Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

Name: Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 6 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped; 1 cup festive sprinkles; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Author: Amelia Sinclair

Published: November 11, 2025

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Introduction to Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

As the holidays approach, I often find myself searching for the perfect balance between easy and impressive. That’s where these Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies come in! Imagine cookies that blend the fun shape of pretzels with the delightful sweetness of chocolate. They not only look festive but taste incredible too. If you’re a busy mom or professional like me, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s quick enough for a hectic afternoon yet sure to wow your family and friends at gatherings. Let’s spread some holiday cheer with these delightful treats!

Why You’ll Love This Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

These Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies are a dream come true for busy holiday cooks. They’re quick to whip up and bring so much joy with their whimsical shape and delightful taste. I love how they offer a perfect blend of sweet and salty, making them irresistible. Plus, you can get the kids involved in decorating! It’s a fun family activity that spreads holiday cheer in every single bite.

Ingredients for Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

When it comes to making Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies, having the right ingredients makes all the difference. Each component plays a unique role, contributing to the delightful flavors and fun textures of these cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter: This adds creaminess and richness to the dough. Softening it first helps create that fluffy texture.
Granulated sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps them brown nicely in the oven.
Large egg: A binding agent that helps the dough hold together perfectly.
Vanilla extract: It infuses warmth and a delightful fragrance, enhancing the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and stability.
Baking powder: This little powerhouse gives the cookies a lift, making them tender and chewy.
Fine sea salt: A key ingredient that balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate works wonderfully for dipping, giving that sweet, luscious touch.
Festive sprinkles: The fun part! Add these on top to make the cookies look jolly and bright.
Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top can add a surprise burst of flavor, contrasting with the sweetness.

You can find exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, making it easy to print out your recipe!

How to Make Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

Preparing the Dough

Let’s dive into the fun part—making the dough for our Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies. First, grab a large mixing bowl and start by blending the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to mix until it’s light and fluffy—imagine a cloud of sweetness!

Once that’s done, incorporate your large egg and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is thoroughly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt; this helps distribute the leavening evenly. Now, gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until a uniform dough forms. Avoid overmixing, or you might end up with tough cookies. Trust me; a soft dough is key to deliciousness!

Shaping the Cookies

Now for the best part—shaping them into pretzels! Start by pinching off about a tablespoon of dough. Roll it into a rope, about six inches long. I like to visualize it like twisting a ribbon, creating a lovely pretzel shape by making a loop and crossing the ends over each other. Make sure to space them about two inches apart on your baking sheet, as they’ll expand during baking.

Baking the Pretzel Cookies

It’s time for the magic to happen! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Set the shaped pretzel cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, and slide them into the preheated oven.

Keep an eye on them; they’ll need about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for gently golden edges as the telltale sign of doneness. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and I can promise it’ll be hard to resist sneaking a taste before they cool!

Decorating the Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled for about five minutes on the tray, it’s time to get creative! Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s smooth and glossy—like a silky blanket for our pretzels.

Now, dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the coated cookies back on the parchment paper, and this is your moment to shine! Immediately sprinkle on the festive toppings, like sprinkles or a pinch of flaky sea salt, for that extra flair. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature before serving. You might want to hold off until they’re ready, as patience will reward you with the cutest cookies ever!

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for the best texture.
Use a light hand when mixing your dough; you want it to be soft and tender.
Let cooled cookies sit briefly before decorating to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Feel free to get kids involved in decorating for a fun family activity!
Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.

Equipment Needed

Baking sheets: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup; a silicone baking mat works too.
Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing dough and a separate one for dry ingredients.
Electric mixer or whisk: Either will do for blending ingredients smoothly.
Microwave-safe bowl: Essential for melting chocolate—glass or ceramic is perfect.

Variations on Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

For a nutty twist, try incorporating finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, into the dough.
opt for dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer and slightly healthier option.
Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten sensitivities.
Experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to add a holiday zing.
Mix up the sprinkles based on the occasion—think pastel for Easter or red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July!

Serving Suggestions for Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
Serve them on a festive platter adorned with holiday decor to impress your guests.
Consider a side of whipped cream cheese dip or soft vanilla icing for extra sweetness!

FAQs about Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before and refrigerate it. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. These Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies will taste just as delightful, and your planning will save you time!

How do I store leftovers?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll last up to a week if you can resist eating them all in one sitting! Always place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.

Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?

Definitely! You can use gluten-free flour for a delicious alternative, and for a dairy-free version, try using vegan butter. The chocolate-dipped cookies can also be swapped for dairy-free chocolate if needed.

What kind of chocolate works best for dipping?

I love semi-sweet chocolate, but milk chocolate or even dark chocolate creates fantastic results too. Feel free to experiment with flavored chocolate for an extra touch!

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes! These cookies freeze well. Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature!

Final Thoughts on Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies

Creating these Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about weaving warmth and joy into every bite. Each cookie tells a story of holiday cheer, bringing smiles to my family and friends. They’re perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon at home. The delightful blend of flavor and whimsical shape brings the holiday spirit alive. When I see those colorful sprinkles and hear the laughter in the kitchen, I know I’m crafting memories that will last a lifetime. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this festive baking adventure!