Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

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Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies topped with chocolate and sprinkles
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Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies: A Sweet Treat for the Holidays

Nothing says festive quite like a batch of sweet and salty Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies. These delightful treats seamlessly blend crunchy pretzels, creamy chocolate, and vibrant holiday sprinkles, making them a charming dessert centerpiece. Having whipped these up for several holiday gatherings, I can attest to their popularity and ease of preparation!

Why Make This Recipe

  1. Irresistible Flavor Combination: The combination of salty pretzels and sweet chocolate creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. It’s a flavor party in every bite!

  2. Easy and Quick: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, you can whip these up even on the busiest holiday days.

  3. Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are ideal for packaging as small gifts for teachers, neighbors, or friends. They add a personal touch to your holiday greetings.

  4. Fun Customization: You can get creative with toppings, letting kids (and adults) decorate their own cookies for a fun-filled kitchen activity.

  5. Make-Ahead Option: These cookies can be made in advance and stored, letting you enjoy a stress-free holiday. I love making these ahead of time so I can focus on other holiday preparations!

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Cooking Method: Baking

These cookies are made by assembling pretzels topped with chocolate and then baking them briefly to melt the chocolate before adding colorful sprinkles.

My Experience Making This Recipe

Creating these cookies has always been a joyful experience for me. I remember one particular holiday season when I decided to try a batch with my kids. We all had so much fun assembling them, and it led to some hilarious kitchen moments—like when we mistakenly swapped salt for sugar! But that mix-up taught me a valuable lesson about ingredient organization.

How to Make Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

Making these cookies is as straightforward as it gets! Start with mini pretzels placed on a lined baking sheet. You will melt Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate melts in the oven, allowing them to soften, then press a festive sprinkle on top for added flair. The beauty lies in the simplicity, and you can expect a delightful crunch followed by the smoothness of melted chocolate.

Expert Tips for Success

  1. Use Quality Chocolate: Whether you’re using Hershey’s Kisses or high-quality chocolate melts, the better the chocolate, the better the cookie will taste.

  2. Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking; this ensures an even melt of the chocolate.

  3. Chill Before Serving: Allow the decorated cookies to cool and set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help the chocolate harden properly.

  4. Try Different Pretzels: If you want variety, experiment with different shapes of pretzels—pretzel rods or even chocolate-covered pretzels for an extra treat!

  5. Seal in Flavor: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. This prevents them from becoming stale or losing their delightful crunch.

How to Serve Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

  1. Holiday Platters: Arrange your cookies on a festive platter with ribbons and ornaments to elevate your dessert table.

  2. Tea or Coffee Pairing: These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, adding a delightful element to holiday gatherings.

  3. Gift Bags: Package extras in clear cellophane bags tied with a holiday ribbon for thoughtful gifts.

  4. Fun with Kids: Organize a cookie decorating session where kids can customize their cookies with lots of sprinkles!

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store your Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can also freeze them by placing cookies in a single layer in freezer-safe bags or containers—separating layers with parchment paper. They can last frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature; there’s no need to bake them again unless you want to slightly warm them for a gooey chocolate experience.

Recipe Variations

  1. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pretzels to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

  2. Dairy-Free: Substitute regular chocolate with dairy-free chocolate chips or melts for a vegan-friendly version.

  3. Colorful Holiday Theme: Use seasonal M&Ms or colored sugar instead of traditional sprinkles for different festive occasions.

  4. Flavor Infusion: Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets for a chocolate-covered pretzel taste.

Nutritional Highlights

These cookies contain a delightful mix of flavors while being simple in composition. The pretzels provide some fiber, and using dark chocolate can increase antioxidant intake. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as they can be calorie-dense; one to two cookies should suffice for a sweet treat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Chocolate Not Melting: If your chocolate isn’t melting well, try using a double boiler instead of the baking method to ensure even heating without burning.

  2. Sprinkles Not Sticking: If the sprinkles aren’t adhering well, lightly reheat the cookies in the oven for a minute to soften the chocolate again before adding sprinkles.

  3. Pretzels Becoming Soggy: Ensure the cookies are cooled completely before storing. Moisture can transfer and make pretzels lose their crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use other types of candy?
    Absolutely! You can use other candies like Rolos or Caramel Kisses for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the bake time according to the candy you choose.

  2. What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
    The most effective method is to bake the chocolate at a low temperature or use a microwave at short intervals while stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

  3. How can I adjust this recipe for larger batches?
    This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Just ensure you have ample baking sheets and space in your oven for multiple trays.

  4. Are there any nut-free options?
    Yes! This recipe is nut-free as it uses pretzels and chocolate, but always check labels to ensure no cross-contamination occurs in your ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

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Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

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  • Author: nevaeh-hall
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Delightful sweet and salty cookies made with crunchy pretzels, creamy chocolate, and vibrant holiday sprinkles.

Ingredients

  • Mini pretzels
  • Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate melts
  • Holiday sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place mini pretzels on a lined baking sheet.
  3. Melt Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate melts in the oven until softened.
  4. Press a festive sprinkle on top of the melted chocolate.
  5. Allow the decorated cookies to cool and set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week; freeze for longer storage.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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