These soft pretzel buns are chewy on the outside and fluffy inside, making them the perfect bite! They’re great for sandwiches or just as a snack on their own.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of fresh pretzels baking? They’re so fun to make, and I love slathering them with butter and a sprinkle of salt. Yum! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is key for making the dough rise. If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Just add it directly to the flour without needing to activate it first.
All-Purpose Flour: While all-purpose flour is great for pretzel buns, you could also use bread flour for a chewier texture. Whole wheat flour can be used, but it might make the buns denser.
Baking Soda Bath: The baking soda bath gives those buns their classic pretzel flavor and color. Don’t skip this step! You can mix it with a bit of additional salt for extra flavor if you like.
Coarse Sea Salt: This salt adds a nice crunch on top. If you don’t have coarse sea salt, kosher salt works well too. Just remember to sprinkle lightly since it’s a bit saltier!
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
Getting the dough to rise properly is essential for soft pretzel buns. Here are some tips to help with this process:
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot. Too hot can kill the yeast!
- Cover the dough tightly to keep it warm and prevent it from drying out.
- Place the bowl in a warm spot, like near a heater or in an oven set to a low temperature.
- Give it plenty of time; sometimes it takes longer, especially in cooler weather.
By following these tips, you’ll have a nice fluffy texture inside your pretzel buns! Enjoy the freshly baked scent filling your kitchen.
Soft Pretzel Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for baking, plus about 1 hour for the dough to rise. Plan for a total of about 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy your delicious soft pretzel buns from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a dough begins to form. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface or in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 7-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft but not sticky.
3. First Rise:
Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This helps develop the fluffy texture!
4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Soda Bath:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This is an important step to achieve that lovely pretzel crust!
5. Shape the Buns:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced a little apart.
6. Boil the Buns:
Carefully drop each dough ball into the boiling baking soda bath for about 30 seconds. This gives the buns their distinctive flavor and color. After boiling, use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the baking sheet.
7. Egg Wash and Salt:
Brush the top of each bun with the egg yolk wash. This gives the buns a lovely golden color when baked. Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over the top of each bun for that classic pretzel taste!
8. Bake:
Now, it’s time to bake! Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the buns for 12-15 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the buns cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature! These soft pretzel buns are perfect for making sandwiches or just enjoy them plain with a dab of butter.
Enjoy the chewy, golden goodness of homemade soft pretzel buns!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Soft Pretzel Buns?
Yes, you can! If you have leftover dough, you can freeze it after the first rise. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is warm but not too hot (around 110°F / 43°C). If the dough isn’t rising, you can try letting it sit in a warmer location to encourage fermentation.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Buns?
To store leftover pretzel buns, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can wrap them in plastic and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain their softness!
Can I Make These Buns Without an Egg Wash?
Absolutely! If you prefer an egg-free option, you can skip the egg wash and just brush the buns with a little water or milk before sprinkling with salt. They’ll still turn out delicious!