Cheesy ABC and 123 Pretzels

ages 2-6

Supplies

Measuring cup and spoons, cooking spray, cookie sheet, large bowl, 1 1/2 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon dry yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, 4 cups flour, 1/2 cup instant powdered milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (about 4oz.), 1 beaten egg, toppings (sesame seeds, grated Parmesan cheese, and/or salt)

Activity Detail

Little helpers can practice measuring and pouring while making these pretzels with you, and they will love shaping the pretzels into letters, numbers, or any shapes they choose. 1) Preheat oven to 425. 2) Lightly spray a cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. 3) Put 1 1/2 cups warm water into measuring cup and sprinkle 1 TB dry yeast and 1 TB sugar onto water. 4) In a large bowl, combine 3C flour, 1/2C powdered milk and 1/2 Tsp salt. 5) Slowly add yeast mixture to flour mixture and stir until well mixed. 6) Add last cup of flour and 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese. 7) Knead for several minutes on a floured surface. 8) Make 16 inch ropes and then let kids shape into letters, numbers, shapes, snakes, pretzels, etc. 9) Arrange pretzels on cookie sheet. 10) Brush pretzels with egg and then sprinkle with toppings. 11) Bake for 11-13 minutes or until just starting to brown. The recipe yields 24 soft, moist pretzels that are just perfect for toddlers.