Cream Cheese-Stuffed Soft Pretzels
Warm, freshly baked soft pretzels are a delightful treat perfect for chilly evenings, reminiscent of Oktoberfest celebrations. These pretzels are not only soft and chewy but also indulge your taste buds with a creamy, rich cream cheese filling. Pair them with your favorite mustard or drizzle with honey for an extra burst of flavor. A fun and versatile recipe, they can even serve as an entertaining snack for toddlers when left plain. Whether it’s for a gathering or a cozy night in, these pretzels are sure to impress friends and family alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Active dry yeast
1/4 ounce (Separate or in a package)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (Granulated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Table salt)
Warm water
1.5 cups (110°F)
All-purpose flour
3 cups (Standard flour)
Bread flour
1 cup (Standard flour)
Warm water
2 cups (110°F)
Baking soda
2 tablespoons (For dipping solution)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons (For sprinkling)
Softened cream cheese
2-4 tablespoons (Piped into pretzels)
Cinnamon sugar
2 tablespoons (For sprinkling)
Almonds
2 tablespoons (Roasted and chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in 1-1/2 cups of warm water (110°F) and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2
In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. With the processor running, gradually pour in the yeast mixture and blend until a smooth, elastic dough forms (about 40 seconds).
3
If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour. If it feels too dry, add additional warm water in teaspoons until the desired consistency is achieved.
4
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Prepare an 8-inch square pan filled with 2 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to create a bath for the pretzels.
6
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, approximately 3-foot rope that is pencil-thin.
7
If using cream cheese: Take one rope, flatten it, and pipe the softened cream cheese down the center, leaving the edges free. Fold the dough over the cream cheese, twist it into a pretzel shape, and dip it in the baking soda solution.
8
Place twisted pretzels on parchment paper-lined baking sheets and let them rise for 15 to 20 minutes for a second proof.
9
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Brush the warm pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt, cinnamon sugar, or chopped roasted almonds as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cream Cheese-Stuffed Soft Pretzels?
They are warm, chewy soft pretzels filled with a rich, creamy cream cheese filling, perfect for snacks or Oktoberfest celebrations.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires one 1/4 ounce package of active dry yeast.
What is the ideal water temperature for dissolving the yeast?
The warm water should be approximately 110°F to properly activate the yeast.
How long should the yeast and sugar mixture sit?
The mixture should sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Can I use a food processor to make the dough?
Yes, a food processor is used to combine the flour and salt with the yeast mixture until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
How long does it take to blend the dough in a food processor?
It typically takes about 40 seconds for the dough to reach the desired consistency in the processor.
What should I do if my pretzel dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour until it is manageable.
What should I do if the dough feels too dry?
Add additional warm water one teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
How long should the dough rise initially?
The dough needs to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 450°F before baking the pretzels.
What is the purpose of the baking soda bath?
The baking soda solution helps give the pretzels their signature golden brown color and unique flavor.
How do I prepare the baking soda solution?
Combine 2 cups of warm water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda in an 8-inch square pan.
How many pretzels does this recipe make?
The dough should be divided into 12 equal pieces to make 12 pretzels.
How long should each piece of dough be rolled?
Each piece should be rolled into a long rope approximately 3 feet long and pencil-thin.
How do I add the cream cheese filling?
Flatten the dough rope and pipe softened cream cheese down the center, then fold the dough over to seal it.
When should I dip the pretzels into the baking soda bath?
Dip the pretzels into the solution after they have been stuffed and twisted into their shape.
Do the pretzels need a second rise?
Yes, after shaping and dipping, let the pretzels rise on the baking sheet for another 15 to 20 minutes.
How long do the pretzels need to bake?
Bake the pretzels for 8 to 10 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
What should I apply to the pretzels immediately after baking?
Brush the warm pretzels with melted butter and add your choice of toppings.
What savory toppings are recommended?
Coarse salt or kosher salt are excellent savory options for these pretzels.
What sweet toppings can I use?
Cinnamon sugar is a great sweet topping option for these stuffed pretzels.
Can I add nuts to the pretzels?
Yes, the recipe suggests using chopped roasted almonds as a topping.
What are some recommended dipping sauces?
You can pair these pretzels with your favorite mustard or a drizzle of honey.
Is this recipe suitable for toddlers?
Yes, they can serve as a fun snack for toddlers if left plain.
What types of flour are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of bread flour.
How much cream cheese is needed for the filling?
You will need 2 to 4 tablespoons of softened cream cheese to pipe into the pretzels.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the pretzels from sticking.
How much sugar is used in the dough?
The dough requires 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
How much butter is needed for brushing?
You will need 2 tablespoons of melted butter for brushing the finished pretzels.
What texture should the dough have after rising?
The dough should be smooth, elastic, and have doubled in volume after the first rise.