Apple Cider Soft Pretzel

Ingredients

3 cups apple cider
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup butter divided and melted
2 1/2 tsp salt
4 1/2-5 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking soda

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon

Instructions

Add apple cider to a sauce pan and bring to a simmer. Allow the apple cider to simmer until reduced by half (about 15-20 minutes). Measure out 1 1/2 cups and set aside to cool until it reaches at least 125 degrees F.
In a small bowl combine 4 1/2 cups flour, salt, and yeast.
Add in reduced apple cider and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix until combined, adding in additional flour as needed.
Knead using the stand mixer for 3-4 minutes or by hand for 8-10 minutes. Add in more flour a little at a time if needed.
Oil a bowl, add the dough and turn to coat with the oil. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
In a shallow bowl or pan add water and baking soda. Set aside.
Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a flat surface. Divide the dough into 6-8 pieces, Roll each piece into a long rope, about 22" long.
Twist each rope into a pretzel shape (see photos in post). Then dip into water and baking soda solution and place onto a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pieces.
Bake at 425 F for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown.
Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small shallow bowl.
Brush each pretzel with remaining melted butter and then dip into cinnamon sugar mixture.
Enjoy as is or with caramel sauce.

Notes

If you want to use dry active yeast combine 2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 cup reduced and cooled apple cider. Let sit for 5 minutes until mixture is nice and foamy. Then add into flour, salt, and cinnamon mixture along with remaining apple cider.

Nutrition