Festive Pretzel Christmas Cookies (Printer View)
Buttery pretzel-shaped cookies dipped in chocolate and sprinkles—perfect for festive 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 (red, green, white, gold, etc.)
10 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until mixture is light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a uniform dough is achieved.
06 - Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a 6-inch rope. Form each rope into a pretzel shape and arrange on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
08 - Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
09 - Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Return cookies to the parchment paper and immediately decorate with festive sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired.
10 - Allow cookies to sit undisturbed until the chocolate is fully set before serving or storing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Delightfully festive and visually appealing
- Easy enough for beginner bakers to master
02 -
- You can use white chocolate or colored candy melts for extra festive variety
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week
03 -
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds on the chocolate
- Make the dough ahead and chill it for easier shaping