Description
These pretzels are soft and chewy. The aromas are of cozy times indoors on chilly days, but the ingredients are not especially tied to a particular season. Try this raisin cinnamon swirl pretzel recipe anytime you want a warm bite of nostalgia.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pretzel Dough:
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (additional for work surface)
Cinnamon Raisin Filling:
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter, softened
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup raisins (or craisins)
Pretzel Wash:
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
- Yeast Mixture Preparation: In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved.
- Dough Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with egg yolk and oil. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Kneading the Dough: Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead, adding more flour as necessary, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and raisins in a medium bowl until combined.
- Shaping the Pretzels: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly, and roll up lengthwise. Cut the log in half, twist each half into a rope, and cut each into 4 pieces. Shape each piece into a pretzel.
- Apply Pretzel Wash: Combine hot water and baking soda. Brush the mixture over each pretzel and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Baking: Bake the pretzels for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serving: Enjoy the pretzels warm, optionally dipped in vanilla frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
- The dough should be smooth and elastic after kneading.
- For a deeper flavor, you can soak the raisins in warm water or juice before adding.
- The pretzels are best served fresh and warm.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American