There's something magical about baking during the holidays, especially when it comes to Everything Christmas Cookies. I remember one Christmas when my son, Jake, decided to add his favorite snacks to the cookie mix. We ended up with a delightful mess, but those cookies were a hit! These Christmas Cookies With Pretzels are a fun twist on the classic, and they’ll surely bring joy to your holiday gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re a fun mix of sweet and salty flavors.
- You can use whatever snacks you have on hand.
- Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or family gatherings.
- They’re easy to make, even with kids helping out!
Pure Comfort
Baking cookies is like wrapping your family in a warm hug. The smell of melting chocolate and caramelized sugar fills the air, making everyone feel cozy and nostalgic. These Everything Christmas Cookies bring back memories of laughter and joy, reminding us of the love shared around the kitchen table. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, spreading that warm, fuzzy feeling even further.
What You Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Can substitute with coconut oil.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar works.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – You can use all brown sugar if preferred.
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature eggs are best.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – Use almond extract for a different flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Gluten-free flour can be used.
- 1 tsp baking soda – Make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Use sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Mix dark and milk chocolate for variety.
- 1 cup pretzels, crushed – Any pretzel type works well.
- 1 cup M&Ms or other candies – Use seasonal candies for a festive touch.
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional) – Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10-12 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, dough can be chilled for up to 3 days.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. The warmth will create a cozy atmosphere as you bake.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and glossy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly throughout the dough.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix or your cookies might turn out tough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, M&Ms, and nuts if using. The colorful mix will make your cookies look festive!
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked; that’s perfect!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy the delightful aroma while they cool!
- Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for days—if they last that long!
Make It Perfect
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to scoop.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
- Experiment with different mix-ins based on your family’s favorites.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Let kids help with mixing and adding ingredients for a fun family activity!
Mix It Up
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm spice note.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a glass of cold milk.
- Pair with hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Enjoy alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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FAQs
How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough in balls and bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
Can I add other snacks?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in your favorite candies or snacks.
Conclusion
These Everything Christmas Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. With their delightful mix of flavors and textures, they’ll bring smiles to everyone around. So grab your ingredients, gather the family, and start baking these Christmas Cookies With Pretzels today!
Everything Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, M&Ms, and nuts if using.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, store them in an airtight container.