If you are looking for a snack that perfectly balances salty and sweet with an irresistible chewiness, you have to try this Chewy Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies Recipe. These cookies are packed with crunchy chocolate covered pretzels folded right into a soft, chewy dough, creating waves of flavor and texture with every bite. Whether you want a crowd-pleasing treat for parties or a cozy dessert to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, this recipe delivers something truly comforting and addictive. The best part? It’s wildly simple to make, yet feels like a gourmet indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is like collecting the stars that will shine together to create magic in these cookies. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role—from the flour that gives structure to the buttery softness, and the distinctive crunch of chocolate covered pretzels that elevate the whole experience.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup + 2 Tbsp / 135g): The foundation of your cookie dough, giving it the right texture and chewiness.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough, contributing to that perfect fluff.
- Baking powder (¾ teaspoon): Adds a subtle lift and airiness to keep cookies tender.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup / 57g, softened): Delivers richness and moistness, making cookies melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup + 2 Tbsp / 125g): Brings depth and a hint of caramel flavor while keeping the cookies moist.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together perfectly for a chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm and sweet aromatic note to your dough.
- Chocolate covered pretzels (1 cup, coarsely chopped + extra for topping): The star ingredient—crispy, salty, and coated in chocolate for your ultimate cookie crush.
- Coarse salt (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a surprising pop that elevates every bite.
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Space and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking. Next, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this mix sets the stage for that perfect chewy texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and light brown sugar on medium speed. Keep mixing until the mixture looks light and fluffy, around 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides so everything combines evenly. This creaming step is what adds airiness and moisture, key for those chewy cookies you love.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in one large room temperature egg and the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. These ingredients bring moisture and subtle sweetness, giving your cookie dough a luscious, binded consistency.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
On low speed, gradually add your dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients in two parts. Mixing thoroughly after each addition prevents overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender instead of tough. Once combined, gently fold in the coarsely chopped chocolate covered pretzels with a spatula—this is where the magic begins. Each bite will have crunchy, chocolatey, salty surprises.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop (size #50 works great), drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow expansion. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely as the edges develop a golden brown color. The centers should still look soft to ensure chewiness. Right after removing the cookies from the oven, press a whole or large piece of chocolate covered pretzel gently on top. Sprinkle with coarse salt while the cookies are still warm to heighten the flavor contrast.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set perfectly chewy without crumbling. Now, you’ve got the ideal batch of treats to savor or share!
How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies. These garnishes highlight the salty-sweet balance and make them look as incredible as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these chewy delights with a glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or even hot cocoa—any drink that complements the rich chocolate and salty crunch is a winner. For brunch or a party, serve alongside fresh fruit or vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Chewy Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies Recipe treats in colorful tins or cookie jars as gifts. You can also sandwich two cookies with a layer of chocolate ganache or peanut butter for a fun twist. Layer a few crushed on top of ice cream sundaes for a delightful crunchy topping that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them perfect to enjoy slowly or share throughout the week without losing their charm.
Freezing
If you want to save these cookies for another time, they freeze beautifully—both baked and as dough balls. Wrap your cookies tightly or store dough in airtight containers, freezing them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake the dough from frozen with just one extra minute added to the baking time. It’s convenience meets deliciousness.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300ºF (150ºC) for 5 minutes. This brings back their soft, chewy texture and slightly melty chocolate, almost like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular pretzels instead of chocolate covered ones?
Absolutely! Regular pretzels will add the same salty crunch, but you’ll miss out on the rich chocolate element inside the cookie. You could always dip some baked cookies in melted chocolate afterward to compensate.
How do I make sure the cookies stay chewy?
Make sure not to overbake them. Take them out when the edges are just golden, but the centers still look soft. Cooling them on the baking sheet also helps maintain that chewy texture.
Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
While you can substitute white sugar, brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that is key for chewiness and depth in this recipe. I highly recommend sticking with brown sugar if you can.
Is it necessary to add coarse salt on top?
Coarse salt is optional but highly recommended. It provides a beautiful contrast to the sweetness, making every bite more interesting and flavorful.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the dry ingredients slightly to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter gives you more control over seasoning.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Chewy Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies Recipe enough for anyone who loves the perfect balance of sweet and salty with a chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more. It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet is incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to when you want homemade goodness without hassle. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a favorite in your baking rotation that friends and family beg for. So grab your ingredients and start mixing—your new favorite cookie awaits!
Print
Chewy Chocolate Covered Pretzel Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
Description
Delight in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these chewy chocolate covered pretzel cookies. Crispy pretzels mixed into a tender cookie dough are topped with a melted chocolate covered pretzel and a sprinkle of coarse salt, making every bite irresistibly delicious. These cookies are quick to prepare and bake, offering a gourmet treat that’s ideal for sharing or enjoying anytime.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons (135g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup + 2 Tablespoons (125g) firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Topping
- 1 cup coarsely chopped chocolate covered pretzels
- Additional whole or large pieces of chocolate covered pretzels (for topping)
- Coarse salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat again on medium speed until fully combined and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in two additions, mixing thoroughly after each addition to avoid overmixing. Then, gently fold in the coarsely chopped chocolate covered pretzels using a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Scoop and Bake: Use a #50 cookie scoop (or standard cookie scoop) to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges just begin to brown (typically around 11 minutes).
- Add Toppings and Cool: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a whole or large piece of chocolate covered pretzel onto the top of each cookie and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Storage Tips: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cookie dough balls can also be frozen for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen and add 1 minute to the baking time.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature for proper creaming and mixing.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Pressing the pretzel pieces onto warm cookies allows the chocolate to slightly melt, creating a delightful texture.
- Coarse salt on top enhances the sweet and salty flavor contrast—optional but recommended.
- Frozen dough balls should be baked straight from the freezer with 1 additional minute added to baking time.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them chewy and fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
