Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie-Stuffed Soft Pretzels

These indulgent treats combine the chewy goodness of soft pretzels with the melty sweetness of warm chocolate chip cookies.

Ingredients:
For the Pretzel Dough:

Ingredient Quantity
All-purpose flour 4 cups
Active dry yeast 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons)
Salt 1 teaspoon
Granulated sugar 1 tablespoon
Warm water (110°F or 45°C) 1 1/4 cups
Unsalted butter (melted) 2 tablespoons
For the Cookie Filling:

Ingredient Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened) 1/2 cup
Light brown sugar (packed) 1/2 cup
Granulated sugar 1/4 cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups
Baking soda 1/2 teaspoon
Salt 1/4 teaspoon
Chocolate chips 3/4 cup
For the Baking Soda Bath:

Ingredient Quantity
Baking soda 1/2 cup
Water 8 cups
For Topping:

Ingredient Quantity
Egg (beaten) 1
Coarse sea salt For sprinkling
Instructions:
Prepare Cookie Filling:

Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla extract.
Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips.
Scoop small spoonfuls of cookie dough and place on a baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes.
Make Pretzel Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until mixture becomes foamy.
Add melted butter, flour, and salt. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.