Creating Memories with Strawberry Pretzel Cookies
Growing up, my grandmother had a knack for turning the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary. One of my fondest memories is of her Strawberry Pretzel Cookies—a delightful blend of sweet and salty that always seemed to fill the house with warmth and laughter. These cookies were a staple at our family gatherings, and I remember watching her effortlessly whip them up while sharing stories and laughter. Today, I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you. It’s perfect for creating new memories with your loved ones, just as it has done for my family.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Pretzel Cookies
Sweet and Salty Perfection
The combination of sweet strawberry jam and salty pretzels creates a delightful flavor balance that’s sure to satisfy every taste bud. The pretzels provide a crunchy, salty contrast that highlights the sweetness of the strawberry jam, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors. This unique pairing is what makes these cookies stand out from the usual cookie offerings.
Quick and Easy
With a total cook time of just 16 minutes, these cookies are perfect for a last-minute treat or a sweet addition to any family dinner. The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you crave something sweet but don’t have much time to spare.
Family-Friendly Fun
These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a great activity for family baking sessions. Children will love rolling the dough balls in the pretzel mixture and creating indentations for the jam. It’s a wonderful way to introduce them to the joys of baking while spending quality time together.
Versatile and Delicious
Whether you’re serving them as a dessert or a snack, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their versatility means they can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether as a midday snack or a delightful finish to a meal.
Perfect for Gifting
Their unique flavor and charming appearance make them a great homemade gift for friends and family. Pack them in a decorative box or tin, and you have a thoughtful, homemade gift that shows you care.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 24-28 cookies
Calories: 211 kcal per serving
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 aside.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. This mixture will form the crunchy outer layer of the cookies, adding a satisfying texture to each bite.
In a large bowl, break apart the sugar cookie dough. Add the cream cheese and flour, mixing until the dough is soft and workable. The cream cheese enriches the dough, creating a soft, flavorful base for the cookies.
Form the dough into 24 to 28 small balls, about 1¼ inches each. Roll each ball in the pretzel mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place on the baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. This step ensures that each cookie is evenly coated with the pretzel mixture, providing a consistent flavor and texture.
Gently press an indentation into each ball using your thumb or a measuring spoon. Avoid pressing through completely. This indentation will hold the strawberry jam, creating a delightful pocket of sweetness.
Bake for 10 to 13 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden. Redefine the indentations if needed, then cool on a wire rack. The baking process brings out the flavors of the ingredients, creating a deliciously aromatic treat.
Once cooled, fill each cookie with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam. The jam adds a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the salty pretzel coating.
For the drizzle, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk for drizzling consistency if needed. Drizzle over cookies and enjoy! The drizzle adds a final touch of sweetness and elegance to the cookies.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheets: Essential for even baking. Using quality baking sheets ensures that the cookies bake evenly, preventing any burnt edges or undercooked centers.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. It also helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring a perfect bake every time.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients. Having a variety of sizes on hand can make the process smoother and more efficient.
- Measuring spoons: To create perfect indentations. These ensure that each cookie has the right amount of jam, maintaining consistency in flavor and appearance.
- Wire rack: For cooling the cookies evenly. Cooling the cookies on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy, maintaining their crisp texture.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Mini Pretzels
Provide a crunchy, salty contrast to the sweet elements. They’re not just a flavor enhancer but also add texture, making the cookies more interesting and satisfying to eat.
Strawberry Jam
Adds a burst of fruity sweetness and vibrant color. Its natural sweetness is a perfect complement to the saltiness of the pretzels, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Cream Cheese
Offers a creamy texture that enhances the dough’s richness. It adds a subtle tanginess that deepens the overall flavor of the cookies.
Sugar Cookie Dough
The base that holds everything together, providing sweetness and structure. Its buttery flavor forms the perfect canvas for the other ingredients to shine.
Powdered Sugar and Milk
Create a smooth, sweet drizzle that ties the flavors together. The drizzle adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of sweetness, making the cookies look as good as they taste.
What to Serve With These Strawberry Pretzel Cookies
These cookies are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and desserts. Serve them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination, or enjoy them alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a delightful dessert spread, consider pairing them with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream or alongside our Chocolate Chip Muffins for a sweet variety. Their unique flavor profile also complements savory dishes, making them a surprising and delightful addition to a charcuterie board.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Store your Strawberry Pretzel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them in an airtight container maintains their freshness and prevents them from becoming stale. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. Freezing them in a single layer prevents them from sticking together, making it easy to grab just the amount you need.
Creating a Cookie Tradition
Baking these Strawberry Pretzel Cookies isn’t just about making a delicious treat; it’s about creating a tradition. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. The process of making these cookies is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. As you mix, roll, and bake, you’re not just creating cookies; you’re creating memories.
Encourage your family to join in the fun. Assign tasks to each family member, from crushing the pretzels to drizzling the final icing. This not only makes the process more enjoyable but also helps instill a love for cooking and baking in younger generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Strawberry Pretzel Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience waiting to happen. They embody the perfect balance of sweet and salty, while their quick preparation time and simple ingredients make them accessible to everyone. Whether you’re creating them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy making memories and sharing these cookies with your loved ones! Let the tradition of creating and sharing delicious food continue, one cookie at a time.
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.