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Cozy Witch Finger Pretzel Bites: Easy Almond Nails Snack

witch finger pretzel bites - featured image
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These spooky yet delicious pretzel bites are shaped like witch fingers with almond nails. They’re quick to make, use simple ingredients, and are perfect for Halloween parties or cozy fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup (80g) baking soda
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) water for bath
  • 1 large egg
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • 24–30 whole almonds

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and brown sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top, stir gently, and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 ½ cups flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add remaining ½ cup flour until dough pulls away from bowl sides.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until doubled.
  5. Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a large pot, then carefully add baking soda and reduce heat to a simmer.
  6. Shape the fingers: Punch down dough and divide into 24-30 equal pieces. Roll each into a 4-inch rope, tapering one end slightly. Place on prepared baking sheets.
  7. Create the knuckles: Use the back of a butter knife to press 2-3 indentations into each rope for knuckles. Press one whole almond firmly onto the tapered end for the nail.
  8. Chill the shaped pretzels: Refrigerate baking sheets for 10 minutes to firm up the dough.
  9. Boil the pretzels: Working in batches of 4-5, gently lower chilled pretzel fingers into simmering baking soda water. Boil for 20-30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to baking sheets.
  10. Egg wash and salt: Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush each boiled pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt, avoiding almond nails.
  11. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown.
  12. Cool: Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the knuckle indentations and almond nails stay put during boiling. For best results, boil for exactly 20-30 seconds per side. Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween pretzels, witch finger pretzels, almond nails, spooky snacks, easy Halloween recipe, soft pretzel bites

Find it online: https://crispcraving.com/cozy-witch-finger-pretzel-bites-easy-almond-nails-snack/