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Sweet Pretzel Sticks with Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip

These soft pretzels are a fun-to-make, fun-to-eat snack that’s perfect for after school or even dessert. The smell of these pretzels baking is sure to make anyone’s day brighter.
Sweet Pretzel Sticks with Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip
Yield 16 pretzels

Ingredients

  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 cup warm water (120-130°F)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Egg wash: 1 egg plus 1 teaspoon water (whisk together)
  • 3 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping)

Dip

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry or other berry jam

Water bath

  • 8 cups water
  • 1/3 cup baking soda

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  • Add warm water and oil to flour mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened. Beat 4 minutes at medium speed.
  • Switch to the dough hook and mix in the remaining flour a little at a time, to make a soft dough, add more or less flour as needed. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in lightly oiled bowl and turn to grease top. Cover; let rise in warm place until double about 30 minutes.
  • While dough is rising, make cream cheese dip: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in strawberry jam and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Preheat oven to 450°F. In a 3-quart saucepan, bring 8 cups water and 1/3 cup baking soda to a simmer.
  • Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; punch down to remove air bubbles. Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch long rope. Cut each rope in half to make 16 pretzel sticks. Place on greased or silicone-lined cookie sheet.
  • Add pretzels, four at a time, to the simmering water and cook 10 seconds on each side. Remove with slotted spoon. Place on prepared cookie sheet.
  • Beat egg in a small bowl with 1 teaspoon water. Brush egg wash on one side of the pretzel sticks. Sprinkle a thin layer of coarse sugar on top.
  • Bake for 10 minutes until deep golden brown.
  • Best when served the same day.

Notes

Recipe by Barbara Bakes.