Sweet Soft Pretzels

My daughters love these as an after school snack, so do the other kids and Mums on the school run.  I sometimes make smaller ones for their lunchbox treats.  They are really easy to make and you can shape them however you like.  My 3 daughters made, shaped and baked them today which kept them amused for a while and also meant a rather tasty afternoon tea.

Sweet Soft Pretzels

350g strong white bread flour

1 tsp caster sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp instant yeast

225ml lukewarm water

Topping:

2 or 3 Tblsp caster sugar

1 or 2 tsp cinnamon

Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper.  Put the flour, sugar, salt and yeast into a bowl.  Make a well in the centre, add the water and mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for around 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, I usually do this in my stand mixer.  Put the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with clingfilm and set aside until the dough has doubled in size.  Knock back the dough then divide into 12 equal portions.  

Roll each portion of dough out like a long sausage until it is about 40cm long.  Twist into the traditional pretzel shape or into a figure of 8.  Put the shaped dough portions onto the prepared baking trays.  Cover and prove for about half an hour.

Preheat your oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas Mark 6.  Mix the caster sugar and cinnamon together then sprinkle over the pretzels.  Bake the pretzels for 15 - 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.  Cool on a wire rack.