Salted caramel and pretzels? Be still my beating heart! These sweet and salty Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies are the ultimate in cozy, comforting dessert bliss. With their golden, crisp edges, rich salted caramel filling, and satisfying pretzel crunch, these cookies are guaranteed to be a new family favorite. They’re the perfect treat to share with loved ones — whether you’re cozying up on the couch or celebrating a special occasion. And the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. So let’s dive in and whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies, shall we?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies
These Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies are the ultimate in flavor and texture. The combination of sweet caramel, salty pretzels, and buttery cookie dough creates a harmony of flavors that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. But beyond the mouthwatering taste, these cookies are also incredibly easy to make, even for home bakers with limited experience. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time. And the best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can put your own spin on them. Whether you prefer crunchy or chewy cookies, want to amp up the saltiness, or are craving a touch of chocolate, these cookies are a blank canvas for your baking creativity. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the pure joy of homemade, imperfectly perfect Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies.
Ingredients
To make these dreamy Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. You’ll start with a base of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, which will give the cookies their sturdy structure. Then, you’ll cream together butter and brown sugar to create a rich, caramel-y flavor. Eggs and vanilla extract add moisture and depth of flavor, while a generous helping of crushed pretzels brings the irresistible salty crunch. Finally, you’ll swirl in a luscious salted caramel filling, which will ooze and melt in your mouth with every bite.
- 2 cups (250g) – All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) – Baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) – Salt
- 1 cup (227g) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (220g) – Brown sugar
- 2 (100g) – Large eggs
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) – Vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) – Crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (55g) – Brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) – Salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pretzels: Try using crunchy thin pretzel sticks, chewy mini twists, or even flavored pretzels like jalapeño or cheddar for a unique twist.
- Caramel Filling: For a chocolatey twist, you can swirl in some melted chocolate or add chocolate chips to the dough.
How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies
Let’s start by getting everything ready for baking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
Step 1: Prep Work
Now it’s time to bring in the star ingredients – the pretzels! Crush the pretzels into small pieces, either with your hands or by pulsing them in a food processor. You want a mix of larger and smaller pretzel bits to create that perfect crunchy texture. Fold the crushed pretzels into the cookie dough until they’re evenly distributed.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your fingers to gently press a small well into the center of each dough ball. This will be where you’ll add the salted caramel filling later. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the cookies are baking, prepare the salted caramel filling. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the caramel has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the caramel cool for a few minutes. Once the cookies have finished baking, carefully spoon a small amount of the warm salted caramel into the center well of each cookie. The caramel will continue to set as the cookies cool.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Salted Caramel Intensity: Be sure to taste the salted caramel filling as you’re making it and adjust the salt to your liking. Try experimenting with different types of salt, like smoked or pink Himalayan, for a unique twist.
- Crunchy or Chewy Cookies: For a chewier cookie, be sure not to overbake them and try adding an extra egg yolk to the dough. To make them extra crunchy, roll the dough into balls and coat them in a pretzel or caramel topping before baking.
- Chocolate Addition: Swirl in some melted chocolate or add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a decadent chocolatey twist.
- Flavored Pretzels: Switch up the pretzel flavor by using cheddar, jalapeño, or other flavored pretzels.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a cup of coffee or hot tea.
Storage: Once cooled, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To enjoy the cookies after freezing, simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead: The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
For more cozy cookie recipes, sweet-and-salty treats, and irresistible caramel desserts, explore our Pinterest.
Nutrition Information
These Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies are a treat, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each cookie contains approximately 200 calories, with 10 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 175 mg
Irresistible Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies
Deliciously sweet and salty cookies with crushed pretzels and gooey salted caramel, perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: 🍪 Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup crushed pretzels
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the crushed pretzels and chocolate chips.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with a bit of salted caramel sauce.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
You can also sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, salted caramel, pretzel cookies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed. This makes for a super-convenient last-minute dessert option.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, these Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies freeze beautifully. Once the cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature.
Can I use a different type of pretzel?
Absolutely! While the classic pretzel flavor pairs beautifully with the salted caramel, you can definitely experiment with different types of pretzels. Try using crunchy thin pretzel sticks, chewy mini twists, or even flavored pretzels like jalapeño or cheddar for a unique twist.
How can I make the cookies chewier?
If you prefer a chewier cookie, you can try a few things. First, be sure not to overbake the cookies – pull them out of the oven when the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. You can also try adding an extra egg yolk to the dough, which will give the cookies a richer, chewier texture. Finally, for an even chewier cookie, you can chill the dough for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days) before baking.
Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make the salted caramel filling in advance. Simply prepare the caramel as directed, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, just spoon the cold caramel into the centers.