Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies (Print Version)

Buttery cookies shaped as pretzels, dipped in chocolate, finished with colorful sprinkles—perfect for celebrations.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Decoration

08 - 6 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped
09 - 1 cup festive sprinkles
10 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy.
03 - Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, beating until thoroughly combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
05 - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending only until a uniform dough forms.
06 - Pinch off about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a rope approximately 6 inches in length. Shape into a pretzel and transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
09 - Dip half of each pretzel-shaped cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place the cookies back on parchment paper and adorn immediately with festive sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.
10 - Let chocolate set at room temperature before serving or storing in an airtight container.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Festive for any holiday table
  • Simple step by step process is beginner friendly
  • Uses everyday pantry ingredients you probably already have
  • Ready from start to finish in under an hour
  • Customizable with different chocolates and decorative sprinkles
02 -
  • Rich in memory making power since kids love shaping and decorating these cookies
  • Can be made ahead and stored for up to one week making them perfect for busy seasons
  • Easy to swap sprinkles and chocolates to fit any celebration or theme
03 -
  • Sift flour before using if you want a super delicate crumb
  • Use room temperature butter for the best creaming result cold butter will not fluff up as smoothly
  • If in a hurry let chocolate set in the freezer for ten minutes to firm faster
  • Do not over bake aim for cookies just set at the edges for that perfect melt in your mouth bite
  • A little extra vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon can add an unexpected twist and extra depth

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