Autumn brings with it a sense of warmth and comfort, especially when it comes to seasonal treats. One delicious way to embrace the flavors of fall is with Caramel Apple-Stuffed Soft Pretzels. Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown pretzel, only to find a filling of sweet, tart apples coated in cinnamon and caramel. It’s a cozy, sweet indulgence that perfectly encapsulates the essence of fall.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines two beloved fall flavors—caramel apples and soft pretzels—into one delightful snack. The soft, chewy texture of the pretzel contrasts beautifully with the gooey caramel apple filling, making every bite an irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking for a unique snack to enjoy on a chilly afternoon or a dessert to wow your guests, these caramel apple-stuffed pretzels are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pretzels, you’ll need:
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
For the Filling, you’ll need:
- 2 cups chopped tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pretzel Dough:
Start by mixing warm water, brown sugar, yeast, and melted butter in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, allowing it to become frothy and active. Once the yeast has proofed, gradually add sea salt and flour to form a smooth, elastic dough. Knead the dough and cover it to rise in a warm place for about an hour.
2. Make the Filling:
While the dough rises, prepare the apple filling. In a medium saucepan, cook the chopped apples, cinnamon, and granulated sugar over medium heat until the apples soften. Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the caramel sauce, creating a sweet and spiced mixture that will fill your pretzels with autumnal goodness.
3. Shape the Pretzels:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rectangle, spread a generous amount of the apple-caramel filling down the center, and then roll the dough into a log, ensuring the edges are sealed tightly. Twist each log into a classic pretzel shape.
4. Boil the Pretzels:
Before baking, boil a large pot of water with baking soda. Dunk each pretzel in the boiling water for about 30 seconds—this step gives pretzels their characteristic chewy texture.
5. Bake and Enjoy:
Brush the pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt before baking in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. The result? Perfectly soft pretzels filled with warm caramel apple goodness, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite fall beverage.
Serving Suggestions
These Caramel Apple-Stuffed Soft Pretzels are best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with a mug of hot apple cider, spiced tea, or even a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall experience. They’re ideal for sharing with friends and family or for cozying up with on a quiet autumn evening.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a unique and indulgent fall treat, these caramel apple-stuffed pretzels offer everything you need. They capture the sweet, tart, and warm flavors of autumn in every bite. Perfect for seasonal gatherings, afternoon snacks, or as a comforting dessert, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fall flavors.
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Caramel Apple-Stuffed Soft Pretzels
Description
Indulge in the perfect fall treat with these Caramel Apple-Stuffed Soft Pretzels. Experience the delightful combination of sweet caramel and tart apples wrapped inside a warm, soft pretzel. Your new favorite autumn snack is here!
Ingredients
For the Pretzels:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 egg, beaten
– Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
For the Filling:
– 2 cups chopped tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
1. Mix warm water, brown sugar, yeast, and melted butter in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sea salt and flour gradually to the yeast mixture, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour in a warm place.
3. While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, cook chopped apples, cinnamon, and granulated sugar over medium heat until apples are soft. Remove from heat and stir in caramel sauce.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Divide the risen pretzel dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread a generous amount of apple filling down the center of each piece, then roll into logs, sealing the edges tightly.
6. Shape each filled log into a pretzel shape.
7. Prepare a large pot of boiling water mixed with baking soda for dunking the pretzels. Quickly dunk each pretzel, removing after 30 seconds, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm, enjoying with your favorite autumn beverage.