Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

Bake sweet and salty salted caramel pretzel chocolate chip cookies for a unique treat. Each cookie is packed with milk chocolate chips, crunchy pretzels, and a gooey caramel center. Chilled butter adds texture, while a sprinkle of sea salt tops off each batch for a perfect balance of flavors. These cookies are quick to prepare, make about 30, and offer soft centers with irresistible crunchy edges. Savor warm for maximum gooeyness or store in an airtight container for a few days of enjoyment.

Updated on Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:56:21 GMT
Freshly baked salted caramel pretzel chocolate chip cookies piled on a plate, gooey caramel centers showing. Save
Freshly baked salted caramel pretzel chocolate chip cookies piled on a plate, gooey caramel centers showing. | forkandbloom.com

Salted caramel pretzel chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate sweet and salty cookie for those who love their desserts with a bit of crunch and goo. Every bite brings together chewy caramel, crisp pretzels, puddles of chocolate, and a finishing sparkle of sea salt for a bakery-worthy treat at home. These are my go-to cookies any time a weekend or family movie night calls for something more exciting than classic chocolate chip.

Last winter I baked a double batch for a fundraiser and not a single cookie was left behind The caramel center really does make people swoon

Ingredients

  • Butter cold unsalted: for a sturdy dough that bakes up thick slice it straight from the fridge for best results
  • Brown sugar: for richness and chew opt for dark brown for deeper flavor if you like
  • White sugar: for crisp edges and sweetness use organic if available
  • Eggs room temperature: for easy mixing fresh eggs help cookies rise well
  • Vanilla extract: for warmth and depth real vanilla makes a difference here
  • All-purpose flour: provides the base look for unbleached if possible
  • Cornstarch: keeps cookies soft and tender in the center buy in small amounts for freshness
  • Baking soda and baking powder: help create lift and spread always check expiration dates for full effect
  • Salt: brings out the other flavors fine sea salt is my favorite for even mixing
  • Milk chocolate chips: creamy and melt-in-your-mouth try a good brand with real cocoa butter
  • Chopped pretzels: for crunch and salty contrast go for salted twist pretzels and chop just before using for maximum crispness
  • Soft caramels: for a gooey surprise in each bite Werthers or a similar brand works well
  • Coarse sea salt: for that iconic bakery finish Maldon or another flaky variety looks beautiful and tastes wonderful

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit which helps create a crisp edge while keeping the center tender
Cream the Butter:
Slice cold butter and place in a large bowl Beat with a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until it softens but is still slightly cool Scrape the sides so no chunks remain
Beat in the Sugars:
Add brown sugar and white sugar Beat the mixture for a full 1 to 2 minutes until fluffy and light in color This step is essential for a soft chewy texture
Mix in Eggs and Vanilla:
Add eggs and vanilla extract Beat just until the mixture is combined Over-beating can cause cookies to spread too much
Combine Dry Ingredients:
Add flour cornstarch baking soda baking powder and salt Gently mix on low until just blended Stop once no flour streaks remain to avoid tough cookies
Fold in the Mix-ins:
Pour in chocolate chips and chopped pretzels Use a spatula to stir them in by hand This prevents overworking the dough and keeps mix-ins intact
Prepare the Caramel Centers:
Slice each caramel in half unless they are already bite-sized Set aside and work quickly so they do not melt in your hands
Shape and Fill the Cookies:
Measure roughly two heaping tablespoons of dough Press each into a flat disc Place a caramel half in the center Enclose the caramel fully by rolling the dough around it into a ball
Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Line baking trays with parchment paper or a silicone mat Nestle nine dough balls per tray leaving space for spreading
Bake the Cookies:
Slide cookies into the oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes Watch for golden edges and set tops Most ovens need about 10 minutes for the ideal soft center
Add Sea Salt:
Once out of the oven sprinkle immediately with coarse sea salt The heat helps the salt stick and melts slightly into the tops
Cool the Cookies:
Leave cookies on the baking sheet for five minutes to set up and finish cooking in the center Move to a rack to cool completely or indulge while warm for an oozy caramel treat
Store for Freshness:
Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature They stay fresh for three to four days
A plate of cookies with chocolate and pretzels. Save
A plate of cookies with chocolate and pretzels. | krispywithmia.com

I will never forget the year my niece helped crush all the pretzels with a rolling pin We laughed for ages at the mess but the extra crunchy pieces made those cookies extra special

Storage Tips

Keep cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days For longer storage slip the cookies into freezer bags and freeze They defrost beautifully in about an hour on the counter Warm them in the microwave for ten seconds for a gooey caramel middle like they are fresh from the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to avoid dairy swap in a plant-based butter stick and dairy-free caramels Dark chocolate chips make an excellent substitution for milk chocolate or try adding peanut butter chips alongside the chocolate for a twist Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used if needed just be sure to check pretzels for wheat-free certification

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies slightly warm for maximum gooey caramel and melty chocolate A small scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies also turns them into an amazing summer treat They make a brilliant addition to holiday dessert trays or as edible gifts tied up with ribbon

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved American classic with endless variations The combination of salty caramel and pretzels nods to festive carnivals and bake sale nostalgia For a seasonal spin add a touch of cinnamon in autumn or swap the pretzels for chopped peppermint candy at the holidays

A stack of chocolate chip cookies with pretzels on top. Save
A stack of chocolate chip cookies with pretzels on top. | krispywithmia.com

Enjoy every bite with a cold drink or a scoop of ice cream These cookies are sure to disappear fast so make a double batch if you want any leftovers

Recipe FAQ

How can I get gooey centers?

Place a caramel piece in the center of each dough ball before baking. Enjoy warm for extra gooeyness.

Can I use dark chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips offer a richer flavor that pairs well with the salty pretzels and sweet caramel.

What’s the best way to chop pretzels?

Use a sharp knife or place pretzels in a ziplock bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin for even pieces.

How do I know when they're done baking?

The cookies are ready when the tops and edges turn golden, usually around 10 minutes. Avoid overbaking for soft centers.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, portion and shape dough balls with caramel centers and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies

Gooey, sweet and salty cookies bursting with chocolate, pretzels, and caramel, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Sweet Desserts

Skill Level Medium

Cultural Background American

Output 30 Portion Count

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Dairy

01 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces

Sugars

01 1 cup packed light brown sugar
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Eggs

01 2 large eggs

Flavorings

01 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 tablespoon cornstarch
03 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

Mix-ins

01 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
02 1 1/2 cups chopped pretzels
03 15 soft caramels, each cut in half

Topping

01 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to come to temperature.

Stage 02

Cream Butter: Cut the cold butter into slices and place in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a stand mixer using the paddle attachment until the butter begins to smooth.

Stage 03

Incorporate Sugars: Add brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Beat for 1 to 2 minutes until fully combined and creamy.

Stage 04

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, blending until just combined. Scrape the bowl as needed.

Stage 05

Combine Dry Ingredients: Add all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until the wet and dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Stage 06

Fold in Mix-ins: Fold chocolate chips and chopped pretzels into the dough until evenly distributed.

Stage 07

Prepare the Caramel Centers: Cut each soft caramel in half if large or keep whole if the pieces are small.

Stage 08

Shape the Cookies: Scoop 2 heaping tablespoons of dough per cookie. Flatten each portion, place a caramel piece in the center, then wrap dough around the caramel to seal.

Stage 09

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place up to 9 cookies per baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone liner, spacing evenly.

Stage 10

Bake: Bake for 8 to 12 minutes until tops and bottoms are golden, typically about 10 minutes.

Stage 11

Add Sea Salt: Immediately sprinkle each cookie with coarse sea salt while still warm.

Stage 12

Cool the Cookies: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely or enjoy warm.

Stage 13

Store: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 4 days.

Necessary tools

  • Stand mixer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone liner

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains dairy and eggs.
  • Double-check all ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination with known allergens.

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 219
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 3 g