Apple Cider Pretzels 🍎

Apple Cider Pretzels
(Makes 6)
Pretzel Dough:
1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup concentrate)
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1 TBSP Sorghum syrup or barley malt
1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons water, divided
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cardamom
1 tsp salt
Water Bath:
6 cups boiling water
1/2 cup baking soda
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
In a small pan over medium high heat, add apple cider. Cook until mixture reduces to 1/4 cup, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with hook attachment, add Sorghum syrup, yeast and 3 TBSP of warm water. Stir and let mixture sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. In another bowl, combine flour, salt and spices. Add flour mixture to yeast mixture. Add in remaining water and apple cider. Mix on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until dough becomes smooth and pulls away from the edge of the bowl.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
On a work surface, portion out 6 even pieces of dough. Roll each into a rope, form into a U shape and then cross over and form a pretzel. Press edges. Let rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, boil water. Add baking soda and boil each pretzel for 1 minute. Cut two slits into each pretzel at the widest point.
Place pretzels on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
Let cool slightly, then brush each pretzel with melted butter, then toss in cinnamon sugar mixture.