Pretzel M&M Cookies

Who can resist the sweet and salty combination of Pretzel M&M Cookies? These cookies are more than just your average treat; they are a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds). With a hint of crispiness from the pretzels and bursts of chocolate from the M&M’s, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering with friends. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!

Reasons to Love Pretzel M&M Cookies

• Sweet and Salty Delight: The combination of chocolate, pretzels, and cookie dough creates a perfect balance of flavors.
• Fun and Colorful: The vibrant colors of the M&M’s make these cookies visually appealing, perfect for parties or celebrations.
• Texture Galore: Enjoy the chewy cookie with crunchy pretzels and melty chocolate chips in every bite.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it a great choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups Pretzel M&M’s
• Sea salt for sprinkling on cookies

What’s in the Gear List

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for mixing dry ingredients and a medium bowl for wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure perfect cookies every time.
• Baking Sheet: Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars a breeze.

Cooking Pretzel M&M Cookies: The Process

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and Pretzel M&M’s until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie. This enhances the flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to bake on the sheet after removing them from the oven.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Pretzel M&M Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Better-for-You Options

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative.
• Swap half of the butter for unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor and potential health benefits.
• Try using coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.

Behind the Recipe

• This recipe was inspired by the classic combination of sweet and salty flavors found in many favorite snacks.
• The use of Pretzel M&M’s adds a unique twist to traditional chocolate chip cookies, making them a fun treat for all ages.
• These cookies are perfect for baking with kids, as they can help with mixing and adding the colorful candies.
• They also make a wonderful gift when packed in a festive box or jar for holidays and special occasions.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen. Enjoy fresh cookies anytime!

Helpful Q&A

Can I use different types of M&M’s?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of M&M’s, such as peanut butter or almond, to customize your cookies.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter instead. Just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

The Takeaway

Pretzel M&M Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: sweet chocolate and salty pretzels. They are easy to make, fun to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. The next time you find yourself craving something sweet, keep this recipe in mind—it’s sure to bring a smile to your face and joy to your taste buds. Happy baking!