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Cinnamon Crunch Apple Butter Soft Pretzel Knots

Cinnamon Crunch Apple Butter Soft Pretzel Knots
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Warm, fluffy Cinnamon Crunch Apple Butter Soft Pretzel Knots bursting with sweet cinnamon spice and a luscious apple butter glaze. This easy-to-make, bakery-quality snack combines tender pretzel dough, a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, and a rich apple butter drizzle, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Boiling Solution

  • 8 cups water
  • ½ cup baking soda

Topping and Glaze

  • 1 cup cinnamon sugar mix (combine ½ cup sugar with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (room temperature for brushing after baking)
  • 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • ½ cup apple butter (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  3. Shape the Pretzel Knots: Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each piece into a rope. Tie each rope into a loose knot, pinching the ends to seal.
  4. Boil the Pretzels: Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop each knot into the boiling solution for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Apply Egg Wash and Add Topping: Brush each knot with beaten egg to ensure a shiny finish and better topping adhesion. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mix generously over each pretzel knot.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Bake the pretzel knots in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
  7. Drizzle with Apple Butter: Once slightly cooled but still warm, drizzle apple butter over the pretzels to add moist sweetness and rich flavor complementing the cinnamon crunch.

Notes

  • Proof your yeast carefully with warm water to ensure good rise.
  • Boiling pretzels in baking soda solution creates the signature chewy crust and glossy finish.
  • Don’t skip the egg wash as it helps the cinnamon sugar topping stick evenly and seals moisture.
  • Use room temperature melted butter to brush after baking for enhanced flavor and softness.
  • Allow pretzel knots to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the apple butter from melting away completely.
  • For gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour mix formulated for yeast baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat pretzels at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel knots, cinnamon pretzels, apple butter glaze, soft pretzels, snack, sweet pretzels, gluten-free option

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