Are you craving a treat that's both sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy? Look no further! These soft pretzel cookies are the perfect answer. They're surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction. This recipe is perfect for a quick homemade dessert, a fun baking project, or a delicious addition to your next gathering. Get ready to experience the delightful dance of sweet and salty in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pretzel pieces (roughly crushed)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Incorporate Pretzels
Gently fold in the crushed pretzel pieces. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt, if desired.
Step 6: Baking Time
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 7: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, sweet and salty pretzels cookies!
Tips for Pretzel Cookie Perfection:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Crushed Pretzels: For optimal texture, crush the pretzels into a variety of sizes – some coarse, some fine.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pretzel Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra decadent treat.
- Spicy Pretzel Cookies: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a warm and spicy kick.
- Nutty Pretzel Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) along with the pretzels.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Saturated Fat: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 20-25g Sugar: 12-15g Protein: 2-3g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make pretzel cookies! They're a delightful treat for any occasion.