Bourbon Caramel Pretzel Cookies 🍪
Ingredients:
2 sticks salted butter, room temperature
1 cup light or dark brown sugar
3 Tbsp. bourbon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg, room temperature
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, + 2 to 4 Tbsp., if needed
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup pretzels, chopped
1 (10 oz.) bag caramels, unwrapped
1 Tbsp. heavy cream
1-1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate melted
Detailed Steps:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add 2 tablespoons bourbon and the vanilla, beat until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg and mix until combined. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, beat until combined and the dough forms a ball. Stir in the pretzels. If the dough feels too wet, add 2 to 4 tablespoons additional flour.
Divide the dough in half. Place each ball of dough on a large piece of wax paper or plastic wrap. Shape each into a log about 8 inches long and about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the dough up in the wax paper and place in the fridge for 2 hours or up to 5 days.
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unwrap the dough and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut the log into 1/3 inch slices. It's important to cut in a quick forward motion. If the dough cracks, just push the dough rounds back together. Promise it will be ok. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet.
Meanwhile, make the caramel. Combine the caramels and cream in a saucepan over low heat. Melt stirring occasionally, until smooth, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon bourbon (or vanilla). Spread 1 to 2 teaspoons of the caramel over the cooled cookies. Let set up 10 to 15 minutes.
Drizzle the chocolate over each cookie and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. To harden the chocolate, place the tray of cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Prep Time: 20 mins. Cook Time: 10 mins.
Chill Time: 2 hrs. Total Time: 2 hrs. 30 mins.
Yields: 24
Bourbon caramel pretzel cookies offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to both savory and sweet cravings. The combination of salted butter, brown sugar, and bourbon creates a moist and flavorful cookie dough that carries through the baking process. Incorporating chopped pretzels adds a satisfying crunch and a salty contrast to the rich caramel topping. The use of unwrapped caramels melted with heavy cream gives the cookies a smooth and luscious caramel finish. Enhancing the flavor further, the caramel is infused with an extra tablespoon of bourbon or vanilla, intensifying the aromatic notes. The method of chilling the dough logs before slicing is key to maintaining the shape and texture of the cookies, ensuring they bake evenly without spreading too thin. Cutting the chilled dough into precise 1/3-inch slices with a quick, firm motion helps preserve the structure, and minor cracks can be gently pushed together to fix any imperfections. Drizzling melted semi-sweet or milk chocolate over the cooled cookies adds a rich decadence, while sprinkling flaky sea salt enhances the overall taste by balancing sweetness and adding a gourmet touch. Refrigerating the cookies after drizzling hardens the chocolate and allows the caramel to set properly, making the cookies easier to handle and enjoy. For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing, and feel free to adjust the flour slightly if the dough feels too wet, which can vary depending on humidity and ingredient freshness. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or special occasions. These Bourbon Caramel Pretzel Cookies are not only a unique take on classic cookies but also an impressive treat to serve guests, combining familiar dessert elements into an exciting new creation. Whether you prefer light or dark brown sugar or a particular brand of bourbon, this recipe is flexible enough to suit your taste preferences while consistently delivering a crowd-pleasing delight.
