These Easy Pretzel Caramel Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, combining crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate chips. They make an irresistible treat that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings. Whether for a party, a gift, or just a special snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pretzels, broken into pieces
1/2 cup caramel bits or chopped caramel squares
1/2 cup chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until smooth and well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) until fully incorporated.
Gently fold in the pretzel pieces, caramel bits, and chocolate chips.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Variations
Nutty Delight: Add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
Chocolate Overload: Swap the chocolate chips for a combination of milk and dark chocolate to satisfy all the chocolate lovers.
Caramel Swirl: Instead of using caramel bits, swirl in a bit of caramel sauce into the cookie dough for an extra gooey texture.
Storage/Reheating
To store these cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked feel.
FAQs
How do I make the cookies extra chewy?
To make the cookies chewier, try adding a bit more brown sugar or a tablespoon of honey to the dough.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough. Just scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a ziplock bag or airtight container. Bake them from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of bits?
Yes, you can use caramel sauce, but I recommend only adding a small amount to avoid making the dough too runny. You could also drizzle some over the cookies once they’re baked for a delicious topping!
What should I do if the dough feels too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a bit more flour until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Are there any substitutions for pretzels in the recipe?
If you don’t have pretzels, you can substitute with crushed crackers, potato chips, or even graham crackers for a different texture and flavor.
Conclusion
These Easy Pretzel Caramel Cookies are the perfect sweet and salty snack to make for any occasion. With their gooey caramel, crunchy pretzels, and rich chocolate chips, they’re a treat that will satisfy every craving. Plus, they’re quick and simple to make, which makes them an ideal recipe for anyone looking for a delicious homemade dessert. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Pretzel Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Pretzel Caramel Cookies combine crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate chips for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. They make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pretzels, broken into pieces
1/2 cup caramel bits or chopped caramel squares
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the pretzel pieces, caramel bits, and chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
To make the cookies chewier, add more brown sugar or a tablespoon of honey to the dough.
If you don’t have pretzels, you can substitute with crushed crackers, potato chips, or graham crackers for a different texture.
If using caramel sauce instead of bits, add sparingly to avoid making the dough too runny.
If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes or add a bit more flour to reach the desired consistency.
For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
