Name: Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups warm water (heated to 105-110°F); 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt; 2 tablespoons butter, melted + extra for brushing; 4 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour + extra for dusting; 1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chocolate chips; Coarse salt for sprinkling; 1/2 cup baking soda; 9 cups water

Jump to Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that loves a salty kick, you are going to absolutely adore these Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites. They are little pockets of chewy, golden-baked pretzel dough hugging luscious melted chocolate inside. Every bite offers that irresistible contrast between the warm, gooey chocolate center and the slightly crunchy, salty pretzel exterior. These treats are not just snacks; they’re an experience that brings together the best of both worlds in one delightful, shareable bite. Once you try making and tasting these Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for satisfying those craving moments with a touch of homemade magic.

Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering perfect taste and texture. The blend of warm yeast dough, rich butter, and high-quality chocolate chips all come together seamlessly for an irresistible result.

Warm water: Heated to between 105 and 110°F to activate the yeast properly for that perfect rise and chewiness.
Active dry yeast: The magic agent that makes your pretzels light and fluffy.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
Sea salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Butter, melted: Adds richness and helps keep the dough tender.
Unbleached all-purpose flour: The foundation that shapes your dough, with extra to keep things from sticking.
Dark chocolate chunks or chips: For that delicious molten center in every bite.
Coarse salt: Sprinkled atop for that signature salty crunch that makes pretzels so addictive.
Baking soda: Used in the boiling bath to give pretzels their classic chewy crust and unique flavor.
Water for boiling: The vehicle for the baking soda bath, essential for the pretzel bite’s texture.

How to Make Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Activate the Yeast

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining two baking sheets with Silpat mats or greased parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Cover it with a towel and patiently let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes until you see foamy bubbles forming on top, signaling the yeast is alive and kicking. This step builds the foundation of that chewy, airy texture you want in your pretzel bites.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once your yeast mixture is frothy, whisk in the melted butter and sea salt until everything is smooth and combined. If you have a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook attachment and gradually add the flour, cup by cup, mixing well after each addition. The dough should feel thick but a bit sticky; you can add the last bit of flour little by little until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Step 3: Knead and Rest the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a dusted surface and knead it for 4 to 5 minutes until it transforms into a smooth, elastic ball. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 10 minutes, which helps relax the gluten and makes the dough easier to stretch and shape later on.

Step 4: Make the Baking Soda Bath

While the dough rests, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. This bath is key to creating the classic pretzel bite crust — it changes the dough’s pH, giving the exterior that deep color and chewiness once baked.

Step 5: Shape the Pretzel Bites

Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a long rope about 22 inches long and less than half an inch thick. Cut each rope into one-inch pieces, then gently flatten each piece into a small rectangle.

Step 6: Stuff with Chocolate

Place a large chocolate chunk, or two smaller ones, onto each dough rectangle. Fold the dough over the chocolate and pinch the edges tight to seal and form a neat little pillow with the chocolate snug inside.

Step 7: Boil and Bake

Dip the stuffed bites into the boiling baking soda water for 25 seconds—no longer, or else your bites might pick up an unpleasant taste. Remove with a slotted spoon, let them drip briefly, then place them on your prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt for that extra crunch. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, then brush with more melted butter and add a touch more salt if you like.

How to Serve Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites

Garnishes

These bites are fantastic on their own but can be dressed up with a few simple garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar brings a hint of sweetness and a pretty finish, while a drizzle of caramel or melted white chocolate adds an indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with the salty crust.

Side Dishes

Pair these Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea to really amplify their comforting charm. They also make a wonderful addition to dessert boards alongside nuts, fresh fruit, or cheese for a playful mix of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for casual get-togethers, or stack them on a tiered tray for a party display that invites everyone to grab and enjoy. You could even skewer them on sticks for a fun, portable dessert on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, no worries! Store your Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They maintain their chewy texture best when eaten fresh but still stay delicious for snacking a day or two later.

Freezing

You can freeze baked pretzel bites by letting them cool completely, then wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months, so you can enjoy them anytime the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or stored pretzel bites back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This warms the chocolate and refreshes the pretzel exterior without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Use any chocolate you love. Milk chocolate will make the bites sweeter, while dark chocolate adds deeper richness. Both taste fantastic inside these pretzel bites.

Is it necessary to boil the pretzel bites in baking soda water?

Yes, this step is crucial. The baking soda bath gives pretzels their characteristic chewy crust and golden color. Skipping it means you’ll miss out on that authentic pretzel flavor and texture.

Can I make these pretzel bites gluten-free?

Since traditional pretzel dough relies on gluten for structure and chew, substituting gluten-free flour requires special blends and additional binding agents. It’s possible but might take some experimentation for perfect results.

How long do Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites take to prepare?

From start to finish, expect about 1.5 to 2 hours including resting and baking times. It’s worth the wait, as the homemade touch really makes all the difference!

Can I add other fillings besides chocolate?

Definitely! Try cream cheese, peanut butter, or fruit preserves to switch things up. Just make sure the fillings are thick enough not to leak during boiling and baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about biting into warm Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites—the way salty meets sweet, chewy meets melty, and familiar meets entirely magical. These bites are perfect for sharing or savoring solo, and once you make them, they’ll quickly become a beloved treat in your kitchen repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try making these and fall in love with every single bite!

Chocolate Stuffed Pretzel Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 96 pretzel bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightfully soft and chewy chocolate stuffed pretzel bites with a golden crust, perfect as a warm snack or dessert. These pretzel bites combine the classic salty flavor of pretzels with gooey dark chocolate inside, baked to perfection and finished with a buttery brush and coarse salt sprinkle.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with silpat mats or greased parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk together warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Cover with a towel and let rest for 10-15 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and alive.
Add Butter and Salt: Stir melted butter and sea salt into the foamy yeast mixture until fully combined.
Incorporate Flour: Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, gradually add flour starting with 1 cup at a time up to 3 cups, stirring between additions. Add ½ cup more and mix until dough thickens. Add remaining flour ¼ cup at a time as needed until dough is no longer sticky but still soft.
Knead the Dough: Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Prepare Baking Soda Bath: While dough rests, bring 9 cups of water and ½ cup baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot to create the alkaline bath that gives pretzels their signature crust.
Shape Dough Ropes: Once rested, divide dough into 12 equal pieces (~⅓ cup each). Roll each piece into a rope about 22 inches long and ½ inch thick. Cover unused dough ropes with a towel to prevent drying.
Create Pretzel Bites: Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Flatten each piece into a small rectangle with your fingers. Place one large or two smaller dark chocolate chunks on each rectangle, then fold the dough over the chocolate to encase it fully, pressing seams tightly to seal.
Bake After Bathing: Dip each stuffed pretzel bite into the boiling baking soda bath for 25 seconds (not exceeding 30 seconds to avoid metallic taste). Use a slotted spoon to remove, shake off excess water, and place on prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt as desired.
Bake and Finish: Bake bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately brush with extra melted butter, topping with more coarse salt if desired. Serve warm for best texture and chocolate melt.

Notes

Yeast activation is key; wait for foaming to ensure dough will rise properly.
Do not over-soak pretzel bites in baking soda bath to avoid a metallic taste.
Use good quality dark chocolate chunks for best melty filling.
Keep unused dough covered to prevent drying during shaping.
You can double the batch and freeze unbaked bites after baking soda bath step for later baking.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking, Boiling
Cuisine: American