Pretzel Cookies
Chewy, sweet pretzel cookies with colorful sugar accents offer a delightful combination of soft cookie and pretzel flavors, perfect for parties or as a fun treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, margarine, milk, vanilla, almond extract, and egg until well combined.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough comes together.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide the chilled dough into 4 equal squares.
- Take one square and divide it into 12 equal pieces, keeping remaining dough refrigerated.
- Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of colored sugar on a work surface.
- Roll each piece into a pencil-like strip on the sugared surface and twist into a pretzel shape.
- Place the pretzels on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Repeat with remaining dough pieces.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract can be used instead. Ensure the dough is well-chilled before shaping to prevent spreading during baking. To achieve a more colorful finish, try using different colors of sugar or even sprinkles for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
These pretzel cookies make a delightful snack on their own but can also be served with a sweet dip, like chocolate or caramel sauce. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For a more festive touch, serve them alongside other treats such as Delicious Pound Cake or Good For You Scones during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pretzel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pretzel Cookies contains roughly 41 calories, with 0g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out to ensure it's easier to work with.
What can I use instead of colored sugar?
If you don't have colored sugar, you can use granulated sugar or coarse sugar for a different texture. Alternatively, you could drizzle the pretzels with melted chocolate after baking for a sweet finish or sprinkle them with sea salt for a savory twist.
Why did my pretzel cookies spread too much?
If your pretzel cookies spread excessively, it might be due to the dough being too warm. Make sure to chill it thoroughly before shaping. Additionally, ensure that your baking powder is fresh, as old leavening agents can affect the structure and rise of your cookies.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).