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.