Ingredients
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
You can add small chunks of cheese to the dough before shaping for a cheesy twist.
Infuse the rolls with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herby flavor.
Add cinnamon and a pinch of sugar to the dough for a sweet cinnamon pretzel variation.
To make ahead, prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just take it out 30 minutes before shaping.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg