Loaded Sweet and Salty Pretzel Cookie Bars

Perfect for game day gatherings, Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and edible gifts, these M&M cookie bars are easy to make, travel well, and always disappear fast from the dessert table. For even more sweet-and-salty inspiration, check out my White Chocolate Pretzel Rolo Bites and Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Ingredients You Need

These Loaded Sweet and Salty Pretzel Cookie Bars are made with simple baking staples plus festive mix-ins that make them perfect for holidays, game day parties, and cookie exchanges.

Pretzel Cookie Bars

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• M&M’S candies
• Sprinkles
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Mini pretzels

White Chocolate Drizzle

• White chocolate chips
• Sprinkles
• Flaky sea salt (optional)

How to Make Loaded Sweet and Salty Pretzel Cookie Bars

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 18×13-inch baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’S, and sprinkles. The dough will be thick.
6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking sheet. For a prettier presentation, reserve a handful of M&M’S, chocolate chips, and sprinkles to scatter over the top before baking. Gently press mini pretzels across the top of the dough.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the white chocolate drizzle and slicing into bars.

White Chocolate Drizzle

Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars, then top with additional sprinkles and flaky sea salt if desired.

Tips for the Best Pretzel Cookie Bars

• Reserve a few M&M’S, chocolate chips, and sprinkles for the top before baking for a colorful bakery-style look.
• Slightly underbake the bars for the softest, chewiest texture.
• Add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra sweet-and-salty flavor.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
• Use holiday-colored M&M’S and sprinkles for Christmas parties and cookie exchanges.

Storage and Freezing

• Storing – Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerating – For longer freshness, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezing – Freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best results, wrap individual bars or layers in plastic wrap and place parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.