Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies are an irresistible treat, combining the perfect balance of sweet and salty. With gooey caramel stuffed in the center and a delightful crunch from the pretzels, these cookies are ideal for various occasions like family gatherings, bake sales, or cozy evenings at home. You won’t be able to resist their warm, chewy texture and the burst of flavors in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
• Unique Flavor Combination: The mix of chocolate, caramel, and pretzels creates a flavor experience that stands out.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 30 cookies per batch, they’re great for parties or gifting to friends.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips or pretzels based on your preference.
• Gooey Surprise: Each cookie has a hidden caramel center that melts in your mouth.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delectable recipe, gather your essentials. Having the right tools makes preparation easier and ensures consistent results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (or handheld mixer)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: A stand mixer saves time and effort while providing even mixing for a smooth dough.
• Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup butter (cold, unsalted, two sticks)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (add more 1 TBS at a time if dough is too sticky or cookies come out too flat)
• 1 TBS cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Mix-ins

• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pretzels
• 15 soft caramels (cut in half)

For Topping

• 1 TBS coarse sea salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Butter Mixture

• Cut your butter into slices.
• Place butter slices into a large mixing bowl.
• Beat with a mixer until it starts to smooth.

Step 3: Add Sugars

• Add in the brown sugar and white sugar.
• Beat for about 1–2 minutes until smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

• Add in the eggs and vanilla extract.
• Beat until just incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Dump in:
* Flour,
* Cornstarch,
* Baking soda,
* Baking powder,
* Salt.

Mix on low speed until wet and dry ingredients are combined.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pretzels

Pour in:
* Milk chocolate chips,
* Chopped pretzels.

Gently fold them into the dough until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Prepare Caramels

Cut each caramel in half if they are big enough; otherwise, use whole smaller caramels.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Measure out two heaping tablespoons of batter.
Press the dough flat and stick a caramel piece in the middle. Roll the cookie dough around the caramel to seal it inside.

Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place nine cookies per cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone liner.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 8–12 minutes or until tops and bottoms are golden. Check around ten minutes for doneness.

Step 11: Add Sea Salt

Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top while they’re still warm from the oven.

Step 12: Cool Down

Allow cookies to rest on the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for later.

With these easy steps, you’ll have delicious salted caramel pretzel chocolate chip cookies ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

These salted caramel pretzel chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether for a casual snack or a special occasion, here are some fun serving suggestions.

Pair with Milk

• A classic choice, milk complements the sweetness and richness of the cookies, creating the perfect balance.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Take two cookies and sandwich your favorite ice cream in between for a delicious dessert twist.

Coffee Accompaniment

• Serve with a hot cup of coffee. The bitterness of coffee contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a platter alongside other desserts like brownies or fruit tarts for an impressive dessert spread.

Gift Idea

• Package them in a decorative box or tin as a sweet gift for friends and family.

Movie Night Snack

• These cookies make an excellent sweet treat for a cozy movie night at home. Just add popcorn!

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the best salted caramel pretzel chocolate chip cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.

• Use Cold Butter: Start with cold butter to maintain the structure of your cookies. It will help create that chewy texture you desire.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Adjust Flour as Needed: If your dough seems too sticky, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be golden brown but still soft in the center when you take them out.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

These salted caramel pretzel chocolate chip cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors and textures. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of fruits adds a healthy contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Incorporate some mild cheeses like brie or gouda to balance out the cookie’s sweetness with savory flavors.

3. Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy contrast and complements the salty pretzels in the cookies.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie for an indulgent experience.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries alongside your cookies for a delightful breakfast or brunch option.

6. Coffee Cake: Serve slices of moist coffee cake as an additional sweet option that pairs beautifully with these decadent cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.

• Bold Butter: Using butter that is too warm can lead to flat cookies. Make sure to use cold, unsalted butter for the best results.
• Bold Not Measuring Flour Properly: Adding too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Bold Skipping the Chill Time: Not chilling the dough before baking can cause cookies to spread too much. Allow your dough to chill for at least 30 minutes if possible.
• Bold Overbaking: Baking them too long can result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and take them out once they are golden brown on the edges.
• Bold Forgetting the Sea Salt: Skipping the sea salt topping removes a key flavor element. Don’t forget to sprinkle it on top just before cooling!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen; wrap individually and place in a freezer bag.

Reheating Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely so they don’t become tough.
• Bold Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, covering with a lid to trap heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies are sweet and salty treats filled with gooey caramel, chocolate chips, and crunchy pretzels.

Can I substitute ingredients in Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes! You can use different types of chocolate chips or even add nuts for extra crunch.

How long do Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies last about 3-4 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I make Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will love. They’re perfect for any occasion and easy to customize with various mix-ins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these sweet and salty delights!