Chocolate chip soft pretzels are a delightful twist on the classic soft pretzel, combining the chewy, salty goodness of a traditional pretzel with the sweet, melty surprise of chocolate chips. These pretzels are perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat, offering a delicious blend of sweet and salty flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these chocolate chip soft pretzels for their unique and irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The chewy, slightly salty pretzel dough is studded with rich chocolate chips, creating a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. These pretzels are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun baking project, or simply craving a sweet and savory treat.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Knead the dough well: Proper kneading ensures the pretzels have the right texture.
- Rest the dough: Allow the dough to rest and rise until doubled in size for the best results.
- Boiling in baking soda water: This step is crucial for achieving the classic pretzel texture and flavor.
- Shape evenly: Make sure the pretzels are shaped evenly to ensure they bake uniformly.
- Brush with egg wash: This gives the pretzels a beautiful golden brown color and a slight sheen.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different chips: Use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or a mix for variety.
- Add-ins: Mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit along with the chocolate chips.
- Whole wheat option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier pretzel.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free pretzels.
- Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve chocolate chip soft pretzels warm from the oven, either on their own or with a dipping sauce like chocolate ganache or a caramel dip. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk. These pretzels also make a great addition to a brunch spread or dessert table, and they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room temperature: Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week to extend freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze baked pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual pretzels in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I skip the baking soda boil? Boiling in baking soda water is essential for achieving the classic pretzel texture and flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
Do I have to use an egg wash? The egg wash gives the pretzels a nice color and sheen, but you can skip it if needed.
How do I prevent the chocolate chips from melting too much? Keep the dough and chocolate chips as cool as possible while mixing and shaping.
Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels
Yield: 8 pretzels
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
A symphony of pillowy softness and indulgent chocolate chips, these pretzels evoke the magic of the season.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Baking Soda Bath
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Topping
- Coarse sea salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Chocolate syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Pretzels: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and shape into pretzels.
- Baking Soda Bath: In a pot, bring water and baking soda to a gentle boil. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water bath for about 20 seconds, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Press mini chocolate chips onto the surface of each pretzel.
- Bake: Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown.
- Enjoy: Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the magical combination of soft pretzels and melted chocolate.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 311Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 2117mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 3gSugar: 10gProtein: 8g