No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

These sweet and salty no-bake treats are tasty and very easy.  I tried (not very well, I might add) to make them a wee bit healthier with the whey protein powder.  All in all, a good, quick snack or dessert!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
From Vegetarian Times

1/2 C Vanilla flavored powdered beverage (I used Trader Joe's Vanilla Whey Protein Powder)
2 Tbsp water
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
1/2 C sugar
3 Tbsp dark rice or corn syrup
2 cups crushed mini pretzels
1/3 C sweetened flaked coconut (optional)

Spread parchment paper on a baking sheet (coat with cooking spray if desired).  In a small bowl, whisk together beverage powder, water, and vanilla.

Warm peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth (2-3 minutes).  Stir in beverage mixture until combined.  Add pretzels and coconut until evenly mixed.

Pinch off 1 inch pieces and leave to cool on the baking sheet.  Cool at least 10 minutes before serving.