Save to Pinterest Baking these Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies brings instant holiday cheer to my kitchen every December They are the ideal blend of buttery sweetness and salty crunch shaped to look like classic pretzels with a dip of glossy chocolate and a shower of colorful sprinkles These cookies are a joy to make with kids and even more fun to share a perfect make ahead treat for cookie swaps or family gatherings
My family lights up every time these come out of the oven The smell alone puts everyone in a holiday mood and decorating them together has become one of our favorite traditions each year
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: gives the cookies their rich melt in your mouth texture Always use real butter for the best flavor and allow it to soften fully before creaming
- Granulated sugar: helps achieve just the right level of sweetness Use fine white sugar for smoothest dough
- Large egg: binds everything together and adds tenderness Choose fresh eggs for optimal texture
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors with warmth Opt for real vanilla instead of imitation if possible
- All purpose flour: provides the structure Make sure to measure by spooning and leveling for accuracy
- Baking powder: ensures lift and lightness in every bite Use a fresh batch for best results
- Fine sea salt: balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors Taste your salt before using as some brands can vary in intensity
- Semi sweet or milk chocolate for dipping: adds a luscious finishing touch Choose high quality chocolate that melts smoothly
- Festive sprinkles: create instant holiday appeal Go for assorted shapes and colors to add more whimsy
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling: adds a sparkle and an extra pop of flavor If using skip if you prefer only sweet cookies
- Chocolate variations: like white chocolate or candy melts make a fun twist just make sure you choose ones that melt well
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius to ensure even baking from the start
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Beat softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy This can take up to five minutes and is key for creating light tender cookies
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the dough looks creamy and cohesive This helps distribute flavor and structure evenly
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl whisk together flour baking powder and fine sea salt so that all leavening and salt are equally spaced throughout the dough
- Mix Dough Together:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients mixing gently just until combined Avoid over mixing to keep the cookies tender
- Shape Pretzels:
- Scoop one tablespoon of dough per cookie roll it between your hands into a rope about six inches long Shape into classic pretzel form and space on baking sheets to give them room to spread
- Bake Cookies:
- Bake for ten to twelve minutes or until cookie edges turn just lightly golden Cool cookies on the sheet for five minutes so they firm up then transfer to a wire rack
- Prep Chocolate:
- While cookies cool melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl using short bursts and stirring well until smooth This ensures the chocolate stays glossy
- Dip and Decorate:
- Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate Let extra drip off then place back on parchment Immediately go wild with sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like
- Set and Store:
- Let chocolate set either at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving or storing To prevent sticking keep layers separated with parchment
Save to Pinterest Last Christmas my daughter insisted on adding extra gold sprinkles to hers and now that is the family signature Every bite reminds me of how fun baking together can be and how each cookie carries a bit of our personality
Storage Tips
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to one week Layer with parchment between for best results so decorations stay intact If you have extra keep them in the refrigerator for up to ten days If stacking be gentle since the chocolate and sprinkles can be delicate
Ingredient Substitutions
For a dairy free version swap the butter with a high quality plant based spread and use dairy free chocolate If you are out of vanilla try pure almond extract for a nutty undertone To avoid egg use a flax egg as replacement and expect a slightly softer texture White chocolate and colored candy melts also work perfectly for decorating
Serving Suggestions
Pile on a holiday platter with other colorful cookies for a festive sweets table Add a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa on the side for that extra cozy touch I sometimes tie a few into cellophane gift bags with ribbon for impromptu neighbor gifts or leave a plate out for Santa with a note
Cultural and Historical Notes
Pretzel shaped cookies are a playful American take on traditional German pretzel breads which often make appearances in Christmas markets across Europe The act of shaping dough into pretzels is said to symbolize good luck and blessings for the new year Bringing that shape into a buttery shortbread style cookie merges old world tradition with modern holiday flair
Seasonal Adaptations
Use pastel colored sprinkles for springtime celebrations Dress cookies with orange and black for Halloween twists Try blue and silver decorations for wintry or Hanukkah themed treats
Success Stories
Last year my neighbor surprised us with a thank you note for these cookies saying they had never seen a dessert disappear so quickly at their party My little niece always asks for her own bowl of sprinkles so she can pile them high on every cookie These tiny moments of joy are what make this recipe a holiday keeper
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze undecorated baked cookies in a zip bag for up to two months Defrost at room temperature then dip and decorate for freshest taste and texture Or freeze dough ropes on trays then bake from frozen with a slight increase in bake time
Save to Pinterest Let the cookies cool set and decorate to bring out their irresistible look and flavor Share them with friends for instant holiday smiles
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the cookies into pretzels?
Roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into a 6-inch rope, then twist into a pretzel shape before baking.
- → Can I use white chocolate for dipping?
Yes, white chocolate or colored candy melts are great alternatives for a more festive look.
- → What is the best way to store the cookies?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for up to one week.
- → How can I add a nutty flavor?
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds onto the chocolate before it sets for a crunchy twist.
- → Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients used make these cookies vegetarian-friendly.
- → Any tips for melting chocolate smoothly?
Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, to avoid burning.