Description
Delight in these soft, warm pretzel bites stuffed with melted semi-sweet chocolate and coated in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ready in just one hour, these homemade treats combine classic pretzel texture with a sweet twist, perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Boiling Mixture
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Filling and Coating
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Stir in flour, salt, and melted butter until a dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set the oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil, then carefully stir in the baking soda.
- Form Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into an 18-inch rope and cut into 1-inch pieces. Flatten each piece slightly, place a few chocolate chips in the center, then pinch the dough closed to seal completely around the chocolate.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water for 20 to 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash to help them develop a shiny, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. While pretzel bites are still warm, brush them with melted butter and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve: Enjoy these chocolate and cinnamon-sugar soft pretzel bites warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the pretzel bites are tightly sealed around the chocolate to prevent leaking during boiling and baking.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.
- These pretzel bites are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving to regain softness.
