Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect sweet-and-salty treat, combining buttery cookie dough with gooey chocolate chips and crunchy pretzel pieces. These cookies deliver the ideal balance of flavors and textures—crispy edges, chewy centers, melty chocolate, and salty pretzel bites in every mouthful. They’re a fun twist on a classic cookie that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and salty flavor combination
• Chewy and crunchy texture contrast
• Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
• No chill time required—ready in under 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly and great for lunchboxes or parties
• Customizable with your favorite chocolate or pretzel shape
• Makes a great edible gift or bake sale treat
• Pairs perfectly with a glass of milk or coffee
• Fun variation of a classic chocolate chip cookie
• Delicious warm or at room temperature

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• Crushed pretzels (twists, sticks, or mini shapes)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed pretzels, reserving a handful of each for topping.
7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Press a few extra chocolate chips and pretzel bits on top of each cookie for a bakery-style look.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly soft.
10. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

• Yield: About 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: About 25 minutes

Variations

• Peanut Butter Pretzel: Add peanut butter chips or swirl in some peanut butter.
• White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
• Stuffed Cookies: Wrap dough around a mini peanut butter cup or caramel for a surprise center.
• Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for warmth or heat.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, egg replacer, and dairy-free chocolate.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free pretzels.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, microwave individual cookies for 8–10 seconds to bring back the gooey chocolate.

FAQs

Can I use mini pretzels or pretzel sticks?

Yes, both work great—just crush them slightly before folding into the dough.

Will the pretzels stay crunchy after baking?

Yes, especially if added on top before baking. They may soften slightly over time in storage.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it in portions.

What type of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet chips are classic, but you can use milk, dark, or even chunks for variety.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not required, but chilling for 30 minutes will help control spreading if your butter is very soft.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts pair well with the pretzels and chocolate.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Too-soft butter or not enough flour can cause spreading. Chill the dough or check your measurements.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They’re well-balanced with a salty crunch from the pretzels to offset the sweetness.

Can I use pretzel-flavored snacks like chocolate-covered pretzels?

Sure! Just chop them up and fold into the dough for even more flavor.

How do I make these bakery-style?

Top each cookie with extra chocolate chips and pretzel pieces before baking for that bakery look.

Conclusion

Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies are the best of both dessert worlds—sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to upgrade your cookie game, these cookies deliver bold flavor and texture in every bite.

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