There’s a certain delight that comes with combining the crunch of pretzels and the sweetness of cookies, evoking a sense of nostalgia with every bite. Recently, I found myself craving something that would break the fast-food monotony, and that’s when I decided to whip up these Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies. Imagine pulling a tray of warm, gooey cookies from the oven, with the rich scent of melted chocolate and the tantalizing sweetness of praline wafting through your kitchen.
These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a conversation starter at any gathering. With their unique blend of flavors and textures—salty pretzels, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate—they’re bound to impress anyone lucky enough to snag one. Plus, they’re deceptively easy to make! In less than 30 minutes, you can create a delightful dessert that’s perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth or serving at your next gathering. Trust me, once you take a bite of these Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies, you’ll want to share the joy but keep the recipe a secret!
Why love these Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies?
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of salty pretzels and rich praline creates a deliciously unique cookie experience.
Easy Prep: You’ll whip up these divine cookies in under 30 minutes—perfect for both novice and experienced bakers!
Crowd Pleaser: Serve them at parties, and watch your friends rave over this delightful combo of sweet and salty.
Texture Variety: Enjoy the crunch of pretzels, the chewiness of cookies, and little bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Versatile Snack: Ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to impress!
Salted Pretzel Praline Cookie Ingredients
For the Praline Topping
• Salted butter – enhances the caramel flavors for the perfect sweet-and-salty balance.
• Dark brown sugar – adds deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the pretzels.
• Heavy cream – makes the praline sauce luscious and rich.
• Vanilla extract – brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the topping.
• Mini pretzel twists – the star ingredient, providing a satisfying crunch and saltiness.
• Raw pecans – add nutty flavor and crunch, making your cookies even more delightful!
• Flaky salt – a finishing touch that amplifies the sweetness and gives a lovely contrast.
For the Cookie Dough
• Salted butter – at room temperature, it helps to create a rich and creamy dough.
• Dark brown sugar – contributes a moist, chewy texture and rich flavor to the cookies.
• Granulated sugar – balances the deep flavor of brown sugar with a touch of sweetness.
• Large egg – binds the ingredients together, ensuring a chewy cookie texture.
• Egg yolk – adding an extra richness that keeps the cookies delightfully soft.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor profile for a warm, comforting taste.
• All-purpose flour – the base for your cookies; provide structure and stability.
• Baking soda – helps the cookies to spread and rise to a perfect texture.
• Baking powder – contributes to a light, airy texture that keeps cookies from being dense.
• Salt – important for balancing sweetness and bringing out all the flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – provides melty chocolate goodness throughout the cookies.
• Dark chocolate chunks – adds a sophisticated chocolate flavor that’s irresistible.
Your journey to create these Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies is about to begin—gather these ingredients, and let the magic happen in your kitchen!
How to Make Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your cookies. This sets you up for cookie success right from the start!
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Arrange the mini pretzel twists and chopped pecans in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. This will be the delicious base for your sweet praline topping.
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Combine the salted butter, dark brown sugar, and heavy cream in a pot over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely, then bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract, then pour the warm praline sauce over the pretzels and pecans, tossing to coat. Bake for 10 minutes until the sauce sticks beautifully. Sprinkle with flaky salt and let cool before chopping roughly.
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Cream together the room temperature salted butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Whip until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the large egg and egg yolk, mixing until fully incorporated.
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Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined. Fold in your pretzel and praline mixture, along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks for that extra chocolatey bliss!
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Roll out the cookie dough into 1/4 cup size balls and place them 3 inches apart on the baking sheet. Give them enough room to spread and create the perfect cookie shape!
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Bake for 8 minutes, then rotate the baking sheet and continue baking for another 3-5 minutes. The cookies should be golden and slightly puffy. Cool them on the baking sheet for a few minutes—this allows them to firm up perfectly!
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Serve warm and enjoy the gooey goodness, or let them cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Either way, they’re simply irresistible!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra sweet touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies?
These delightful cookies deserve a starring role on your dessert table, and pairing them just right can elevate the entire experience!
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Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess to the salty-sweet combo, perfectly balancing the flavors. As the ice cream melts, it creates a luscious sauce beneath the cookies that’s impossible to resist!
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Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm salted caramel over your cookies enhances the sweet-salty experience, creating a decadent indulgence for your taste buds. This rich addition takes your dessert to an entirely new level!
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Fresh Berries: Ripe strawberries or blueberries provide a fresh, tart contrast that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cookies. The juicy burst of fruit in each bite adds a lightness, making indulgence feel refreshing.
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Espresso or Coffee: A robust cup of espresso perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies, offering an inviting warmth that enhances every bite. The rich flavors of coffee create a delightful moment of comfort!
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Nutella Dip: Serve alongside a little bowl of Nutella for a rich chocolatey dip, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Every cookie dunk offers a new layer of deliciousness that will have everyone coming back for more.
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Chocolate Milkshake: A thick, creamy chocolate milkshake brings a nostalgic vibe that pairs wonderfully with the cookies. The cold, sweet shake echoes the cookie’s indulgent flavors while adding a fun twist to your dessert experience.
These pairings not only complement the Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies but will also create a memorable meal, perfect for sharing moments with family and friends!
Expert Tips for Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies
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Measure Ingredients Accurately: Make sure to measure your flour and sugars properly. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while overly packed brown sugar can result in overly sweet ones.
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Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your salted butter is at room temperature before creaming. This helps create a light, fluffy cookie dough for the best texture.
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Don’t Overmix Dough: When folding in the pretzels, pecans, and chocolate, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
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Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking, and remove them when they’re just slightly golden for that perfect chewy center!
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Chill the Dough (Optional): If time allows, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes. This can intensify the flavors and create thicker, more decadent cookies, enhancing that irresistible salted pretzel praline experience.
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Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle extra flaky salt on top after baking for a gourmet touch that elevates your cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the praline topping (step 3) up to 24 hours in advance—simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain that rich flavor. The cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the cookies just as delicious, roll the dough into balls and place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to bake, simply take them out of the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they’re cold. Enjoy the ease of delicious homemade cookies without the last-minute rush!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: For an even longer shelf life, keep the cookies in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Allow to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze individual cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to indulge.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes for that freshly baked taste again!
Salted Pretzel Praline Cookie Variations
Feel free to get creative and enhance these cookies with your unique twists and substitutions!
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Nut-Free: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative that maintains crunch and texture.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends without sacrificing flavor.
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Choco-Lover: Add an extra 1/2 cup of chocolate chips instead of using semi-sweet and dark, for an intense chocolate experience.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the dough for a surprising heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Coconut Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut for an enchanting tropical flavor that pairs well with the salty pretzels.
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Dried Fruit: Toss in some chopped dried cranberries or cherries for bursts of tartness that complement the sweetness of the cookies.
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Vegan-Friendly: Swap the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) to make these cookies vegan.
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Maple Syrup: Substitute dark brown sugar with maple syrup for a lighter sweetness with a unique earthy flavor that’s absolutely delightful.
Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of pretzels should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using mini pretzel twists for the perfect balance of crunch and saltiness. Their shape allows for even coating in the praline and gives each cookie a delightful crunch.
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they will stay fresh for about a week. Make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze these salted pretzel praline cookies?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these cookies! First, allow them to cool completely. Then, place the individual cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough seems a bit sticky, don’t panic! This can happen if the butter is too warm or if too much flour was added. To fix this, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to help it firm up. If it’s still too wet, gradually add a tablespoon of flour until you reach a manageable consistency.
Are there any special dietary considerations for this recipe?
If you have guests with dietary restrictions, you can make substitutions! For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you’re concerned about allergies to nuts, you can replace pecans with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to keep the crunch and flavor, while still crafting delightful cookies everyone can enjoy.
How can I enhance the chocolate flavor in my cookies?
For an even richer chocolate experience, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients or using a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cooled cookies for that beautiful gourmet touch!
Delicious Salted Pretzel Praline Cookies You Can't Resist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the mini pretzel twists and chopped pecans on the prepared baking sheet.
- Combine the salted butter, dark brown sugar, and heavy cream in a pot over medium heat. Stir until combined and thickened about 4-5 minutes. Add vanilla extract, pour over pretzels and pecans, and bake for 10 minutes.
- Cream together the salted butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and egg yolk, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined. Fold in pretzel and praline mixture, along with chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks.
- Roll dough into 1/4 cup size balls and place on the baking sheet, 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then rotate and continue baking for another 3-5 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Serve warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.