Craving a delightful twist on classic snacks? Look no further! Our Pretzel Turtles and Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels are the perfect blend of sweet and savory that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine biting into a warm, soft pretzel topped with gooey chocolate and crunchy pecans, or indulging in a cinnamon-sugar-coated treat that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is not only easy to make but also yields 12 delicious servings, making it perfect for parties or cozy nights at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these mouthwatering pretzels that are sure to be the highlight of any gathering!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water (about 110°F) with 1 packet of active dry yeast and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar, then let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can knead it in the stand mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20-30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long, and shape it into a pretzel by forming a U shape, crossing the ends over each other, and then twisting them before folding them back down to the bottom of the U.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water. This will create a bubbly reaction, so be cautious.
- Using a slotted spoon, gently lower each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, for about 30 seconds. This step helps to create the chewy texture of the pretzels. Remove the pretzels from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each pretzel with the egg wash to give them a golden color when baked.
- If you are making Pretzel Turtles, sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans on top of half of the pretzels before baking. For Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the remaining pretzels.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
- Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Pretzel Turtles and Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels!
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast: Make sure your water is warm but not too hot—around 110°F (43°C) is perfect. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising.
- Knead for Texture: Kneading the dough is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture. If you have a stand mixer, let it do the work for you!
- Shape with Care: When forming the pretzels, take your time to ensure they have a nice shape. The classic twist adds not only to the appearance but also to the texture.
- Boiling is Key: Don’t skip the boiling step! This is what gives pretzels their signature chewiness. Just be cautious when adding the baking soda to the boiling water—it can bubble up quickly.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try adding different types of chocolate or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty combination.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Baking times can vary, so keep a close watch on your pretzels as they bake. You want them golden brown, not burnt!
- Serve Warm: These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them warm for the ultimate indulgent experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
