Save Soft, golden-baked pretzel twists filled with a creamy, tangy cranberry jalapeño dip—perfect for a festive appetizer or snack with a hint of heat.
The first time I made these cranberry jalapeño dip twist pretzels for our holiday party, they were gone in minutes. The creamy filling with bursts of cranberry and jalapeño heat inside a soft pretzel was a surprising hit—even among guests who claimed not to like spice!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 3 1/4 cups (400 g), makes a soft, chewy dough.
- Warm water: 1 cup (240 ml), about 110°F (43°C) for yeast activation.
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet).
- Granulated sugar: 1 tbsp, feeds the yeast and adds slight sweetness.
- Salt: 1 tsp, for dough flavor.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp, melted, adds richness.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: 1 cup (100 g), chopped for vivid tartness.
- Pickled jalapeños: 1/4 cup (60 g), diced with seeds removed for mild heat.
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened for smooth filling.
- Honey: 2 tbsp, balances tanginess.
- Green onions: 1/4 cup (25 g), chopped for fresh bite.
- Salt (filling): 1/4 tsp.
- Water (for boiling): 6 cups (1.5 L).
- Baking soda: 1/4 cup (35 g), ensures classic pretzel texture.
- Egg: 1 large, for egg wash.
- Coarse sea salt: For sprinkling.
Instructions
- Prepare Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Knead & Rise:
- Add melted butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 40 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Make Filling:
- Meanwhile, beat cream cheese until smooth in a medium bowl. Stir in cranberries, jalapeños, honey, green onions, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape Pretzel Twists:
- Punch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope (about 12 inches/30 cm long). Flatten each rope into a strip about 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide. Spread a spoonful of cranberry jalapeño filling along the center. Pinch edges to seal, then gently twist each filled rope and form into a pretzel or twist shape.
- Boil Pretzels:
- In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each pretzel twist into boiling water for 20 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Egg Wash & Bake:
- Beat the egg and brush over each pretzel. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Save Making these pretzel twists together has become a little family tradition before big holiday meals. The kitchen smells incredible and everyone loves to help shape the pretzels and sneak tastes of the filling.
Required Tools
You'll need a large mixing bowl, a stand mixer (optional), a saucepan, slotted spoon, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a pastry brush.
Allergen Information
These pretzels contain wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg and may contain traces of nuts if processed in shared facilities.
Nutritional Information
Each pretzel twist has about 230 calories, 7 g fat, 34 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Save Enjoy these festive cranberry jalapeño dip twist pretzels straight from the oven with friends and family. They're especially delightful paired with a crisp Riesling or wheat beer!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, dried cranberries work well but reduce the honey slightly due to their extra sweetness.
- → How spicy are the pretzel twists?
The heat is medium with pickled jalapeños; adjust quantity or remove seeds for a milder taste.
- → Is a stand mixer necessary for the dough?
No, the dough can be kneaded by hand. A stand mixer helps but is optional for making pretzel twists.
- → What is the best way to serve these pretzels?
Serve warm, with extra cranberry jalapeño dip as a side or paired with a crisp beverage like Riesling.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Pinch the edges of the dough firmly to seal before twisting, ensuring the creamy filling stays inside.
- → Are these pretzel twists vegetarian?
Yes, they contain no meat and use dairy, making them suitable for most vegetarians.