Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites
There’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season. The warm, sweet aroma of buttery sugar cookies pairs with the delightful crunch of pretzels, creating a mouthwatering combination that dances on the taste buds. Picture a platter filled with colorful, sweet treats nestled in festive packaging, ready to bring joy to your friends and family. Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites are a delightful blend of sweet and salty goodness that can turn any gathering into a celebration.
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I distinctly remember the first time I made these irresistible bites during a holiday party years ago. As I watched everyone eagerly pop them into their mouths, laughter and delight filled the room. There’s something about the crunch of the pretzel paired with the soft, sweet chocolate that excites the palate—it’s truly a match made in heaven! Now, every holiday season, they’re a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience this simple yet scrumptious treat. So grab your apron and let’s make some Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites that will surely impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: In just about 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to go!
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet chocolate and salty pretzel combo gives a flavor explosion that keeps you coming back for more.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With their vibrant colors and beautiful presentation, these bites are perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving.
- Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a snack for movie night, a party treat, or a sweet little breakfast joy, these bites fit every occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap out for gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free chocolate for those with dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Round Pretzels: Select a good-quality round pretzel for the base. They provide the perfect crunch and salty bite, balancing the sweetness of the cookie kisses.
Sugar Cookie Kisses: These delightful kisses bring that classic sugar cookie flavor in a convenient form. Ensure you’re using unwrapped, high-quality Kisses for the best taste and texture.
Crunchy Cookie M&Ms: These colorful candies add not only a fun crunch but also a pop of color to your bites. If you’re looking for variety, feel free to swap for regular M&Ms or any chocolate candies you prefer.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s warming, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step ensures that your bites bake evenly, maintaining a delicious texture.
Arrange the Pretzels: Take your round pretzels and lay them out evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. I like to create a nice grid formation, which makes it easier to press the Kisses and M&Ms into later. Aim for 48 pretzels, but you can always scale down if you prefer less!
Add the Kisses: Unwrap 48 Sugar Cookie Kisses carefully, revealing their delicate shape, and place one Kiss right in the center of each pretzel. This is where the magic starts! The kisses will melt perfectly during baking, creating a luscious center.
Bake the Bites: Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want the kisses to soften but not melt completely into puddles. When you see them glossy, they’re ready to come out!
Press in the M&Ms: As soon as the pan comes out of the oven, quickly press an M&M candy into the center of each melted Kiss. The warm chocolate will help secure the M&Ms in place, ensuring they don’t fall off once they cool.
Cool and Set: Allow your **Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites** to cool completely on the baking sheet until the Kisses harden back up. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your kitchen temperature. They will firm up beautifully, making them easy to handle.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To extend their life, you can refrigerate them for about 2 weeks in a sealed container. If you want to save some for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can keep for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh that gooey center.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure the pretzels are evenly spaced on the baking sheet. This helps them bake uniformly.
- Avoid overbaking; the kisses should remain soft but not fully melted. You want that perfect balance of chocolatey goodness.
- For a richer experience, consider sprinkling a little sea salt on top of the M&Ms right after pressing them down.
- Use fresh pretzels to ensure maximum crunch.
- You can experiment with different flavored Kisses, such as caramel for a sweet twist!
Making Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites is not just about the end result; it’s about creating warm moments and memories with friends and family. With their festive colors and delicious taste, these treats are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and presentations; every batch can become uniquely yours. Enjoy every delightful bite and happy baking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate kisses instead of sugar cookie kisses?
Absolutely! While the sugar cookie kisses give a unique festive flavor, regular chocolate kisses will work just as well. It may alter the overall taste slightly, but the sweet and salty combination will still be delicious!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly make these ahead of time! They can be prepared and stored at room temperature for several days. If you plan to freeze them, let them cool completely and store them in a freezer-safe container once they’ve set.
What’s the best way to store leftover bites?
To keep your Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life. Just ensure they are completely cooled before sealing the container to avoid condensation.
Can I use gluten-free pretzels?
Definitely! There are many excellent gluten-free pretzel options available in stores. Just make sure to check the packaging to ensure they meet your dietary needs. Your bites will be just as delicious, ensuring everyone can enjoy them!
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📖 Recipe Card
Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 48 bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sugar Cookie Pretzel Bites combine sweet chocolate and salty pretzels in a quick treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Simple to make and always a hit!
Ingredients
- Round Pretzels
- Sugar Cookie Kisses
- Crunchy Cookie M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange 48 round pretzels on the baking sheet.
- Unwrap and place one Sugar Cookie Kiss on each pretzel.
- Bake for about 4 minutes until kisses are soft.
- Press an M&M into each melted Kiss right after removing from oven.
- Let cool until Kisses harden back up, about 10-15 minutes.
Notes
Store at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Try varying the type of M&Ms for different flavors and colors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
