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Crispy Spooky Witch Finger Pretzel Rods: 5-Minute Halloween Treat

Witch Finger Pretzel Rods - featured image
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These crispy, chewy pretzel rods are shaped like spooky witch fingers with almond nails. They offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making them an easy and fun Halloween treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups (440g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) Warm Milk
  • 2 packets (2 1/4 tsp) Active Dry Yeast
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 4 tbsp (60g) Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large Egg (plus 1 for wash)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Baking Soda
  • Coarse Sea Salt (for topping)
  • Slivered Almonds (for nails)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until shaggy.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
  5. Shape the fingers: Punch down dough. Divide into 12-15 pieces. Roll into 8-10 inch ropes, tapering one end to look like a finger. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  6. Second rise: Cover shaped pretzels and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
  7. Prepare the bath: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add baking soda.
  8. Boil the pretzels: Drop 2-3 pretzels into boiling water. Boil for 30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon.
  9. Add nails and salt: While wet, press a slivered almond into the tip of each finger and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush with beaten egg and bake for 15-18 minutes until deep golden brown.
  11. Cool: Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the boiling step with baking soda, as it gives pretzels their distinctive crust and flavor. Ensure yeast is active before mixing. If dough is too sticky, add a little flour; if too dry, add a splash of milk. Almonds can be substituted with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, less realistic look.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, pretzels, witch fingers, spooky snacks, easy recipes, yeast dough, party food

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/crispy-spooky-witch-finger-pretzel-rods-5-minute-halloween-treat/