Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites are the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat! These bite-sized snacks feature creamy, chocolate chip-studded cookie dough sandwiched between crunchy pretzels and dipped in semi-sweet chocolate for a decadent finish. Perfect for parties, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these no-bake bites are as easy to make as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Salty Perfection: The combination of chocolate, cookie dough, and pretzels hits every craving.
- No-Bake Simplicity: Quick to assemble with no oven required (except for a brief step to heat-treat the flour).
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, or as a fun snack for kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bites can be prepared in advance and stored for days.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, gently packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour, heat-treated*
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (85 g) mini chocolate chips
- 56 mini pretzels
For Dipping
- 6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the flour evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria.
- Let the flour cool completely before using.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Add the heat-treated flour and salt all at once, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Step 3: Assemble the Pretzel Bites
- Roll the cookie dough into small balls, about 1½ to 2 teaspoons of dough each, depending on your preferred size.
- Place a cookie dough ball between two pretzels and gently press to create a sandwich.
- Arrange the pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the bites for 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
- Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth (about 1 minute).
Step 5: Dip and Chill
- Dip each pretzel bite halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the dipped bites back onto the baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the chocolate is firm, serve the pretzel bites chilled or at room temperature.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Handheld or stand mixer
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these bites straight from the refrigerator for the best texture.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the bites in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Lover’s Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the cookie dough for a nutty flavor.
- White Chocolate Dip: Substitute white chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate.
- Sprinkle Fun: Decorate the chocolate-dipped bites with sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pretzels and flour for a gluten-free version.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Heat-Treating Flour: Don’t skip this step—it ensures the flour is safe to eat raw.
- Even-Sized Bites: Use a small cookie scoop for consistent portions.
- Chocolate Tips: Adding coconut oil to the chocolate ensures a smooth, shiny coating that’s easy to dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit the ⅛ teaspoon of salt in the dough to balance the flavors.
Do I have to freeze the bites before dipping?
Freezing helps the cookie dough stay firm and makes dipping easier.
What’s a substitute for coconut oil?
Shortening works well to thin the chocolate for dipping.
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips?
Mini chocolate chips are recommended for even distribution, but chopped regular chips can work in a pinch.
Can I skip the chocolate dipping?
Sure! The bites are still delicious without the chocolate coating, though the dipping adds extra flavor and texture.
These Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and indulgent. They’re easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering. Enjoy!