Touchdown Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies
November 5, 2026
Fudgy brownies topped with peanut butter cheesecake cream, crunchy pretzels, chocolate fudge sauce, and football sugar cookies!
Football season is a pretty good excuse to make something loaded with chocolate and peanut butter, especially when it’s topped with football cookies. These Touchdown Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies start with a fudgy brownie base and get topped with fluffy peanut butter cheesecake cream, crunchy pretzels, peanut butter cups, and chocolate fudge sauce. Add those cute football sugar cookies on top, and you’ve got a fun dessert that’s ready for game day.
Flavor Profile
These brownies have a rich chocolate base with a creamy, slightly tangy peanut butter cheesecake layer. The pretzels add a salty crunch that balances the sweetness of the chocolate fudge sauce and chopped peanut butter cups. The football sugar cookies bring a buttery vanilla flavor, making each serving a combo of chocolate, peanut butter, sweet, and salty flavors.
Recipe Tips
- Cool the brownies completely before spreading on the cheesecake layer so the filling stays thick and fluffy.
- Use softened cream cheese to help create a smooth peanut butter cheesecake filling without lumps.
- Fold in the Cool Whip gently to keep the cheesecake layer light and airy.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing so the layers have time to firm up.
- Add the pretzels just before serving to preserve their salty crunch.
- Arrange the football cookies strategically so each brownie square gets its own cookie.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for cleaner brownie squares.
The Twist
The football sugar cookies are the fun twist on these brownies! Instead of traditional brownie toppings, these little football-shaped cookies turn a chocolate and peanut butter dessert into a game day treat. They’re an easy way to add a football theme without any fancy decorating skills.
Ingredient Highlights
- Brownie mix: A family-size brownie mix makes the chocolate base. Choose your preferred fudgy variety.
- Pretzels: Mini pretzels add salty crunch to both the brownie layer and the topping.
- Cream cheese: Gives the peanut butter cheesecake layer its creamy texture and a slight tanginess.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter adds rich, nutty flavor to the cheesecake filling.
- Cool Whip: Creates a fluffy cheesecake layer that’s easy to spread over the brownies.
- Football sugar cookies: Pillsbury Football Sugar Cookie Dough adds a fun football design to the finished dessert.
- Peanut butter cups: Chopped peanut butter cups add extra chocolate and peanut butter flavor to the topping.
Touchdown Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie layer
- 1 box family-size brownie mix, plus ingredients listed on the box
- 1 cup mini pretzels, roughly chopped
Peanut butter cheesecake layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
Football toppings
- Chocolate fudge sauce, for drizzling
- ½ cup mini pretzels
- ½ cup chopped peanut butter cups
- 1 package (7.2 oz) Pillsbury Football Sugar Cookie Dough
- Flaky sea salt, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix directions. Prepare a 9 × 13-inch baking pan and mix the brownie batter according to the package instructions.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chopped pretzels over the batter, pressing them in lightly.
- Bake according to the brownie mix directions, checking for doneness. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- Prepare the football sugar cookies separately according to the package directions. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until completely incorporated and fluffy.
- Spread the peanut butter cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the cheesecake layer is firm enough to slice.
- Just before serving, drizzle the top with chocolate fudge sauce. Scatter the mini pretzels and chopped peanut butter cups over the cheesecake layer.
- Arrange the football sugar cookies across the top, positioning them so each serving gets a cookie. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired.
FAQ
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the brownie and cheesecake layers up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Add the toppings and football cookies shortly before serving.
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! Any favorite brownie recipe that fits a 9 × 13-inch pan will work. Just make sure the brownies are completely cooled before adding the cheesecake layer.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, although creamy peanut butter creates a smoother cheesecake filling. Crunchy peanut butter will add small peanut pieces throughout the layer.
How should I store leftover brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The pretzels and cookies may soften over time.
Can I make these without the football sugar cookies?
Definitely! Leave off the football cookies and finish the brownies with pretzels, peanut butter cups, and chocolate fudge sauce for a dessert you can serve throughout the year.
Sprinkle of Fun
Make these Touchdown Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies for a Thanksgiving football game! After all that turkey and stuffing, a little chocolate and peanut butter is just what the dessert table needs.
Suggested Recipes
If you like these Touchdown Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies, then you’ll love the recipes below!
get access to my weekly recipe updates!
