Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) baking soda
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) water (for the boiling bath)
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cups (156g) all-purpose flour, heat-treated (see Tips & Tricks)
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt
  • ½ cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let stand until foamy.
  2. In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, flour, salt, and oil. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
  3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  4. Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add the heat-treated flour and salt until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
  5. Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Roll out one half into a thin rectangle. Spread half of the cookie dough filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into bite-sized pieces. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  6. Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water, a few at a time. Boil for 30 seconds per side.
  7. Transfer the boiled bites to a prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake until golden brown.
  8. Let the pretzel bites cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.