Chocolate Pretzel–Dipped Cookies

Who would have thought you could improve upon the chocolate chip cookie? In this extra-decadent version, the cookies are dipped in melted chocolate and then sprinkled with crushed pretzels and sea salt.

Chocolate Pretzel–Dipped Cookies

1/4 lb. (125 g) bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup (4 oz./125 g) vegetable shortening

1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) light corn syrup

2 1/4 cups (11 oz./345 g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. kosher salt

16 Tbs. (2 sticks) (8 oz./250 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup (3 1/2 oz./105 g) firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup (4 oz./125 g) granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups (8 oz./250 g) chocolate chips

1 cup (4 oz./125 g) crushed pretzels

Flaky sea salt

In a saucepan, combine the bittersweet chocolate, shortening and corn syrup. Place over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Let cool to room temperature while you bake the cookies.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and kosher salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and beat until combined, stopping the mixer to scrape down the bowl after each addition, then beat in the vanilla.

Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture in 3 additions, beating until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips. Turn the dough out onto a work surface, shape into a disk and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and preferably overnight.

Preheat an oven to 375°F. (190°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls. Place the balls on the baking sheets, 2 inches apart, baking in batches. Flatten the cookies slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake until the edges are set and golden brown, 9 to 11 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes, then transfer the cookies to wire racks and let cool completely.

Line the baking sheets with clean parchment paper. Dip one half of each cookie into the melted chocolate mixture and place on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle the chocolate-coated half with the pretzels and sea salt flakes. Let cool for 1 hour before serving. Makes 48 cookies.

Find more than 30 super-fun and easy-to-make recipes perfect for the budding chef in our book Junior Chef, by the cooks of Williams-Sonoma’s Test Kitchen.