Just when I thought I had experienced every twist on the classic pretzel, I stumbled upon an irresistible delight: Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels. The notion of dipping a warm, soft pretzel into a sweet chocolate treat may seem unexpected, but trust me, it’s a revelation for the senses. The moment you pull these from the oven, the rich aroma of cocoa and melting chocolate will be like a warm hug for your kitchen.
After a particularly busy week filled with monotonous dinners, I decided to shake things up with this fun recipe. These pretzels offer the perfect blend of soft, chewy goodness, accented by bursts of mini chocolate chips. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply indulging on a cozy night in, these pretzels are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, making them at home means you can customize every bite to your heart’s content. Ready to dive into a world where savory meets sweet? Let’s get started!
Why love Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels?
Irresistible Twist: Combining soft pretzel dough with rich chocolate offers a delightful surprise that will leave everyone searching for more.
Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for all skill levels, ensuring that anyone can create a delicious treat at home.
Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet and salty flavors make these a hit for any gathering, from cozy date nights to lively parties.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to experiment with different chocolate varieties or toppings; personalize these pretzels to match your cravings!
Baking Therapy: Kneading dough can be relaxing and rewarding, turning a busy day into a fun cooking adventure.
Dive deeper into your sweet and savory cravings with this unique recipe and get ready to impress your friends!
Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels Ingredients
For the Dough
• 2 cups warm water – Essential for activating the yeast to create fluffy pretzels.
• 3 Tbsp sugar, divided – Sweetens the dough and helps yeast to rise effectively.
• 1 packet (2-1/4 tsp) active dry yeast – The magic ingredient that gives the pretzels their wonderful texture.
• 5-6 cups all-purpose flour – A must for structure; start with less and add more if needed.
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder – Introduces a rich chocolate flavor that makes these pretzels truly special.
• 1 Tbsp salt – Balances flavors and enhances taste.
• 1 tsp chocolate extract (optional) – Adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness if desired.
• 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips – Provides delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite.
For the Poaching
• 2 tsp canola or olive oil – A light coating for the bowl to prevent dough from sticking.
• 1/4 cup baking soda – Key for poaching, contributing to the characteristic pretzel crust.
For the Topping
• 1 egg lightly beaten with 1 Tbsp water – Gives the pretzels a lovely golden sheen when baked.
• Chocolate sprinkles and/or coarse sugar (or sea salt for sweet-n-salty) – Adds a decorative touch and enhances the flavor profile of your Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels.
How to Make Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels
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Prepare the Dip: In a medium bowl, blend together the dip ingredients. Cover and refrigerate it, letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to ensure a perfect dip.
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Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, stir together warm water and 1 tablespoon sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means it’s ready to go!
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Mix the Dough: Add 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture and mix on low until combined. Next, blend in the cocoa powder, salt, chocolate extract (if using), and 4 more cups of flour—this rich mix should come together beautifully. Beat on medium-low until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If sticky, add an extra 1/2 cup flour and knead in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
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Let it Rise: Pour oil into a large bowl and swirl to coat the sides. Transfer the dough into this bowl, turning it to cover all sides with oil. Cover with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size—this is when the magic happens!
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, setting them aside for later.
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Punch and Divide: Gently punch down the risen dough to remove the bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface, knead once or twice, and then divide it into either 16 pieces for large pretzels or 32 for miniature ones. Cover with plastic wrap to keep the dough from drying out.
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Shape the Pretzels: Roll out a piece of dough at a time into an 18-inch-long strip for large pretzels, or 10-inch for miniature. Twist each strip into a pretzel shape and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 15 minutes to rise slightly.
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Poach the Pretzels: Fill a large, shallow pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Stir in the baking soda and the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, then reduce to a simmer. Gently add three to four pretzels to the water, poaching them for 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer them back to the prepared sheets and continue until all are poached.
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Bake and Enjoy: Brush the pretzels with the egg mixture and sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles and/or coarse sugar. Bake them in the preheated oven until they’re golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack, or dive right in while they’re warm!
Optional: For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pretzels!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels Variations
Embrace your inner chef and get creative with these delightful twists on classic pretzels!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a tasty alternative. Just be sure to check the blend for best results!
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Nutty Add-In: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with chocolate. It gives each bite a lovely crunch and a rich nutty flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of chili powder to the dough for a sweet-and-spicy surprise. It’s a fun way to elevate your pretzel experience and intrigue your taste buds!
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Caramel Drizzle: Once they’re baked and cooled, drizzle with warm caramel sauce to add another level of indulgence. The sweet complement will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
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Berry Bliss: Toss in 1/2 cup of dried cherries or strawberries alongside the chocolate chips for a fruity flavor boost. This combination adds a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully!
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Chocolate Lovers: Use assorted chocolate types—milk, dark, or white chocolate chips—all blended into the dough for a decadent treat. This variation creates a mosaic of flavors that every chocolate lover will adore!
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Coconut Twist: Mix in 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical touch. The coconut will impart a lovely chewiness that blends perfectly with the chocolate richness.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to make your Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels truly unique!
What to Serve with Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels?
Indulge everyone’s sweet side with the perfect accompaniments that amplify the decadence of these soft pretzels.
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Velvety Chocolate Dip: Rich chocolate dip enhances the chocolatey notes of the pretzels, creating a delightful double chocolate experience.
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Creamy Peanut Butter: The creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter adds a delicious contrast, providing a savory balance to your sweet treat.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness, making for a refreshing palate cleanser alongside the rich pretzels.
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Whipped Marshmallow Fluff: The sweet, fluffy texture of marshmallow fluff is a fun and indulgent dip, perfect for sweets enthusiasts. Consider giving this pairing a little drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence!
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Iced Coffee: The bitter notes of a refreshing iced coffee beautifully complement the sweetness of the pretzels, ensuring every bite is perfectly paired with a sip.
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Dark Chocolate Fondue: For a decadent dessert experience, a dark chocolate fondue allows guests to dip the pretzels for a customizable treat that’s interactive and oh-so-delicious!
Treat your taste buds to a delightful spread that harmonizes perfectly with Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels, transforming any gathering into an unforgettable occasion.
Make Ahead Options
These Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels make meal prep a breeze! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe through the first rise and then refrigerate the dough instead of letting it rise at room temperature. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then shape and poach the pretzels as instructed. To maintain freshness and quality, store the dough in an airtight container or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. This way, you enjoy the deliciousness of homemade soft pretzels without the last-minute chaos!
How to Store and Freeze Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels
Room Temperature: Store the pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week. Make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual pretzels tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven before serving.
Reheating: For a warm treat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake from frozen for 10-12 minutes or until heated through, retaining that delightful softness of your Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels.
Expert Tips for Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels
Dough Consistency: Use a stand mixer if possible; it gives the dough the perfect texture. Ensure you have a soft but not sticky dough.
Let it Rise: Patience is key! Letting your dough rise until it’s doubled in size ensures fluffy and soft pretzels.
Poaching Temperature: Make sure the water is at a gentle simmer during poaching, or your pretzels may not develop that lovely outer crust.
Toppings Galore: Get creative with toppings! Consider using various types of sprinkles or even a pinch of sea salt for that sweet-n-salty balance.
Serving Warm: These Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for optimal softness and taste.
Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Make sure your baking soda is not expired, as this can affect the rise of your pretzels. For the chocolate chips, I recommend mini semisweet chips, as they distribute evenly throughout the dough and offer delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite!
What is the best way to store leftover pretzels?
To keep your Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you refrigerate them, ensure they’re in an airtight container to avoid drying out; they will last up to a week but are best enjoyed at room temperature for maximum softness.
Can I freeze these pretzels?
Yes, you can easily freeze your pretzels! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until they’re heated through.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Very! If your dough feels overly sticky during mixing, add an additional 1/2 cup of flour gradually, mixing well until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You want a soft, pliable dough that is not too tacky to the touch. Remember, humidity can affect dough consistency, so adjust as necessary!
Are these pretzels suitable for various dietary restrictions?
Indeed they can be tailored! If you’re concerned about allergies, excellent alternatives for flour include gluten-free all-purpose flour. Additionally, to make them dairy-free, simply swap the egg wash for a non-dairy milk alternative applied before baking. For chocolate, there are numerous dairy-free chocolate chips available as well, ensuring everyone can enjoy your delicious Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels!
Decadent Double Chocolate Chip Soft Pretzels You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Dip: In a medium bowl, blend the dip ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
- Activate the Yeast: Stir together warm water and 1 tablespoon sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture and mix on low. Blend in cocoa powder, salt, chocolate extract, and 4 more cups of flour. Beat until dough pulls away from sides.
- Let it Rise: Pour oil into a bowl and coat the sides. Transfer dough, cover with towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Punch and Divide: Punch down risen dough and divide into either 16 pieces for large pretzels or 32 for miniature ones.
- Shape the Pretzels: Roll each piece into an 18-inch or 10-inch long strip, twist into shape, and place on baking sheet.
- Poach the Pretzels: In a large pot, boil 2 inches of water, stir in baking soda and remaining sugar. Poach pretzels for 1 minute on each side.
- Bake and Enjoy: Brush with egg mixture, sprinkle toppings, and bake until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.
