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Cozy Witch Finger Pretzels: Easy Halloween Snack

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These spooky yet cozy witch finger pretzels are a fun and easy Halloween snack made from a simple no-rise dough, shaped like ghoulish fingers with almond fingernails. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, they deliver a chewy, salty pretzel experience with a delightful nutty crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (120 grams) baking soda (for the bath)
  • 10 cups (2.4 liters) water (for the bath)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
  • Whole almonds or sliced almonds (for the fingernails)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the Dough: Add the melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, ½ cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
  3. Knead the Dough: Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked. If too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
  4. Shape the Fingers: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Divide dough into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 6-8 inches long, thicker at the top (wrist) and tapering to a point at the bottom (fingertip).
  5. Add the Knuckles: Using the back of a butter knife or bench scraper, gently press 2-3 lines across the top half of each finger to create knuckle indentations.
  6. Attach the Fingernails: Press a whole or slivered almond firmly into the tip of each finger.
  7. The Baking Soda Bath: Bring 10 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully drop 2-3 shaped pretzels into the boiling water. Boil for 20-30 seconds per side. Use a slotted spoon to flip them gently.
  8. Transfer and Egg Wash: Use the slotted spoon to remove pretzels, letting excess drip off. Place on prepared baking sheets. Optionally, whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water and brush over each pretzel for a glossy finish.
  9. Sprinkle and Bake: Immediately sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  10. Cool and Serve: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Best enjoyed warm.

Notes

Don’t over-boil the pretzels; 20-30 seconds per side is enough. Keep the dough covered while shaping to prevent drying. Use a light touch when making knuckle indentations to avoid splitting. For best results, weigh the flour (480 grams).

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween pretzels, witch finger pretzels, easy Halloween snack, soft pretzels, spooky snacks, homemade pretzels

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/cozy-witch-finger-pretzels-easy-halloween-snack/