Bite into the crispness of these slender pretzels that are reminiscent of rolled cigarettes. We love how these delicate treats pair perfectly with a hot beverage or sweet dip.
Their origins trace back to cozy street corners where fresh dough meets sizzling oil. We can’t resist the aroma that fills the air as they turn golden. Each nibble has a satisfying crunch that disappears in seconds leaving us wanting more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- Optional sesame seeds or powdered sugar for topping
- Combine the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add the melted butter, egg and warm water. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes or until it feels smooth.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Pinch small portions of dough. Roll them into long thin strips that resemble cigarette pretzels.
- Heat the vegetable oil. Carefully place each shaped strip into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown.
- Remove the pretzels using a slotted spoon. Place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or powdered sugar on top if desired.
Equipment
We need the right tools to perfect our Cigarette Pretzels. We gather a mixing bowl, measuring cups, and measuring spoons for accuracy. We rely on a rolling pin to shape the dough. We use a large pot or deep fryer for cooking. We also keep a slotted spoon or kitchen tongs handy to remove the pretzels safely. We line a plate with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps our Cigarette Pretzels crisp.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowl | Combine dough ingredients thoroughly |
| Rolling Pin | Flatten and shape the dough |
| Measuring Cups | Accurately measure flour water and more |
| Measuring Spoons | Ensure precise salt sugar and butter measures |
| Large Pot/Fryer | Fry pretzels evenly with minimal splatter |
| Slotted Spoon | Remove pretzels from hot oil safely |
| Paper Towels | Absorb extra oil for a crisp final result |
Directions
We are now ready to form our slender Cigarette Pretzels and create a crisp treat. Follow these steps carefully to enjoy each crunchy bite.
Prepare The Dough
- Place 2 cups of all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar then stir until combined
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 3/4 cup of warm water gradually
- Knead until the dough feels soft and elastic which usually takes about 5 minutes
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 15 minutes
Shape The Cigarette Pretzels
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into a thin rope about the width of a pencil
- Cut ropes into 6-inch long strips and roll once more if needed for an even thickness
- Seal each strip at the ends by gently tapping them together
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Arrange the shaped pretzels on a lined baking sheet
- Lightly brush the tops of the pretzels with egg wash or melted butter for extra crispness
- Bake until golden and firm to the touch
| Oven Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|
| 350°F | 12 to 15 minutes |
- Transfer the baked pretzels to a cooling rack and let them cool for at least 5 minutes before serving
Serving Suggestions
We enjoy our Cigarette Pretzels fresh from the oven. They taste amazing with coffee tea or hot chocolate. We dip them in melted chocolate or swirl them in whipped caramel for a sweet touch.
We also love pairing them with savory dips. Try tangy honey mustard or creamy cheese sauce. Add extra flavor by sprinkling sesame seeds or coarse salt on top. For a dessert option dust them with powdered sugar.
| Number of Guests | Total Pieces |
|---|---|
| 2 | 8 to 12 |
| 4 | 16 to 24 |
| 6 | 24 to 36 |
Make Ahead Tips
We often prepare Cigarette Pretzels dough ahead of time when our schedule is tight. We store it in airtight containers or wrap it well in plastic. Then we bake fresh batches whenever we want a quick snack.
- Store dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shape and bake as usual when we need fresh pretzels.
- For longer storage we freeze sealed dough for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before shaping.
- Fully baked pretzels keep well for up to two days at room temperature in a sealed container. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes for a crisp bite.
| Method | Storage Duration | Reheating |
|---|---|---|
| Dough in the refrigerator | 24 hours | Shape then bake |
| Frozen dough | 1 month | Thaw then shape |
| Baked pretzels at room temp | 2 days | Warm 5 minutes at 350°F |
| Frozen baked pretzels | 2 weeks | Thaw then warm in oven |
Conclusion
We love how Cigarette Pretzels add a stylish touch to snack time. They’re quick to assemble and easy to customize with toppings or dips. Whether you enjoy them with a hot drink or as an afternoon snack they hit the spot every time. We hope you’ll be inspired to explore new ways to serve them to friends and family.
Their delicate crunch and simple preparation make them a standout addition to any gathering. We’ll keep discovering new variations and sharing our findings so you can keep delighting your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cigarette Pretzels?
Cigarette Pretzels are slender, crisp pretzels shaped like thin rolls. They have a golden finish and a subtly buttery flavor. Their texture pairs perfectly with warm beverages like coffee or tea. Originally made at street corners, they gained fame for their enticing aroma and satisfying crunch, making them a popular snack.
What ingredients do I need?
You’ll need all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, melted butter, and warm water. These simple basics form a soft dough. Optional toppings, such as sesame seeds, coarse salt, or powdered sugar, can be added before or after baking for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Which equipment is essential?
A mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a rolling pin are crucial for preparing the dough. You’ll also need a large pot or deep fryer for frying, or a baking sheet for oven-baking. A slotted spoon or tongs helps remove pretzels safely from hot oil, and paper towels absorb excess oil.
How do I form the pretzels?
After kneading and resting the dough, roll it into thin ropes. Cut these ropes into smaller segments, then seal their ends to create a “cigarette” shape. Keep each piece slim so they stay nice and crispy when baked or fried. A uniform shape ensures even cooking.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Preheat your oven, arrange pretzels on a baking sheet, and brush them lightly for extra crispness. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. This baking method results in pretzels that are less oily, yet still deliver an enjoyable crunch with every bite.
How should I serve them?
Cigarette Pretzels are best offered right out of the oven. Serve them with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or dips like melted chocolate, whipped caramel, honey mustard, or cheese sauce. For added flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds, coarse salt, or powdered sugar right before serving.
How do I store dough and baked pretzels?
Cover dough tightly in airtight containers. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to one month. Baked pretzels stay fresh at room temperature for two days. For a quick snack, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F until crisp and warm again.