Get ready to indulge in the ultimate autumn treat with these Pumpkin Spice Soft Pretzels! Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pretzels infused with the rich flavors of pumpkin and a hint of spice wafting through your kitchen. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful snack on a crisp fall day, these pretzels are not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will have you crafting soft, chewy pretzels that are sure to impress. Don’t miss out on this seasonal sensation—let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your snacking game!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 pretzels
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F) with 1 packet of active dry yeast and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir gently to combine and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree to the bowl. Mix well until the pumpkin is fully incorporated into the yeast mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18-24 inches in length, and then shape it into a pretzel form by twisting the ends together and folding them back towards the center.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. This will create a baking soda bath for the pretzels.
- Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, and let them boil for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all pretzels are on the baking sheet, sprinkle them generously with coarse salt. This adds flavor and a nice crunch to the pretzels.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Soft Pretzels warm, with your favorite dipping sauce if desired!
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast: Make sure your water is warm but not too hot—around 110°F is ideal. This temperature helps activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring your pretzels rise perfectly.
- Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste of your pretzels.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, giving your pretzels that perfect chewy texture.
- Boiling Bath: Don’t skip the baking soda bath! This step is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel crust. It gives the pretzels a beautiful brown color and enhances their flavor.
- Sprinkle Generously: When adding coarse salt, be generous! It enhances the flavor and adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Serving Suggestions: These pretzels are delicious on their own, but consider serving them with a warm cheese dip or a sweet cinnamon glaze for an extra treat!
- Storage: If you have leftovers (if that’s even possible!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked warmth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 244kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 7g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
