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Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (warm, 107-111°F)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1/4 oz packet)
- 1/4 cup butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour (plus up to 1/2 cup more if needed)
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg
- Splash of water
- Coarse sea salt (for topping, optional)
- Butter (melted, optional, for brushing on baked pretzels)
Instructions
- Mix warm milk, brown sugar, and instant yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of flour, melted butter, and salt; mix until incorporated.
- Add more flour until dough is tacky but not sticky; mix for 5-7 minutes.
- Let dough rise in a greased bowl for at least one hour until doubled.
- Punch down dough, divide into 8 pieces, and shape into buns.
- Let buns rise for another 30-60 minutes.
- Prepare baking soda bath; boil water and baking soda.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Dip each bun in the boiling bath for 5 seconds.
- Score tops of buns, egg wash them, and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 10-13 minutes until golden brown; brush with melted butter.
Notes
Ensure milk is at the correct temperature for yeast activation.
Do not skip the boiling step for authentic pretzel flavor.
Cool buns on a wire rack to maintain their texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 35