Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining sweet and salty flavors, perfect for holiday celebrations. These cookies blend traditional cookie ingredients with crunchy pretzels to create a unique and festive dessert. With the holiday season fast approaching, you’ll want to add this recipe to your festive cookie repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies will surely impress and satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies
This recipe for Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore this holiday treat:
- Combines the best of both worlds: sweet and salty.
- Perfect for holiday parties, making them a hit among guests.
- Kid-friendly and easy to make, making it a great family activity.
- Can be customized with different toppings or chocolate types.
- Great for gifting, allowing you to share the holiday spirit.
- They’re a unique addition to your list of festive cookie recipes.
These cookies are also a wonderful way to introduce your kids to baking and can easily be adapted for various dietary needs, such as gluten-free options.
Ingredients for Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 6 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup festive sprinkles
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, beating until thoroughly combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
- Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending only until a uniform dough forms.
- Step 6: Pinch off about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a rope approximately 6 inches in length. Shape into a pretzel and transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Step 9: Dip half of each pretzel-shaped cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place the cookies back on parchment paper and adorn immediately with festive sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.
- Step 10: Let chocolate set at room temperature before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for the Best Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Don’t overbake; aim for a light golden color.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or sprinkles for variety.
Best Ways to Serve Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies
These cookies are versatile and can be served in various fun ways:
- Pair them with hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
- Serve on a festive platter at your holiday gatherings.
- Gift them in decorative boxes as unique holiday cookies.
How to Store and Reheat Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can microwave them for a few seconds until they are slightly warm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies?
The secret lies in the balance between the sweet chocolate and the salty pretzel flavor. Be sure to melt your chocolate slowly and dip the cookies for a beautiful finish.
Can I make Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just shape and bake when you’re ready.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and avoid over-mixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
Variations of Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies You Can Try
Here are some variations to consider:
- Try using white chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Include crushed peppermint on top for a holiday twist.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
For more delicious holiday recipes, check out our Holiday Roasted Vegetables Recipe and Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet.
For tips on baking, you can refer to this baking tips guide for more insights.
Print
Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies: 24 Sweet and Salty Delights
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining sweet and salty flavors, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 6 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup festive sprinkles
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, beating until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending only until a uniform dough forms.
- Pinch off about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a rope approximately 6 inches in length. Shape into a pretzel and transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Dip half of each pretzel-shaped cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place the cookies back on parchment paper and adorn immediately with festive sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.
- Let chocolate set at room temperature before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg