Pretzel Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pretzel rolls combine the best elements of classic soft pretzels with the comfort of freshly baked bread. The golden-brown crust and soft, pillowy interior create the perfect balance of chewy and fluffy textures. Topped with coarse sea salt, they have a satisfying crunch that complements their buttery flavor. Whether enjoyed on their own, paired with a hearty sandwich, or served with a bowl of soup, these pretzel rolls make for a perfect snack or meal addition. Plus, the dough can easily be made at home with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 4 ½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour

• Oil, for greasing bowl

• 1/3 cup baking soda, for boiling the pretzel rolls

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon cold water

• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling on top of the rolls

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 ½ cups of warm water, brown sugar, yeast, and melted butter. Mix with the dough hook until combined. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate.

2. Mix the Dough: Add the kosher salt and flour to the yeast mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and continue kneading for about 3 to 4 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl. If the dough seems too wet, add flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Remove the dough and knead into a ball by hand.

3. Let the Dough Rise: Grease a large bowl with oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

5. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and place it on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces, about 3 ounces each. Shape the dough into smooth balls and arrange them in the prepared baking pan, placing them close together.

6. Boil the Rolls: In a large pot, add 8–9 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add the baking soda to the boiling water. Carefully drop two rolls at a time into the boiling water, and boil for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the rolls and place them on a wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining rolls.

7. Score and Brush: Transfer the rolls to the prepared baking pan. Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score an X on the top of each roll. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and 1 tablespoon of cold water to make the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the rolls and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

8. Bake: Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 22–27 minutes or until the rolls are deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls

• Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

• Cheese-filled Pretzel Rolls: Add small chunks of cheese to the dough before shaping it into rolls for a cheesy twist.

• Herb-infused Pretzel Rolls: Mix in chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into the dough to infuse a fragrant flavor.

• Sweet Pretzel Rolls: Add a tablespoon of cinnamon and a pinch of sugar to the dough for a sweet cinnamon pretzel variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the pretzel rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: These rolls freeze well! To freeze, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. For a soft texture, cover them with foil while reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make these pretzel rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before shaping and boiling the rolls.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the rolls may be denser. You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

3. Can I make these pretzel rolls without an egg wash?

Yes, you can skip the egg wash and just sprinkle the rolls with salt before baking. They will still bake beautifully but will lack the golden shine that the egg wash gives.

4. Can I use a stand mixer for kneading the dough?

Yes! A stand mixer with a dough hook is perfect for kneading the dough. It makes the process faster and less labor-intensive.

5. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If they are not golden enough, bake for a few extra minutes.

6. Can I make the rolls without the coarse sea salt?

Yes, you can skip the sea salt if you prefer, or replace it with regular salt or another seasoning of your choice.

7. How do I get the rolls to be soft inside but crispy outside?

Boiling the rolls in baking soda water before baking creates the chewy texture and crispy crust that makes pretzel rolls so delicious.

8. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before boiling and baking. Once the dough is shaped into rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, boil them directly from the freezer and then bake as usual.

9. What’s the best way to serve these rolls?

These rolls are great with a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to sandwiches. They also pair well with cheese, dips, or even just butter.

10. Can I use a different type of oil for greasing the bowl?

Yes, any neutral oil (such as vegetable oil or canola oil) can be used for greasing the bowl.

Conclusion

These homemade pretzel rolls are a perfect combination of soft and chewy inside with a crispy, golden crust on the outside. The simple ingredients and step-by-step process make it easy to create this delightful treat in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or filling them with your favorite ingredients, these pretzel rolls are sure to be a hit at any meal. Try them today, and enjoy the comforting, warm flavors of homemade pretzels!