1. Line a flat baking tray with baking paper.
2. Stir the cocoa powder into the boiling water until a paste is formed and no lumps remain.
3. Cream the butter and the sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat it in well. Next, add the cocoa paste and flour and work the mixture into a soft dough. Wrap in cling wrap and chill for 1 hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 180C
5. Lightly knead the chilled dough until soft enough to roll by hand. Taking small amounts at a time, roll into sausage shapes 1/2cm in thickness and 15cm in length. Place shapes on to the lined tray.
6. Take both ends of the sausage and draw them up towards you so that they meet in the middle. Cross the two ends over and then draw them back into the base of the shape to form a pretzel. Continue to shape the remainding dough this way.
7. Bake the finished pretzels for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow the pretzels to cool on the baking tray before dipping them in the melted chocolate. Drain the pretzels slightly, return them to the lined tray and pop them into the fridge until set.
This recipe makes 12 - 18 pretzels.
