Cinnamon Cranberry Soft Pretzels

Cinnamon Cranberry Soft Pretzels

INGREDIENTS
¾ cup cranberries
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups plain yogurt
1 egg
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper with butter or margarine.
2. Measure the cranberries into a bowl and pour boiling water over to cover them. Let the berries soak as you prepare the other ingredients.
3. In a large mixing bowl, blend the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. In a second mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and yogurt. Incorporate the yogurt mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is fully blended.
5. Drain and rinse the cranberries. Gently fold them into the dough with your hands, being careful not to burst the berries. The dough will be quite soft.
6. Sprinkle a small handful of flour onto your counter or table and place the dough on the surface. Knead the dough 10 to 15 times, then cut into 12 equal pieces.
7. With each piece, roll the dough into a long rope, approximately ½” thick. Shape a single rope into an upside-down “U”, then bring the ends together and twist. Pull the ends to the top of the pretzel and press them with your fingers to secure.
8. Place the pretzel on your greased cookie sheet and repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
9. To top the pretzels, begin by melting the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. In a separate dish, stir together the cinnamon and sugar. Lightly brush each pretzel with butter and then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
10. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Tip: Twist outside the box! Instead of forming your dough into traditional pretzels, try experimenting with different fun shapes. Be sure to keep an eye on the oven, as different shapes may adjust the cook time by 2 or 3 minutes.

A Perfect Pairing

Add something extra special to your breakfast with our elegant yet easy Warm Brie with Dried Fruit and Nuts. This mild, creamy cheese is perfect for dipping our Cinnamon Cranberry Soft Pretzels and takes mere minutes to prepare.

Warm Brie with Dried Fruit and Nuts

INGREDIENTS
5 ounces of cream Brie, spreadable
¼ cup almonds, sliced
¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries
1 tablespoon honey

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Spoon all 5 ounces of the Brie onto a large microwaveable plate. Use the back of the spoon to spread the Brie around the plate.
2. Sprinkle the surface of the Brie with almonds and seasonal dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries.
3. Drizzle the tablespoon of honey over top.
4. Microwave for about 2 minutes, until the Brie is warm and has loosened enough to spread across the plate.
5. Serve with Cinnamon Cranberry Pretzels or a sliced baguette for dipping.

Tip: In place of cranberries or cherries, try other dried fruits, such as apricots, raisins or figs for a different flavor. During the warmer months, take advantage of what’s in season, using fresh fruits like sliced apples and pears for dipping