GET CONNECTED
RECENT POSTS
  • December 10, 2020
    Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
  • November 16, 2020
    Apple Cider Donuts
  • October 26, 2020
    Sloppy Joe Bombs
  • October 23, 2020
    Jack O’ Lantern Cookies
  • September 23, 2020
    Halloween Chocolate Dipped Cookies
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • FAMILY LIFE
  • TRAVEL
  • FOODIE
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH US
Type and hit ENTER
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • FAMILY LIFE
  • TRAVEL
  • FOODIE
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH US
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH US
  • DISCLOSURE POLICY
  • PRIVACY POLICY
FOLLOW US ON OUR JOURNEY...
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • FAMILY LIFE
  • TRAVEL
  • FOODIE
  • CONTACT
  • WORK WITH US
Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies
Share
Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies ready to eat
FOODIE

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies

October 21, 2019
-
Posted by Stephanie
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you are looking to impress your guests, use this Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies recipe. The salt from the pretzels compliment the chocolate in a unique way. And when your guests bite into the cookie, they will be happily surprised with a caramel center.

Lots of Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies

Sydney and I have been in a cookie rut here lately. We feel like we have been making the same old family favorite recipes over and over again. So we went on a recipe creation journey. We also went on a new ingredient journey. We love trying new creations with new ingredients. It just seems to bring new life into our cooking and baking. We had gotten away from this with our cookies for some reason. Well, we decided to remedy this cookie situation starting with these delicious Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies.

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies Creation

Initially, these were going to have more of a sugar cookie base with chocolate chunks and pretzels. Then after doing some research on Dutch- process cocoa (which we will talk about here in just a minute) we decided to make them more of a chocolate cookie because we were so excited to try this Dutch-process cocoa. After some tweaking, we decided to add some sea salt on top. Finally, after some time and trial & error, may we introduce to you the Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies recipe. It is so funny how many times we start a recipe creation with something specific in mind and many times end up with a completely different or slightly different recipe. That is what makes recipe creation so much fun for us! One thing we can say about creating recipes is that it is never boring!

Pretzel bits and sea salt on top of cookies

Dutch-Process Cocoa

As I was researching unusual baking ingredients, I ran across Dutch-process cocoa. The more I found out about it the more intrigued I became. After talking with Sydney, we decided we definitely needed to get some and start creating. We kept seeing and hearing about Bensdorp Dutch-Process Cocoa made by King Arthur Flour. It kept getting rave reviews so we settled on this brand. Come to find out…no one in our area carried it. We had to order it online from Amazon. Let me tell you what, we will be ordering a lot more of it in the future. We are in love!

Dutch-Process Cocoa vs. Traditional Cocoa

Why Dutch-process cocoa? Dutch-process cocoa has been nuetralized of acidity. When cocoa has been alkalized (neutralized of acidity) it becomes darker in color and more mellow in flavor over traditional cocoa. It also dissolves more easily into liquids. This makes it great for sauces and icings. Traditional or natural cocoa has a higher acidic level and is more bitter.

A pile of Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies
Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies ready to eat

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies

Chocolate cookie dough with pieces of pretzels and chocolate chips throughout.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 11 mins
Total Time 31 mins
Course Dessert
Servings 18 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa we used King Arthur Flour's Bensdorp Dutch-Process Cocoa
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 sticks salted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 extra large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup chopped pretzels not too fine, this will create pretzel dust
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 9 Kraft Caramels unwrapped and cut in half
  • extra sea salt optional, for the top of the cookies (to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Whisk the cocoa, flour, sea salt and baking soda together in a medium size mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugars together in a large mixing bowl. Beat until creamy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add in the vanilla and mix until just combined.
  • Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture. Add it in gradually (we added it in five separate additions). Beating between additions. Beat until just combined each time.
  • Gently fold in the chopped pretzels and chocolate chips.
  • Roll the cookie dough into balls. The balls should be about 1 1/2 teaspoons of cookie dough. Place on baking sheet. Press half of a caramel into each ball. You will want the cookie dough completely covering the caramel.
  • Optional: sprinkle the tops of the cookies with a little bit of sea salt.
  • Bake cookies for 11-13 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire cookie rack to finish cooling.

Notes

We found that flattening the halves of the Kraft Caramels allowed for a more equal distribution of caramel.  If you don't flatten them, there will be more caramel in the center of the cookies.
Keyword baking, caramel, chocolate, cookies, dessert, Fall recipe, from scratch, homemade, sweets
Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies close up

Tips For Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies

Sydney and I traditionally make our cookies larger. We just love a big cookie for whatever reason. We found with these cookies that smaller is better for the baking process. They bake more evenly. So we ended up using about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie.

When you are chopping up the pretzels, chop them up into bite-sized pieces. Don’t chop them up so fine that you have a good bit of pretzel dust. You want the pieces of pretzels to be noticed and tasted.

The sea salt sprinkled on the tops of the cookies is optional. We like a little salt variation with our sweets sometimes. This is definitely true in our 24 Hour Chocolate Chip Cookies! You may feel that the salt from the pretzels and the salt in the cookie dough is enough for you. Either way works. It is just a matter of personal tastes.

A stack of cookies on marble countertop

We hope you enjoyed our journey with us through a whole new type of cookie and a completely new ingredient. We would love your feedback about your thoughts and tastes on Dutch-process cocoa.

If you are like us and feel as if you have been in a cookie rut, we hope you give these Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies a try. Go be creative in the kitchen!

ShareTweet
October 21, 2019

4 Comments

on Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies.
  1. JANET
    October 22, 2019 @ 9:52 am
    -

    I love the combination of sweet and salty. The carmel in the middle must be a real treat! Thanks for the recipe and the lesson on Dutch-process cocoa. Interesting!

    • Stephanie
      October 30, 2019 @ 11:17 am
      -

      The caramel is one of the best parts for sure! We were so excited when we learned about the different types of cocoas. 🙂

  2. Michelle
    October 22, 2019 @ 7:48 am
    -

    Yum!! Sweet and salty. Sounds delicious! I’ve never heard of Dutch-process cocoa before. That’s interesting. 😊

    • Stephanie
      October 22, 2019 @ 8:15 am
      -

      Neither had we until a while back. It’s so neat to learn about new products to incorporate into our recipes!

Related News

Other posts that you should not miss.
S'mores Hot Chocolate with toasted marshmallows and chocolate drizzle
FOODIE

S’mores Hot Chocolate

February 28, 2019
-
Posted by Stephanie

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Here in Ohio we have been having quite a bit of snowy, …

Read More
February 28, 2019
Posted by Stephanie
Gooey Caramel Cookie Bars detail picture
FOODIE

Gooey Caramel Cookie Bars

February 7, 2019
-
Posted by Stephanie

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Wow! If you like caramel then you have come to the right …

Read More
February 7, 2019
Posted by Stephanie
Italian chicken sandwich recipe close up
FOODIE

Italian Chicken Sandwich Recipe

October 3, 2018
-
Posted by Stephanie

Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWe love trying new recipes. Sometimes you get great ones that you want …

Read More
October 3, 2018
Posted by Stephanie
← PREVIOUS POST
Best French Toast
NEXT POST →
Southern Indiana Trip
About Us
Fall 2018 Update back to back
We are a mother and daughter blogging duo! We have a love of everything small town, small business and anything involving food and travel! Come follow our journey...

Follow us!

Subscribe so you never miss any of our recipes and travel adventures!

One moment...

Thank you for following us!

GET CONNECTED
Facebook
Google Plus
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
Youtube
INSTAGRAM FEED

smalltownlivingusa

Mother/Daughter Duo
Food • Travel • Family
👶🏻 Arriving May 2021
Email us: smalltownlivingusa@yahoo.com#

Food Blogger | Ohio
We had a beautiful baby shower this weekend!! 👶 We had a beautiful baby shower this weekend!! 👶🏼 So much fun. 🥳

And this balloon masterpiece totally completed the decor!  Make sure to check out @balloondogevents for your next party. 
🎈🎈🎈

#babyshower #baby #babygirl #parentstobe #balloon #balloons #balloongarland #balloondecor #balloonarch #balloonstyling #balloonstylist #ohio #balloondogevents #daytonohio #pinkeverything #babyshowerideas #babyshowerdecorations #babyshowerdecor
This is the perfect dessert for going into summer! This is the perfect dessert for going into summer! 😋  Single Serve Brownies are even better with a big heaping scoop of ice cream topped with chocolate syrup. 🍫🍨🍫

Recipe tip: make more than just one...you’re going to kick yourself if not. 😉

Recipe link in bio 👩🏻‍🍳

#brownies #brownieaddict #homemadebrownies #recipe #imsomartha #icecreamaddict #brownielover #chocolatelover #chocolateaddict #chocolaterecipe #singleserverecipe #ramekins #ramekinbaking #bakingfromscratch #fromscratch #singleserve #recipeoftheday

https://www.smalltownlivingusa.com/single-serve-brownie/
You all know we LOVE to support small businesses. You all know we LOVE to support small businesses. 🥰  We recently tried out a new one and it did not disappoint!
🍪😋🍪

Go give @landc_gourmetcookies a follow!  They change the cookie menu weekly to keep your tastebuds on their toes.  And they also offer custom orders of whichever flavors you’d like!

You can place an order through Instagram or Facebook.  Pictured are the chocolate chip & sea salt caramel chip and cinnamon roll cookies (typically the cinnamon roll cookies come topped with a bunch of icing, but we asked them to leave it off 🤪). 

#supportlocal #shoplocal #eatlocal #shopsmall #supportsmallbusiness #supportsmall #bakery #homebusiness #bakeryshop #homebakery #homebaker #cookies #cookielover #cookiemonster #cookieaddict #splurgeworthy #splurge #cheatday #cheatsnack #dessert #dessertaddict #dessertlover
Maternity shoot time!! 🤰🏻📷🤰🏻 Such a Maternity shoot time!! 🤰🏻📷🤰🏻
Such a super chilly evening, but so glad we have these to look back on. 💕

If you have any photography needs...we highly, highlyyyy recommend to give @jessrenephotos a shout!! She is amazing and we can’t wait for our next session with her. 😁

#maternity #maternityphotography #maternityshoot #maternityphotoshoot #maternitydresses #maternityfashion #maternitypictures #maternitystyle #maternityphotographer #maternityshootideas #babyontheway #newmomma #newmom #33weekspregnant #babycoming
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini is absolutely perfe The Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini is absolutely perfect for these spring days that are warming up! 🌷🌞🌸

All of the flavors collide for the bomb of a sandwich!  Super easy to swap out ingredients too if you desire something else. 😁

Recipe link in bio 👩🏻‍🍳

https://www.smalltownlivingusa.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-panini/

#sandwich #sandwichporn #sandwichesofinstagram #sandwichlover #sandwichoftheday #panini #paninilovers #chickensandwich #cheatmeal #cheatday #foodporn #messyfood
Homemade cheesecake brownies 🤤 Need we say mor Homemade cheesecake brownies 🤤

Need we say more?!?! 🍫  This is the perfect recipe to take to your family Easter celebration this weekend!  But beware...they don’t stick around on the dessert table for very long. (Tip: Hide one back for yourself 😉)

Recipe link in bio 👩🏻‍🍳

https://www.smalltownlivingusa.com/homemade-cheesecake-brownies/

#homemade #homemaderecipe #homemaderecipes #homemadebrownies #brownies #brownielove #cheesecakebrownies #cheesecakebrownie #imsomartha #baking #bakingfromscratch #bakingathome #foodporn #dessertporn #dessertlover #sugaraddict #chocolatelover #chocolateaddict #chocolatelove
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Recent Posts
  • Powdered sugar covered cookies
    Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
    December 10, 2020

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are great for Christmas parties and cookie exchanges!  The rich chocolate taste mixed with the sweet powdered sugar marries together so well. If you love chocolate and brownies then …

  • Apple Cider Donuts with a napkin and apples
    Apple Cider Donuts
    November 16, 2020

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Apple Cider Donuts are a family favorite. Covered …

  • Sloppy Joe Bombs hot and ready
    Sloppy Joe Bombs
    October 26, 2020

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence …

  • Jack O' Lantern Cookies ready to eat
    Jack O’ Lantern Cookies
    October 23, 2020

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Jack O’ Lantern Cookies are so fun for …

  • Close up of fun Halloween Chocolate Dipped Cookies
    Halloween Chocolate Dipped Cookies
    September 23, 2020

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Halloween Chocolate Dipped Cookies are always a crowd …

  • Golden brown crust on a BBQ Chicken Wrap
    BBQ Chicken Wrap
    September 11, 2020

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe This BBQ Chicken Wrap recipe is super easy. …

  • Close up of Chocolate snack bars
    Chocolate Snack Bars
    September 2, 2020

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Chocolate Snack Bars are a yummy way to …

  • Beef and broccoli in a bowl with chopsticks
    Beef & Broccoli
    August 18, 2020

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Beef & Broccoli is such a yummy comfort …

  • Dutch Country Market in Shipshewana Indiana
    Shipshewana, Indiana Road Trip
    August 13, 2020

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Sydney and I had a great time in …

We had a beautiful baby shower this weekend!! 👶 We had a beautiful baby shower this weekend!! 👶🏼 So much fun. 🥳

And this balloon masterpiece totally completed the decor!  Make sure to check out @balloondogevents for your next party. 
🎈🎈🎈

#babyshower #baby #babygirl #parentstobe #balloon #balloons #balloongarland #balloondecor #balloonarch #balloonstyling #balloonstylist #ohio #balloondogevents #daytonohio #pinkeverything #babyshowerideas #babyshowerdecorations #babyshowerdecor
This is the perfect dessert for going into summer! This is the perfect dessert for going into summer! 😋  Single Serve Brownies are even better with a big heaping scoop of ice cream topped with chocolate syrup. 🍫🍨🍫

Recipe tip: make more than just one...you’re going to kick yourself if not. 😉

Recipe link in bio 👩🏻‍🍳

#brownies #brownieaddict #homemadebrownies #recipe #imsomartha #icecreamaddict #brownielover #chocolatelover #chocolateaddict #chocolaterecipe #singleserverecipe #ramekins #ramekinbaking #bakingfromscratch #fromscratch #singleserve #recipeoftheday

https://www.smalltownlivingusa.com/single-serve-brownie/
You all know we LOVE to support small businesses. You all know we LOVE to support small businesses. 🥰  We recently tried out a new one and it did not disappoint!
🍪😋🍪

Go give @landc_gourmetcookies a follow!  They change the cookie menu weekly to keep your tastebuds on their toes.  And they also offer custom orders of whichever flavors you’d like!

You can place an order through Instagram or Facebook.  Pictured are the chocolate chip & sea salt caramel chip and cinnamon roll cookies (typically the cinnamon roll cookies come topped with a bunch of icing, but we asked them to leave it off 🤪). 

#supportlocal #shoplocal #eatlocal #shopsmall #supportsmallbusiness #supportsmall #bakery #homebusiness #bakeryshop #homebakery #homebaker #cookies #cookielover #cookiemonster #cookieaddict #splurgeworthy #splurge #cheatday #cheatsnack #dessert #dessertaddict #dessertlover
Maternity shoot time!! 🤰🏻📷🤰🏻 Such a Maternity shoot time!! 🤰🏻📷🤰🏻
Such a super chilly evening, but so glad we have these to look back on. 💕

If you have any photography needs...we highly, highlyyyy recommend to give @jessrenephotos a shout!! She is amazing and we can’t wait for our next session with her. 😁

#maternity #maternityphotography #maternityshoot #maternityphotoshoot #maternitydresses #maternityfashion #maternitypictures #maternitystyle #maternityphotographer #maternityshootideas #babyontheway #newmomma #newmom #33weekspregnant #babycoming
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini is absolutely perfe The Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini is absolutely perfect for these spring days that are warming up! 🌷🌞🌸

All of the flavors collide for the bomb of a sandwich!  Super easy to swap out ingredients too if you desire something else. 😁

Recipe link in bio 👩🏻‍🍳

https://www.smalltownlivingusa.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-panini/

#sandwich #sandwichporn #sandwichesofinstagram #sandwichlover #sandwichoftheday #panini #paninilovers #chickensandwich #cheatmeal #cheatday #foodporn #messyfood
Homemade cheesecake brownies 🤤 Need we say mor Homemade cheesecake brownies 🤤

Need we say more?!?! 🍫  This is the perfect recipe to take to your family Easter celebration this weekend!  But beware...they don’t stick around on the dessert table for very long. (Tip: Hide one back for yourself 😉)

Recipe link in bio 👩🏻‍🍳

https://www.smalltownlivingusa.com/homemade-cheesecake-brownies/

#homemade #homemaderecipe #homemaderecipes #homemadebrownies #brownies #brownielove #cheesecakebrownies #cheesecakebrownie #imsomartha #baking #bakingfromscratch #bakingathome #foodporn #dessertporn #dessertlover #sugaraddict #chocolatelover #chocolateaddict #chocolatelove

Copyright © 2018 Small Town Living USA

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Cookies | Fall Recipe | Small Town Living USA