Introduction
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty snacks, then Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Twists are the perfect treat for you! These soft, chewy pretzel twists are wrapped around a rich, gooey center of melted chocolate, with a sprinkle of sea salt on top. The combination of the warm, slightly salty pretzel dough and the rich chocolate filling creates a dessert that’s truly out of this world. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack for a brunch, a decadent dessert, or an indulgent treat to share with family and friends, these twists are sure to impress. And the best part? They’re easier to make than they look!
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making these mouthwatering Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Twists from scratch. With a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for variations, and answers to frequently asked questions, you’ll be an expert in no time.
What Are Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Twists?
Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Twists are a delightful combination of soft pretzel dough and a gooey chocolate filling. The dough is rolled out into rectangles, filled with melted chocolate (or chocolate chips), then twisted into spirals. After boiling in a baking soda bath, they’re baked until golden brown, brushed with egg wash, and sprinkled with sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty finish.
These twists offer the chewy, rich texture of pretzel dough paired with a melting center of chocolate. Think of it as the best of both worlds — the warm, savory flavor of pretzels mixed with the decadence of chocolate, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
The Origin of Pretzels
The origin of pretzels can be traced back over 1,000 years, and they have deep ties to German culinary traditions. The classic pretzel shape is thought to represent arms crossed in prayer, symbolizing humility and devotion. Pretzels evolved over time from their religious and symbolic roots into the snack we enjoy today, especially in Europe and North America.
While pretzels themselves have a long history, the idea of pairing them with chocolate is a more modern twist, often seen in indulgent desserts and snacks. Today, chocolate-stuffed pretzel bread twists are a popular fusion treat, combining the old-world charm of pretzels with the modern love of chocolate.
Ingredients for Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Twists
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious twists:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
Filling:
- 4 oz (115g) dark or milk chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted (for sealing edges)
For the Pretzel Bath:
- 6 cups water
- 2 Tbsp baking soda
For Finishing:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (optional)
- 2 oz (60g) melted chocolate (for drizzling, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions and Preparation Method
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, signaling that the yeast is activated.
- Stir in the melted butter and salt.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, chop the chocolate into small pieces or use chocolate chips.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to set the twisted pretzels on once they are shaped.
3. Shape and Fill the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into a rectangle, about 6×3 inches in size.
- Place a line of chopped chocolate or chocolate chips down the center of each rectangle.
- Brush the edges of the dough lightly with melted butter to help seal them.
- Fold the dough over the chocolate, pinching the edges firmly to close it.
- Gently roll each filled piece into a rope shape, then twist it into a spiral.
- Place the twisted dough on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Pretzel Bath:
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the baking soda to the boiling water.
- Drop each twist into the boiling water for 20–30 seconds, one or two at a time. This step is essential to getting that characteristic chewy pretzel texture and flavor.
- Remove the twists from the water with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.
5. Bake the Twists:
- Brush the tops of the twists with a beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.
- Optionally, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top of the twists (skip if you prefer a sweeter twist).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the pretzels are deep golden brown.
6. Finish with a Chocolate Drizzle:
- Once baked, drizzle the twists with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar if you prefer a sweet finish.
7. Serve:
- Serve these chocolate-stuffed pretzel bread twists warm, while the chocolate center is soft and gooey. These twists are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can reheat them if needed.
Variations on the Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Twists
While the chocolate-stuffed pretzel bread twists are already amazing, there are plenty of variations to explore. Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe:
- Nutella Stuffing: Replace the chopped chocolate with Nutella for a creamy chocolate-hazelnut filling. This is perfect for Nutella lovers!
- Caramel Filling: Add caramel chips or a spoonful of caramel sauce for a gooey, rich alternative to chocolate.
- White Chocolate & Raspberry: Use white chocolate chips and add a few fresh raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Peanut Butter & Chocolate: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the dough before adding the chocolate for a peanut butter and chocolate combo.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference. You can even mix different types of chocolate for a unique flavor.
Q2: How can I store the leftovers?
Store any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh them, reheat in a 325°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Q3: Can I freeze the twists?
Yes, these twists freeze wonderfully. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake them at 325°F for 5–10 minutes.
Q4: Can I skip the pretzel bath?
The pretzel bath is key to achieving the classic pretzel texture and flavor, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step. Just note that your twists won’t have the same chewy exterior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Twists are the ultimate sweet and savory treat that will leave your taste buds craving more. The soft, chewy pretzel dough, combined with a rich chocolate filling, creates a dessert experience like no other. Perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert or as a snack, these twists are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re sticking to the classic chocolate filling or experimenting with variations like Nutella or caramel, these twists are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in the heavenly combination of pretzels and chocolate!
Print
Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Twists: A Heavenly Combination of Soft Pretzel Dough and Rich Chocolate
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Twists are a delightful combination of soft pretzel dough and a gooey chocolate filling. The dough is rolled out into rectangles, filled with melted chocolate (or chocolate chips), then twisted into spirals. After boiling in a baking soda bath, they’re baked until golden brown, brushed with egg wash, and sprinkled with sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty finish.
Ingredients
For the dough:
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp salt
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
For the filling:
4 oz (115g) dark or milk chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
1 Tbsp butter, melted (for sealing edges)
For the pretzel bath:
6 cups water
2 Tbsp baking soda
For finishing:
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Coarse sea salt (optional)
2 oz (60g) melted chocolate (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
1. Make the dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Stir in melted butter and salt.
Add flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.
2. Prepare the filling:
Chop chocolate (or use chips).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Shape and fill:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a rectangle (about 6×3 inches).
Sprinkle a line of chocolate down the center.
Brush edges lightly with melted butter, then fold the dough over the chocolate to enclose it and pinch edges firmly.
Gently roll the filled log into a rope, then twist it once or twice into a spiral shape.
Place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Pretzel bath:
Bring 6 cups water to a boil and add baking soda.
Drop each twist into the boiling bath for 20–30 seconds, one or two at a time.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
(This step gives the classic pretzel flavor and chew.)
5. Bake:
Brush twists with beaten egg.
Sprinkle with coarse salt if you like (skip if you’re going for sweet-only).
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until deep golden brown.
6. Finish:
Drizzle with melted chocolate or dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Serve warm — the chocolate center will be soft and gooey. 😍
Notes
These Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzel Bread Twists are best enjoyed warm when the chocolate is still gooey. Sprinkle with sea salt or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch!
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Snack / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Chocolate Pretzel Twists, Pretzel Bread Twists with Chocolate, Chocolate-Stuffed Pretzels, Sweet Pretzel Twists
