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Cinnamon Crunch Apple Butter Soft Pretzel Knots

Cinnamon Crunch Apple Butter Soft Pretzel Knots
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Cinnamon Crunch Apple Butter Soft Pretzel Knots are a flavorful and comforting treat combining soft pretzel dough with a warm cinnamon sugar crunch and fruity apple butter coating. Perfectly balancing a crispy exterior and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center, these soft pretzels are easy to prepare and ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (100-110°F / 38-43°C)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or plant-based butter for vegan)

Boiling Solution

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda

Topping and Coating

  • Apple butter (approximately 1/2 cup for brushing)
  • Cinnamon sugar mixture (1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp ground cinnamon)
  • Coarse sugar or crunchy topping (such as coarse sugar or chopped nuts)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and melted butter, then knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  2. Shape the Pretzel Knots: Punch the risen dough down gently. Divide it into equal portions and roll each into a long rope. Tie each rope into a loose knot, pinching the ends to seal. Arrange knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing them to rise for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Boil with Baking Soda: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda carefully. Drop pretzel knots into the boiling water for 30-40 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.
  4. Add Apple Butter and Cinnamon Crunch Topping: Brush each warm pretzel knot generously with apple butter. Then sprinkle or dip knots into the cinnamon sugar mixture combined with coarse sugar or nuts for a crunchy, sweet coating.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the coated pretzel knots for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and the topping sets. Let cool slightly before enjoying.

Notes

  • Use warm water between 100-110°F (38-43°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten for perfect chewy texture.
  • Don’t skip the baking soda bath to achieve the classic pretzel crust.
  • Brush pretzels generously with apple butter after boiling for optimal flavor.
  • Adjust cinnamon sugar amount to suit your sweetness preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzels, apple butter, cinnamon sugar, soft pretzel knots, sweet pretzels, homemade pretzels, cinnamon crunch, gluten-free pretzels

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/cinnamon-crunch-apple-butter-soft-pretzel-knots/