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–+ servings

Valentine's Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

These Valentine’s Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are soft and warm, coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend for a delightful treat that's perfect for the occasion!
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Course: Dessert, Snack
Keyword: baking, bread making, cinnamon sugar, pretzels, soft pretzels, Valentine's Day
Servings: 8
Author: Hailey McCluskey

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tsp dry active yeast
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ cup strawberry jam OR strawberry puree
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon

For the strawberry puree:

  • 1½ cup frozen or fresh strawberries

Instructions

For the strawberry puree:

  • If you are choosing to make your own rather than use strawberry jam, add 1½ cups of fresh or frozen strawberries to a small saucepan and gently simmer for 15-20 mins over medium low heat. Stir frequently and mash berries so the mixture is smooth. Keep the lid off so moisture can be released from the berries and doesn't create a watery dough. You will know it's finished when you drag a spoon across the bottom of the pan and the mixture does not fill in the space.

For the pretzels:

  • In a large bowl combine 1 cup warm water, 2 tsp yeast & 2 tbsp brown sugar, stir to combine & let stand for about 5 mins until foamy. Add strawberry puree, vanilla, melted butter, salt and flour. Stir until the mixture is combining and a dough is beginning to form.
  • If using a stand mixer, beat with a dough hook and add more flour if sticking to sides of the bowl 1 tbsp at a time until a dough ball forms. If mixing by hand — transfer the shaggy dough mixture to a floured surface & knead until dough ball forms, adding more flour if needed and too sticky.
  • Transfer dough ball an oiled large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a dry, warm place for 1 hour. I set in the oven turned OFF with the oven light on.
  • Divide dough into 4-8 pieces depending if you want large or mini pretzels. Roll dough out into a semi thin log and form an upside down “U” shape. pinch the bottom of the U for the bottom of the heart, and bring the 2 loose ends together to form the top of the heart.
  • Arrange on a lined baking sheet and let rise 30 more mins while you make your poaching water. About 1/4 cup or a handful of baking soda to a large pot of simmering water. Add each pretzel one at a time to the pot & poach for 1 min each side.
  • Return to baking sheet and coat in an egg wash of 1 egg + 1 tbsp water. Bake at 450F for 12-17 minutes, until deep golden browned (like a pretzel color). Let cool until you can handle with your hands.
  • Brush with melted butter & toss in a large bowl of granulated sugar and cinnamon.

Notes

These can also be made into regular pretzel shapes to enjoy as non-Valentine's cinnamon sugar pretzels!