Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies

Name: Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies: A Game-Changer!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup crushed pretzels; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup caramel bits

Posted on December 25, 2025

DESSERT

Difficulty

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Cooking time

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Introduction to Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies

Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can get pretty hectic. Between juggling work, family, and everything in between, finding time to whip up something special can feel like a challenge. That’s where these Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies come in! They’re not just cookies; they’re a delightful blend of sweet and salty that will impress your loved ones without taking hours in the kitchen. Perfect for game day or a cozy family night, these cookies are a quick solution for busy days when you want to treat yourself and others!

Why You’ll Love This Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies

These Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies are a game-changer for busy moms and professionals alike! They come together in just 27 minutes, making them a breeze to whip up. The combination of crunchy pretzels, gooey chocolate, and rich caramel creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a last-minute treat for your kids’ friends!

Ingredients for Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of baking! Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies:

Unsalted butter: This is the base of your cookies, providing richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor, making your cookies chewy and delicious.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and helps create that perfect cookie texture.
Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture. They also help the cookies rise.
Vanilla extract: A must-have for flavor! It enhances the sweetness and adds a warm aroma.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, giving it structure. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Baking soda: This leavening agent helps your cookies rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Crushed pretzels: These add a delightful crunch and that salty kick that makes these cookies unique.
Chocolate chips: Because who doesn’t love chocolate? They melt beautifully and add sweetness.
Caramel bits: These little gems bring a gooey, sweet surprise in every bite.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures even baking. If you skip this step, your cookies might spread too much or bake unevenly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results. You want a light and fluffy texture, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is vital as it incorporates air, giving your cookies that delightful lift!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the large eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The eggs provide moisture and help bind the ingredients, while the vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor. This combination is what makes your cookies taste so heavenly!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately is important. It ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps your cookies rise uniformly. No one wants flat cookies, right?

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy. A few flour streaks are perfectly fine!

Step 6: Fold in Pretzels, Chocolate Chips, and Caramel Bits

Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in the crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, and caramel bits. This step adds texture and flavor, creating that delightful salty-sweet balance. The pretzels give a satisfying crunch, while the chocolate and caramel provide gooey sweetness!

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to transfer. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture!

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
Don’t skip the cooling time; it helps the cookies firm up.
For extra crunch, add more crushed pretzels on top before baking.
Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for varied flavors.
Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: A large bowl for wet ingredients and a medium bowl for dry ingredients. You can use any bowls you have on hand!
Hand mixer or stand mixer: For creaming butter and sugars. A whisk works too, but it’ll take a bit more elbow grease.
Baking sheet: A standard cookie sheet lined with parchment paper is ideal. If you don’t have parchment, greasing the sheet works just fine!
Cookie scoop or spoon: For portioning dough. A tablespoon works well if you don’t have a scoop.
Wire rack: For cooling cookies. If you don’t have one, a plate will do in a pinch!

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free treat.
Dark Chocolate Delight: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
Caramel Swirl: Drizzle melted caramel over the cookies after baking for an extra sweet touch.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Milk: Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic pairing that never fails.
Ice Cream: Top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Presentation: Arrange cookies on a colorful platter for a festive touch at gatherings.
Fruit: Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast.
Hot Chocolate: Enjoy with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat on chilly days.

FAQs about Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies!

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months!

Can I use different types of pretzels?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different pretzel shapes or flavors. Mini pretzels work great, and chocolate-covered pretzels can add an extra layer of sweetness!

What can I substitute for caramel bits?

If you can’t find caramel bits, you can use soft caramel candies cut into small pieces. Just make sure they’re well distributed in the dough for that gooey surprise!

Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Your Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

Making these Salty & Sweet Basketball Pretzel Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating joyful moments in the kitchen. The delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors brings smiles to faces, whether it’s game day or a cozy family night. I love how these cookies can turn an ordinary day into something special with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to involve your kids in the kitchen, making memories that last a lifetime. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake some happiness together!