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Cocoa peppermint pretzel cookies are an easy holiday cookie idea! These festive cookies are made from scratch, perfect for a holiday cookie platter!
I discovered this cocoa peppermint pretzel cookies recipe when flipping through The Cookie Party Cookbook that I had picked up from the library. Not only are there a ton of terrific looking cookie recipes in this book, the author also gives all kinds of tips on how to host a cookie exchange party.
These cookies may look difficult to make, but they’re really not. Even kids will have fun rolling out the dough, crushing the peppermint and making the pretzel shapes.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup white chocolate candy melts or white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon shortening
- ⅓ cup crushed peppermint candy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the confectioners’ sugar, butter, egg and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and beat on low speed until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough in the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill for 2 to 3 hours, or until firm.
- Using about a tablespoon of dough, roll into 9-inch ropes about ½-inch in diameter. Shape each rope into an upside-down U. Bring the ends together and twist in the middle. Take the ends to the top of the pretzel and press the dough to secure. Place the pretzels 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until set. Cool completely on baking sheets.
- Melt the candy melts according to the package directions. Use shortening, if needed, to make smoother dipping consistency. Dip one side of pretzel into the melted chips, then roll the dipped side into the crushed candy. Place the pretzels on wax-lined baking sheets and let dry completely before serving.
- Store in an air-tight container for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Layer in container with wax paper between layers to prevent breakage.
Sherra O
This is a great idea! We love pretzels, chocolate and peppermints. I see a few teacher gifts in our future! Thank you!!
Melissa
What a cute cookie! Thank you so much for hosting!
Grandma Loy
Very attractive cookies, Brenda. What a great addition to a Christmas cookie plate they would be. Thanks so much for all your hard work hosting this party. Looks as if we’re off to a nice start.
Helen
what a neat cookie, at first glance I thought it was a pretzel, never would of thought to make a cookie look like a pretzel lol!
Helen
Betsy @ Desserts Required
All I can say is, ‘WOW”!!!
Perhaps next year you can post 24 weeks to Christmas blogs!!
Trisha
I love how festive these look. They’d pretty up any platter. Thanks a ton for all your help over the last couple of days and for hosting 12 Weeks again this year.
Ashley
Do you know how many cookies one recipe makes?
Meal Plan Mom (Brenda)
They make about two dozen. Enjoy!