Chocolate-Pretzel Bar Cookies

I don't usually do a lot of baking, so when the mood strikes, I try to make something really decadent, and these cookies fit the bill.  If you can imagine a chocolate covered pretzel, dipped in cookie dough batter, then baked to a golden brown, you can only imagine how good these cookies are!

These cookies can be made with just about any type of chocolate chips, my favorite being Hershey's Dark Chocolate chips.  These chips are not as sweet as the chips you find in most cookies, and that distinct dark chocolate flavor is heavenly.  If you're making these for your kids, they might prefer the semi-sweet chips over the dark chocolate, but our family was pretty divided on which one was their favorite.  Or better yet, make two batches and everyone will be happy.  Enjoy!!

2 cups  Flour
1 tsp  Baking Soda
1/2 tsp  Salt
1-1/2 sticks  Unsalted Butter, softened
1 cup  Brown Sugar
1/2 cup  Sugar
2  Large Eggs
2 tsp  Vanilla
12 oz bag  Chocolate Chips (bittersweet, milk chocolate or semi-sweet)
1-1/2 cups  Mini Pretzels or Pretzel Sticks, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing about 1- 2 inches to drape over the ends of the sheet.  Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda an salt.  In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the butter and both sugars, until blended and creamy.  Beat in the eggs and vanilla, mixing on low speed.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the batter, then using a spoon, stir in the chocolate and pretzels.

Spread the batter evenly onto the lined baking sheet.  Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, or until golden.  (The center will still be a bit gooey.)  Transfer the pan to a rack to cool for 5 minutes, then carefully slide the cookie off of the pan and onto the wire rack.  (Do this by lifting the edges of parchment paper at either end.)  Slice into squares and serve.  Store cookies in a sealed container for up to 1 week.