Description

A festive, salty-sweet dessert bar featuring soft pretzels in a buttery cookie dough base. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for parties, require no complex techniques, and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces (340g) soft pretzel bites or mini pretzels, chopped
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2–3 soft pretzels, broken into pieces (for topping)
Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the chopped soft pretzels using a spatula.
Transfer dough to the prepared baking dish and press evenly into a ½ inch thick layer.
Press additional broken pretzel pieces onto the top of the dough and sprinkle with sea salt flakes if using.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
Let bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
Cut into squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Use soft pretzels, not hard ones, to ensure a chewy texture. Room temperature butter is essential for proper creaming. Do not overbake as the bars continue to cook in the hot pan. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 17 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 350
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4

Keywords: Oktoberfest, pretzel cookie bars, party desserts, fall recipes, salty sweet dessert, easy baking, make ahead dessert