Pretzel Buns
The ultimate comfort food, Pretzel Buns are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion. With their golden-brown crust and warm, inviting interior, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Make them tonight for a delicious addition to any meal!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Yeast
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 4 - 4 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Baking Soda
- 4 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Butter, melted
- Sea Salt
Instructions
- First, heat water to about 110º to 120º F in a medium glass bowl in the microwave. You want it warm but not too hot. Stir in the granulated sugar until it dissolves completely. This step activates the yeast, so take your time.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, sprinkle the yeast into the water mixture and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. You should see it foam up as it proofs, indicating that it’s alive and ready to work!
- While the yeast is doing its thing, whisk together the remaining granulated sugar, Kosher salt, and 3 cups of the all-purpose flour in the mixing bowl of your stand mixer. This mixture will form the base of your dough.
- Next, pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until all the flour is well incorporated, scraping the bottom of the bowl to ensure no dry flour remains. If the mixture seems too wet, you can gradually add more flour.
- Now, using the dough hook on your stand mixer, knead the dough. Add flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball that doesn’t stick to the bottom of the bowl. It’s important to get the right consistency during this step.
- Set the mixer to medium speed and knead for about 7 to 10 minutes. The dough should feel tacky but not sticky, creating a silky texture.
- While the dough is kneading, prepare a medium glass bowl by lightly coating it with butter. This will keep the dough from sticking as it rises.
- Once kneaded, remove the dough from the mixer and give it 5 to 7 gentle kneads by hand. Form the dough into a ball and roll it in the buttered bowl to coat it entirely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, dry area free of drafts. Let it rise until doubled in size, which may take about 1 1/2 hours.
- After the dough has risen, prepare your baking sheets by spraying parchment paper lined rimmed baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the buns from sticking.
- Once the dough is ready, remove it from the bowl and divide it into 8 to 12 even pieces using a bench scraper or knife. Roll each piece into a smooth ball using the palm of your hand.
- In a large saucepan, add baking soda to the water and heat it over medium-low heat until it simmers. This step is crucial for creating that signature pretzel texture and flavor.
- Carefully add the pretzel balls to the simmering water, one at a time. They will sink initially and then rise to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheets to dry completely for about 5 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400º F. This is the perfect temperature for achieving a golden brown finish.
- Before baking, brush each pretzel bun with melted butter and sprinkle generously with sea salt. This will enhance the flavor and give them that classic pretzel appearance.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 11 to 14 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the buns to rest until they’re cool enough to handle. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
Notes
Making Pretzel Buns is a delightful experience, and a few notes can enhance your success. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you whip up these delicious treats:
- Storage: Keep leftover Pretzel Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked buns. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months!
- Pairing: These buns are perfect for pairing with your favorite dips or spreads, such as mustard or cheese sauce.
- Experiment: Try adding spices or herbs to the dough for an extra flavor boost. Garlic powder or rosemary work wonderfully!
- Serving Warm: For the best experience, serve Pretzel Buns warm. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to reheat.