These Brown Butter Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Cookies combine the nutty richness of browned butter, the sweetness of caramel, the salty crunch of pretzels, and the decadence of chocolate into one extraordinary cookie. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making these cookies a perfect treat for those who appreciate a sophisticated twist on classic chocolate chip cookies.
Why You'll Love This: These cookies are a flavor explosion in every bite, balancing sweet, salty, and buttery notes harmoniously. The process of browning the butter deepens the flavor, adding a toasty complexity that pairs beautifully with the gooey caramel and the bittersweet chocolate. The added crunch from the pretzels not only enhances the texture but also offsets the richness of the cookie, making each bite satisfyingly complete.
Perfect Occasion: These cookies are ideal for festive gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, or as a special treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee or tea. They're also great for gifting, packed in a pretty box with a ribbon. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a more formal event, these cookies will stand out and impress your guests.
Decoration Tips:
- After baking, while the cookies are still warm, press a few extra pretzel pieces and chocolate chunks on top for a bakery-style finish.
- A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt not only enhances the flavors but also adds a gourmet touch.
- Serve them on a decorative platter or cookie stand to really showcase their rustic charm.
Ingredients:
- 113 g unsalted butter (8 tbsp)
- 100 g dark brown sugar (½ cup)
- 50 g granulated sugar (¼ cup)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 160 g all-purpose flour (1 ⅓ cups)
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 130 g semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped (¾ cup)
- ½ cup chopped pretzels
- Caramel chews, chopped as needed
- Extra pretzels and chocolate chunks for topping
- Prepare Brown Butter:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns a deep amber color with brown specks. This will give your cookies a rich, nutty flavor.
- Transfer the brown butter to a mixing bowl and chill in the freezer for about 5 minutes. Check to ensure you have at least 90g of butter; add water if needed to make up any loss.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Remove the butter from the freezer. Whisk in the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Form Cookie Dough:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until nearly combined.
- Stir in the chopped chocolate and pretzels until evenly distributed with no flour streaks visible.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps in handling and flavor development.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop the dough using a 3 tbsp measure, and place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and quickly press the chopped caramel and additional chocolate chunks into the tops of the cookies.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Final Touches:
- Remove from the oven and immediately use a bowl or cup to gently round the cookies if needed.
- Let the cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweet and savory flavors.
Enjoy these Brown Butter Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Cookies, a truly indulgent treat that combines all your favorite flavors into one deliciously complex cookie!
