Use What You Have
Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies Recipe
These irresistible chocolate chip pretzel cookies are the perfect sweet and salty treat, best served with a glass of milk (dipping optional, but recommended). The high sugar content in the cookies helps the tryptophan in the milk reach the brain, encouraging drowsiness - making them the ideal late-night snack!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semisweet, milk, or dark)
- 2 cups lightly crushed tiny twist pretzels, divided
Directions
Step 1: Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375F (180C) and line 4 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
Step 4: Add the first egg to the butter mixture and beat until well combined. Then, add the second egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients. Stir with a rubber spatula until just combined, ensuring that some flour is still visible.
Step 6: Add the chocolate chips and 1 1/2 cups of crushed pretzels to the dough. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
Step 7: Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Gently press the remaining 1/2 cup of crushed pretzels into the top of each cookie.
Step 8: Bake in two batches, placing the baking sheets in the oven and baking for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are light golden brown around the edges.
Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Test Kitchen Tips
- For a picture-perfect finish, add more chocolate chips on top of each cookie before baking.
- Use a baking sheet with raised sides or no raised sides to promote better air circulation while baking.
- A 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop is perfect for portioning the dough evenly.
Variations
- For chewier cookies: Bake for 10 minutes. The cookies will appear slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.
- For crispier cookies: Bake for 12 minutes.
- For cake-like cookies: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and then proceed as usual.
Can You Make Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can portion the dough ahead of time, roll it lightly in pretzels, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake at 375F (190C) for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown.
How to Store Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies
Store baked cookies in an airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy them later.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 119 | - |
| Total Fat | 6g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 17% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 131mg | 6% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 2% |
| Total Sugars | 9g | - |
| Protein | 1g | 3% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 41mg | 1% |
Note: Nutritional values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary based on your calorie needs.
History and Origin of Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies
Chocolate chip pretzel cookies are a modern twist on the classic American chocolate chip cookie, which was first created in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. The addition of pretzels emerged decades later as bakers began experimenting with sweet-and-salty flavor combinations. This evolution reflects a broader culinary trend in the United States toward balancing rich, sugary desserts with a touch of saltiness to enhance flavor complexity.
Regional Characteristics
While traditional chocolate chip cookies are ubiquitous across the U.S., the chocolate chip pretzel cookie has strong ties to regions known for snack innovation, particularly in the Midwest. States like Pennsylvania, home to a large pretzel-producing industry, often inspire recipes that incorporate pretzels into baked goods. The contrast between the soft cookie and crunchy pretzel creates a texture profile that appeals to a wide audience, making it popular at bake sales, cafes, and home kitchens across the country.
Differences from Similar Desserts
Unlike standard chocolate chip cookies, which focus solely on sweet flavors and soft or chewy textures, chocolate chip pretzel cookies introduce a layer of complexity through saltiness and crunch. Compared to chocolate-covered pretzels or simple pretzel snacks, these cookies combine the indulgence of chocolate with the satisfying bite of pretzel pieces, offering a hybrid experience that is both dessert and snack. The subtle use of cornstarch in the dough also distinguishes them, producing a chewier texture than traditional cookies.
Typical Serving Occasions
Chocolate chip pretzel cookies are commonly served as an afternoon treat, dessert, or snack during social gatherings. They pair exceptionally well with cold milk or coffee, enhancing the flavor contrast between sweet, salty, and creamy. Many bakeries and coffee shops feature them as a specialty item during holidays or seasonal promotions, and they are also a favorite for homemade gift baskets due to their unique flavor and eye-catching appearance.
Interesting Facts
- The combination of chocolate and pretzels exploits a principle in flavor science: the salt in pretzels intensifies the sweetness of chocolate, creating a more satisfying taste.
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to three months, allowing bakers to enjoy them fresh-baked at any moment.
- Adding pretzels to the top of the cookies before baking not only enhances visual appeal but also preserves their crunchy texture.
- The recipes versatility allows bakers to customize the chewiness, crispiness, or cake-like texture simply by adjusting baking time or chilling the dough beforehand.
- Chocolate chip pretzel cookies have become a popular sweet and salty staple in American home baking, illustrating the ongoing evolution of cookie recipes from their classic origins.
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FAQ about Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies Recipe
Comments
Dennis Smith
08/21/2023 09:49:13 AM
I absolutely adore these chocolate chip cookies with a twist! The addition of pretzels adds a delightful crunchy, salty element that is simply perfect. Opted for dark chocolate chips, which lends a rich, decadent meltiness to every bite. These cookies are truly heavenly!
Larry Carter
09/01/2023 10:21:54 PM
I followed the recipe to the letter. If you're looking for a soft, chewy cookie, this is not the one for you. However, if you prefer a drier cookie that's perfect for dipping in milk or coffee, then go ahead and try it. Personally, I'll have to give this one a miss.
Julie Adams
03/10/2023 05:33:10 AM
I followed the recipe exactly as instructed, but unfortunately, the dish turned out burnt and overly crispy 😭
Sharon Gonzalez
09/06/2022 01:00:20 AM
I'm just curious if the biscuits would turn out the same if I cut the recipe in half. Is there a general guideline to follow when reducing recipe quantities? Thank you.
Betty Mitchell
04/10/2024 06:56:22 AM
Here is the rewritten review: "After the holidays, I often find myself with leftover mini pretzels despite making multiple batches of Chex mix. I've experimented with various recipes to use them up, and this one has been the most successful! Baking them for 12 minutes resulted in a satisfying crunch, but next time I might go for a chewy texture. These cookies are dense, not overly sweet (despite the sugar content), and feature a unique ingredient. I personally opted for dark chocolate chips, which was the only modification I made. Highly recommended!"
audio version
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