, place a slice of white bread in the container—the bread adds moisture and prevents the cookies from drying out.

🧊 Refrigeration

If your kitchen runs warm, you can refrigerate the cookies to extend freshness. Place them in a sealed container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Let them sit at room temp for 15–20 minutes before eating for the best texture.

❄️ Freezing Cookie Dough

Want freshly baked cookies on demand? Freeze the dough!

Scoop cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
Label and date the bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

🍪 Freezing Baked Cookies

Already baked? No problem. Once cooled, wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in a 300°F oven for 4–5 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

With these storage and freezing tips, your Chubby Hubby Cookies will always be ready when you need a treat!

🧪 Creative Variations to Try

One of the best things about Chubby Hubby Cookies is how versatile they are. Once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can start playing with the recipe to suit your cravings, dietary needs, or even the season. Here are some fun and delicious variations to try:

🍫 1. Chubby Hubby Cookie Bars

Instead of scooping individual cookies, press the dough into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 22–26 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Let cool completely before slicing. This version gives you thicker, gooier bars with less effort!

🍨 2. Ice Cream Sandwiches

Level up your dessert game by placing a scoop of Chubby Hubby ice cream between two cookies. Roll the edges in mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or chopped peanuts. Freeze for 30 minutes before serving for a firm, hand-held treat.

🍯 3. Drizzle Twists

Try white chocolate instead of semi-sweet, or swirl together Nutella and peanut butter for an even richer finish. A caramel drizzle also works beautifully with the pretzel crunch.

🌾 4. Gluten-Free Version

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and swap in gluten-free chocolate-covered pretzels. Be sure to check that all other ingredients (like malted milk powder) are certified gluten-free.

🥜 5. Different Nut Butters

Substitute almond butter or cashew butter if you’re not a fan of peanut butter. You can even experiment with cookie butter for a warm, spiced twist.

🎃 6. Seasonal Add-ins

For a fall version, add a touch of pumpkin spice to the dough. Around the holidays, mix in crushed peppermint or red/green M&Ms for a festive flair.

With these variations, you can enjoy Chubby Hubby Cookies all year long—and never get bored!

☕ What to Serve With Chubby Hubby Cookies

These cookies are rich, so they pair best with:

Cold milk (classic!)
Coffee or espresso

Vanilla bean milkshake
Glass of oat milk for a nutty vibe

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chubby Hubby Cookies

**What are Chubby Hubby Cookies made of?**

They’re made with a malted vanilla cookie dough, chocolate peanut butter pretzels, and finished with a chocolate-peanut butter drizzle.

Can I use regular pretzels?

Yes! But you’ll miss the peanut butter filling. Add in PB chips or swirl in peanut butter for flavor balance.

Are these cookies really based on ice cream?

Yes—directly inspired by Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream with similar flavor components.

How do I keep them chewy?

Don’t overbake! Also, use brown sugar for added moisture and chill the dough.

Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. Freeze as dough or fully baked cookies. Reheat as needed.

What peanut butter is best?

Use creamy for drizzle. For dough mix-ins, stick with peanut butter-filled pretzels.

❤️ Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Chubby Hubby Cookies

If you’re looking for the perfect sweet and salty dessert, Chubby Hubby Cookies are an absolute game-changer. Inspired by the iconic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, these cookies bring all the best elements—malted milk, chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy pretzels—into one chewy, irresistible treat.

What makes these cookies so special is how they balance flavors and textures. Every bite is a surprise: soft dough, melty chocolate, salty crunch, and that nostalgic malted vanilla base. They’re the kind of cookie that feels both fun and gourmet, making them perfect for parties, gifting, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in.

The best part? They’re easy to customize. Whether you go gluten-free, drizzle with white chocolate, or sandwich them with a scoop of ice cream, this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious.

So, preheat that oven, grab your chocolate-covered pretzels, and get baking. Once you try a batch of these Chubby Hubby Cookies, you’ll understand why they’ve earned a place in every serious cookie lover’s recipe box.

Don’t forget to share them—if you can part with any, that is!