Easy Baked Pretzel Bites Recipe
There’s something magical about a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven. The aroma fills the air, and the sound of the timer going off signals that it’s time to indulge in a sweet treat. I remember making these cookies with my grandmother when I was just a kid. She’d let me mix and measure the ingredients, and I’d get to place the chocolate chips on top before they went into the oven. It was our special bonding time, and those cookies always turned out perfectly.
What is this recipe?
This recipe is a game-changer. It’s essentially a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe, but with a few tweaks that make it truly special. The addition of browned butter and a hint of sea salt takes these cookies to the next level. Think of it as a comforting hug in a cookie form. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. What I love most about this recipe is the combination of textures – the crunch of the cookies, the chewiness of the chocolate chips, and the smoothness of the browned butter. It’s a match made in heaven.
Quick Overview
Making these cookies is a breeze. You’ll need to brown the butter, mix the dry ingredients, and then combine everything together. The hardest part is waiting for them to bake! Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour. 2 cups all-purpose flour.
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Brown Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, continue cooking it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the sugars and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 5: Combine
Add the browned butter to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop & Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve It With
These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions:
For Breakfast: Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. The sweetness of the cookies pairs perfectly with the bitterness of the coffee.
For Snacks: Enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of textures and flavors is pure bliss.
As Dessert: Top with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cookies
Here are some expert tips to help you create the perfect chocolate chip cookies:
Browning Butter: Don’t skip this step! The nutty flavor and aroma of browned butter take these cookies to the next level.
Chilling the Dough: If you want a chewier cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This will help the cookies retain their shape and bake up with a better texture.
Chocolate Chip Distribution: Stir in the chocolate chips just before baking to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast in a toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
While browning the butter is optional, it adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies that’s worth the extra step.
Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly sweeter and less intense.
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
These chocolate chip cookies are a classic for a reason. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does! Don’t forget to share your own variations and tips in the comments below. Happy baking!
Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 425° F.
- In a small bowl, add warm water and yeast and allow yeast to activate (about 3-5 minutes). Add salt and sugar and stir to combine.
- In a large bowl, add flour and then pour yeast mixture over top. Knead for about 5 minutes.
- Separate dough into 6 sections. Create pretzel bites by rolling the dough into a 15 inch rope (about 1 inch thickness). Cut the rope into 2 inch pieces. If you have excess or leftover dough, create a small rounded ball (optional: cut an x into the top of the ball).
- In a medium pan, add water and baking soda. Cook over high heat. Once water is boiling, place 6-8 pieces of pretzel dough into the water. Remove with slotted spoon after about 30 seconds and place the pretzel bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Brush dough lightly with egg wash and sprinkle salt on top.
- Bake for 5 minutes, and then flip. Using a basting brush, coat the tops of the pretzel bites with the remaining egg wash. Repeat again after 5 more minutes. Cook 3-5 minutes more (a total of 13-15 minutes) or until golden brown.
