Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet bakery with these irresistible Pretzel Turtles that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, soft pretzel with a molten chocolate caramel center that oozes with every bite - this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these delectable treats are guaranteed to impress everyone from kids to adults, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack or dessert.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 24 Rolo candies
- 24 pretzel twists
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F) with 1 packet of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, approximately 12 inches in length. Shape each rope into a pretzel shape or twist it around a Rolo candy.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Before baking, press a Rolo candy into the center of each pretzel. This will melt during baking and create a delicious filling.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the pretzels to enhance their flavor.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your Easy Homemade Pretzel Turtles!
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is precisely between 105-110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. A smooth, elastic dough is key to perfect pretzels.
- Baking Soda Bath Secret: The baking soda water gives pretzels their signature golden-brown color and chewy exterior.
- Rolo Placement: Press the Rolo candy gently into the center of each pretzel before baking for even melting.
- Salt Sprinkle: Use coarse sea salt for maximum flavor and a professional bakery look.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let pretzels cool slightly to allow the caramel to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
