Pin Recipe A festive take on classic German pretzels, shaped into celebratory rings and sprinkled with coarse salt. Perfect for parties or special occasions.
This recipe brings back fond memories of celebrating with family and friends, sharing warm pretzels fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
- Dough: 500 g all-purpose flour, 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 1 ½ tsp salt, 1 tbsp softened butter, 300 ml lukewarm water
- Lye Bath (for authenticity see notes for alternatives): 1 liter water, 40 g baking soda (if not using food-grade lye)
- Topping: 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the lukewarm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add the flour, salt, and butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 5:
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 6:
- Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 40 cm rope, then shape into rings, pressing the ends together to seal.
- Step 7:
- In a large saucepan, bring 1 liter water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda (it will bubble).
- Step 8:
- Using a slotted spoon, dip each pretzel ring into the simmering bath for 30 seconds, then place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 9:
- Sprinkle each with coarse salt.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 12 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Step 11:
- Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Pin Recipe This recipe reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited fresh pretzels to share.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, saucepan, slotted spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat) and dairy (butter). May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on flour brand — double-check labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories 210 per ring, Total Fat 2.5 g, Carbohydrates 41 g, Protein 6 g
Pin Recipe Enjoy these festive pretzel rings fresh and warm for an irresistible snack.
Recipe FAQs
- → What does the baking soda bath do?
It creates the classic chewy crust and deep golden color by reacting with the dough's surface during baking.
- → Can I substitute food-grade lye with baking soda?
Yes, baking soda is a safer alternative that still provides the characteristic crust and flavor, though slightly less authentic.
- → How should I shape the dough for these bretzels?
Roll each piece into a long rope and form it into rings by pressing the ends together to seal.
- → What toppings pair well with these pretzel rings?
Coarse sea salt is traditional, but poppy or sesame seeds can add variety and texture.
- → Are these pretzel rings suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they contain no meat and use butter, making them appropriate for a vegetarian diet.