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One Basic Cookie Dough Recipe →

Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies Everyone Will Love

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Looking for a fun twist on classic holiday cookies? This collection of Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies combine buttery sweetness with just the right amount of crunch from pretzels, potato chips, peanuts, and more.

From quick no-bake bites to easy baked favorites, each recipe delivers that irresistible mix of flavors that makes every cookie tray a little more festive.

Whether you're making gifts, filling cookie trays, or just sneaking a bite for yourself, these Christmas cookies are a must-try this season.

Christmas Cookie Recipes with Pretzels

At-a-Glance: Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies

What You’ll Find: A festive mix of Christmas cookies that combine buttery sweetness with salty crunch from pretzels, potato chips, peanuts, and more!

Why You’ll Love It: These recipes are easy to make, kid-friendly, and bring that irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor everyone loves on a cookie tray.

Perfect For: Holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or edible gifts that offer something a little different from classic sugar cookies.

Time-Saver Tip: Use pre-made cookie dough and crushed salty snacks to add crunch without extra prep. Perfect for last-minute holiday baking.

👉 Love holiday baking? Grab my Christmas Cookie eBook Bundle—packed with the cookies I make every year for the holidays, tips, and printables to make baking easier and more fun.

Table of Contents

Tips for Baking Sweet and Salty Cookies

Choose your mix-ins: Use mini or crushed salty snacks like pretzels, potato chips, or peanuts for the best balance of crunch and flavor.

Fold gently: Stir your mix-ins in at the end of mixing to keep them from breaking apart too much.

Add them last: Mix salty ingredients in just before baking so they stay crisp and don’t get soggy.

Balance the salt: Since snacks like pretzels and chips already add salt, reduce the extra salt in your dough slightly.

Store for freshness: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crunchy texture and sweet-salty balance.

Looking for more easy cookie recipes? Try my Chocolate Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies or my recipe for Jumbo Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Christmas Cookie Recipes with Pretzels

Cookie Scoop: Helps portion cookie dough evenly so every cookie bakes the same size. Keeps prep quick and mess-free.

Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even browning while making cleanup simple—no grease or spray needed.

Silicone Baking Mats: Reusable, non-stick surface that promotes even baking and replaces disposable parchment.

Non-Stick Half-Sheet Pan: Durable, evenly heats cookies for perfect golden edges and easy release every time.

Wire Cooling Rack: Elevates cookies for airflow, preventing soggy bottoms and helping them cool evenly.

Mini Offset Spatula: Perfect for lifting delicate cookies or spreading icing smoothly with precision and control.

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Recipe FAQ's

To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!

Do the pretzels stay crunchy after baking?

Pretzels will stay slightly crunchy after baking, especially when mixed in or used as a topping. However, they may soften a bit over time, especially if the cookies are stored for several days. For best texture, enjoy the cookies within a day or two, and store them in an airtight container to help maintain crunch.

Will the salt from the pretzels and potato chips make the cookies too salty?

Not really as most recipes are balanced to account for the salt in the pretzels. However, if you're using salted butter or adding extra salt to the dough, consider reducing it slightly.

How do I keep the salty mix-ins like pretzels or potato chips from getting soft after baking?

To keep your salty mix-ins crunchy, make sure to fold them into the dough just before baking so they don’t absorb too much moisture. Once the cookies are baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing. Then, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature

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Christmas Cookie Recipes with Pretzels
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Pretzel Christmas Cookies

These Pretzel Christmas Cookies combine salty pretzels, sweet chocolate, and festive M&M candies for a no-bake holiday treat. Perfect for kids to help assemble, they’re colorful, crunchy, and great for cookie platters or gifting.
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Christmas cookies with pretzels on cutting board.

Christmas Reindeer Cookies

The Christmas Reindeer Cookies use simple ingredients like Nutter Butters or sandwich cookies to create charming, antlered characters. With pretzel antlers and candy eyes, they’re a whimsical addition to any holiday dessert table.
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chocolate covered cookies with candy eyes and pretzel antlers.

Reindeer Sugar Cookies

Reindeer Sugar Cookies are a festive twist on classic sugar cookies, decorated with pretzels, chocolate, and candy to look like reindeer faces. These fun, kid-friendly treats are ideal for cookie exchanges and Christmas parties.
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5 from 2 votes
Sugar cookies decorated as reindeers.

Chocolate-Dipped Potato Chip Cookies

Indulge in salty-sweet perfection with these chocolate-dipped potato chip cookies from The Itsy‑Bitsy Kitchen. With crushed potato chips baked into buttery dough and half the cookie dipped in rich chocolate, they’re crunchy, decadent, and irresistible.
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Photo credit: https://itsybitsykitchen.com/chocolate-dipped-potato-chip-cookies/
Chocolate-Dipped Potato Chip Cookies

Pretzel Chocolate Cookies

These Pretzel Chocolate Cookies from Lord Byron’s Kitchen offer a rich, chewy chocolate base enhanced with the salty crunch of pretzels. The sweet-salty contrast makes them addictive and satisfying for cookie lovers.
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Photo credit: https://www.lordbyronskitchen.com/pretzel-chocolate-cookies/
Pretzel Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate Pretzel Cookies

Brooklyn Farm Girl’s Chocolate Pretzel Cookies are a quick and easy dessert featuring gooey chocolate and crispy pretzels. They strike the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, ideal for both everyday snacking and holiday baking.
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Photo credit: https://brooklynfarmgirl.com/chocolate-pretzel-cookies/
Chocolate Pretzel Cookies

Crispy Peanut Thins - 15 Minute Cookies

Enjoy a batch of these quick-bake “Crispy Peanut Thins – ultra-thin, nutty cookies made with chopped peanuts, brown sugar, and butter, all under 15 minutes.
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Photo credit: https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/crispy-peanut-thins-15-minute-cookies/
Crispy Peanut Thins - 15 Minute Cookies

Vanilla Pretzel Cookies

These Vanilla Pretzel Cookies feature a buttery vanilla cookie base with crushed pretzels folded in for texture. They’re subtly sweet with a salty edge, making them a sophisticated twist on classic cookie flavors.
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Photo credit: https://www.savingdessert.com/vanilla-pretzel-cookies/
Vanilla Pretzel Cookies

Sesame Cookies with Pretzels

Sesame Pretzel Cookie Bites mix nutty sesame seeds with crushed pretzels in bite-sized, no-bake cookies. They’re a unique, crunchy treat that’s perfect for parties or lunchbox snacks.
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Photo credit: https://dizzybusyandhungry.com/sesame-pretzel-cookie-bites/
Sesame Cookies with Pretzels

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

These Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies turn soft peanut butter cookies into adorable holiday characters with candy eyes and pretzel antlers. They’re festive, fun, and full of classic peanut butter flavor.
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Photo credit: https://www.365daysofbakingandmore.com/day-276-day-5-of-the-12-days-of-cookies-peanut-butter-reindeer-cookies/
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Almond-Spice Christmas Wreath Cookies

Festive almond-spice wreath cookies from Karen’s Kitchen Stories that blend warm almond, cinnamon, and nutmeg flavors into beautiful holiday shapes perfect for cookie plates and gift boxes.
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Photo credit: https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2017/12/almond-spice-christmas-wreath-cookies.html
Almond-Spice Christmas Wreath Cookies

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are packed with everything festive—pretzels, M&Ms, chocolate chips, and sprinkles—for a chewy, colorful, and indulgent holiday treat. They’re perfect for using up odds and ends from your baking pantry.
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Photo credit: https://crayonsandcravings.com/kitchen-sink-christmas-cookies/
Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Potato Chip Cookies

These crunchy and buttery cookies from Wise potato chips add a salty twist to the classic cookie recipe—perfect for holiday baking, snack plates, or game-day dessert trays.
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Photo credit: https://mooreorlesscooking.com/potato-chip-cookies/
Potato Chip Cookies

Chocolate Pretzel Cookies

Sarah’s Chocolate Pretzel Cookies feature a rich, soft chocolate cookie base topped with a whole mini pretzel, adding a pop of salt and crunch. These easy-to-make cookies are great for sharing or enjoying with a hot drink.
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Photo credit: https://sarahscucinabella.com/2011/11/19/chocolate-pretzel-cookies/
Chocolate Pretzel Cookies

Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Cookies

Lord Byron’s Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Cookies blend crunchy pretzels and salty peanuts into a chewy chocolate cookie, offering bold flavor and texture. They’re hearty, satisfying, and ideal for chocolate and nut lovers.
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Photo credit: https://www.lordbyronskitchen.com/chocolate-pretzel-peanut-cookies/
Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Cookies

Santa’s Trash Cookies Christmas Cookie Recipe

This festive twist on a holiday classic brings together sweet chocolate chips, crunchy pretzels, and even a touch of potato chip for an irresistible sweet-and-salty combo.
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Photo credit: The Mom Maven
Santa’s Trash Cookies Christmas Cookie Recipe

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Pretzel Chunk Cookies

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Pretzel Chunk Cookies combine hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy pretzels in one ultra-textured cookie. With salty-sweet layers and a chewy bite, they’re a snack-worthy treat with staying power.
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Photo credit: https://thecrumbykitchen.com/oatmeal-peanut-butter-pretzel-chunk-cookies/
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Pretzel Chunk Cookies

Cowboy Cookies with M&Ms and Pretzels

These Cowboy Cookies with M&Ms and Pretzels are a playful twist on the classic, packed with chocolate, oats, coconut, and crunchy mix-ins. They're chewy, colorful, and full of flavor—ideal for cookie exchanges or after-school snacks.
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Photo credit: https://flavormosaic.com/cowboy-cookies-with-mms-and-pretzels/
Cowboy Cookies with M&Ms and Pretzels

Easy Eggless Christmas Cookies

These Easy Eggless Christmas Cookies offer a soft, buttery base without the need for eggs, perfect for dietary needs. Decorated festively, they’re great for holiday baking with kids or accommodating guests with allergies.
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Photo credit: https://mommyshomecooking.com/easy-eggless-christmas-cookies/
Easy Eggless Christmas Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups

Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are adorable mini cookies shaped like mugs, filled with chocolate ganache and topped with mini marshmallows. They're a cozy and creative dessert perfect for winter parties or Christmas movie nights.
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Photo credit: https://www.thegunnysack.com/hot-chocolate-cookie-cups/
Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups

Christmas Monster Cookies

Christmas Monster Cookies are jam-packed with festive mix-ins like red and green M&Ms, oats, peanut butter, and pretzels. These chewy, colorful cookies are a merry mash-up of textures and flavors in every bite.
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Photo credit: https://inspirationformoms.com/christmas-monster-cookies-recipe/
Christmas Monster Cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Haystacks

These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Haystacks are an easy, crunchy-salty treat made with just a few ingredients. They’re perfect for when you need a quick, satisfying snack or gift-worthy holiday goodie.
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Photo credit: https://coupleinthekitchen.com/no-bake-cookie-recipe-chocolate-peanut-butter-pretzel-haystacks/
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Haystacks

About Lois

Originally from Queens, NY, Lois is the voice behind Walking on Sunshine Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly meals made with simple ingredients. She believes dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and offers practical recipes, monthly meal plans, and free printables to help busy families cook with less stress and more joy. When she’s not in the kitchen, Lois enjoys time with her family, gardening and sharing inspiration from her home in rural Pennsylvania.

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