Strawberry Pretzel Cookies: A Sweet & Salty Delight
When I think about the joys of baking, my mind drifts back to lazy Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen with my kids, flour dusting the countertops, and the sweet aroma of baked treats wafting through the house. One of our absolute favorites—and a guaranteed winner for family gatherings—are these delightful Strawberry Pretzel Cookies. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and creamy, that makes these cookies irresistible. They remind me of the classic pretzel salad my grandmother used to make, but in a fun, handheld form. Plus, they’re perfect for when you need a quick dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor or charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly Fun: These cookies are a joy to make with kids. Let them crush the pretzels or roll the dough balls; it’s a fantastic way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 3 minutes, you’ll have these cookies ready in a flash. Perfect for those last-minute dessert needs.
- Everyday Ingredients: All the ingredients are likely already in your pantry or just a quick trip to the store away. No fancy items required!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or attending a potluck, these cookies are sure to impress with their unique flavor and texture combination.
- Sweet-Salty Perfection: The balance of the sweet strawberry jam with the salty pretzels creates a flavor profile that’s bound to satisfy every palate.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups mini pretzels (coarsely crushed)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 roll (16.5 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup seedless strawberry jam (stirred)
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk (more as needed)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Prepare the pretzel coating by stirring together the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl until well combined.
Mix the cookie dough: In a large bowl, break apart the sugar cookie dough and add in 3 ounces of softened cream cheese and flour. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until fully blended and soft.
Form the cookie balls: Scoop the dough into 24 to 28 small balls, about 1¼ inches each. Roll each ball in the pretzel mixture, pressing gently to help it stick. Arrange on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Create indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. Avoid pressing all the way through.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. If the indentations have puffed up, press them down slightly again while the cookies are hot. Let them cool on the pan for one minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Jam filling: Once the cookies are cool, fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam.
Prepare the drizzle: In a small bowl, stir together 2 ounces of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the tops of the cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
Nutrition (per cookie):
- Calories: 211 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
- Sodium: 403 mg
- Sugar: 11 g
Time:
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring spoons
- Wire rack
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Mini Pretzels
Mini pretzels are more than just a crunchy snack; in these cookies, they are the key to achieving that delightful sweet-salty balance. The pretzels are coarsely crushed to provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft cookie dough. Their saltiness enhances the sweetness of the strawberry jam and the sugar cookie dough, creating a harmonious flavor profile that excites the taste buds.
Sugar Cookie Dough
Using pre-made sugar cookie dough is a smart shortcut for busy bakers. It offers a buttery, sweet base that pairs perfectly with the rich, tangy cream cheese and the fruity strawberry jam. The dough’s consistency is ideal for forming into balls and pressing into thumbprint cookies, making it a versatile component of this recipe.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a beloved ingredient that adds richness and a subtle tang to both the cookie dough and the drizzle. It enhances the texture, making the cookies soft and creamy, and complements the sweetness of the jam. The cream cheese drizzle adds a layer of decadence, ensuring each bite is as delightful as the last.
Strawberry Jam
Strawberry jam is the star of these cookies, offering a burst of fruity sweetness that brings to mind the warmth of summer days. Its vibrant color and flavor are an inviting contrast to the golden cookies and creamy drizzle. Stirring the jam before use ensures a smooth, spoonable consistency for filling the cookie indentations.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is the perfect sweetener for the cream cheese drizzle. Its fine texture ensures a smooth, lump-free finish, enhancing the visual appeal of the cookies. It dissolves easily into the cream cheese and milk, lending a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
What to Serve With This Dish
Strawberry Pretzel Cookies are versatile and can be served with a variety of beverages and treats. Pair them with:
A hot cup of coffee or tea: The warmth and bitterness of coffee or tea complement the sweet and salty flavors of the cookies beautifully.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream: For a delightful dessert experience, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Fresh strawberries: Enhance the strawberry flavor by serving these cookies with fresh strawberries on the side.
For more dessert inspirations, check out my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread or Easy Apple Crisp recipes.
Storage & Leftover Tips
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for future snacking:
At Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’ll maintain their texture and flavor well.
In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. The cold will help preserve the cream cheese drizzle.
Freezing Tips: You can freeze the cookies before adding the jam and drizzle. Just thaw them at room temperature, then add the toppings before serving.
For additional tips on storing baked goods, visit Food Network’s guide on cookie storage.
Variations & Customization
One of the joys of baking is the ability to tweak and customize recipes to suit your personal tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for making these Strawberry Pretzel Cookies your own:
Alternative Jams
While strawberry jam is a classic choice for these cookies, feel free to experiment with other jams or preserves. Raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry jams can add a unique twist to the flavor profile. Just ensure the jam is seedless for a smooth filling.
Chocolate Drizzle
For chocolate lovers, consider adding a chocolate drizzle alongside or instead of the cream cheese drizzle. Melt some semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
Gluten-Free Option
If you’re catering to a gluten-free audience, look for gluten-free pretzels and sugar cookie dough. These alternatives are widely available in stores and work just as well in this recipe.
Nutty Variation
If you’re a fan of nuts, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the pretzel coating. The nuts will add an extra layer of crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Festive Sprinkles
For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles to the cream cheese drizzle before it sets. This is a fun way to make the cookies visually appealing and can be tailored to match any holiday or celebration theme.
Final Thoughts
In closing, I hope you enjoy making these Strawberry Pretzel Cookies as much as I do. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself, remember that the best recipes are those shared with love. Happy baking, my friends!
Strawberry Pretzel Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, stir together the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, break apart the sugar cookie dough. Add in the cream cheese and flour. Use a wooden spoon (or clean hands) to mix until everything is fully blended and the dough is soft and workable.
- Scoop the dough into 24 to 28 small balls, about 1¼ inches each. Roll each ball in the pretzel mixture, gently pressing to help it stick. Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Use your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball. Be careful not to press all the way through.
- Bake for 10 to 13 minutes or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. Once out of the oven, quickly press the indentations again to deepen them slightly if they’ve puffed up. Let cookies cool on the pan for one minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, fill each cookie with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam.
- To make the drizzle, stir together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Add a splash of more milk to reach a drizzling consistency if needed.
- Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle over the tops of the cookies.