Pretzel Rolls Recipe

Pretzel Rolls are a wonderfully soft yet chewy bread experience that’s perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or just enjoying with butter. These charming little rolls capture the classic flavor and texture of a pretzel with their golden-brown crust and signature salty topping, making them an irresistible treat any time of day. Whether you’re craving a savory snack or the perfect complement to a hearty meal, Pretzel Rolls bring that authentic twist right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect Pretzel Rolls is all about using a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that work in harmony. Each component plays its part, from the yeast that brings the dough to life to the baking soda bath that gives the rolls their unmistakable crust and flavor.

• Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for soft texture.
• Light brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and supports yeast fermentation.
• Active dry yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise and become airy.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and tender crumb to the rolls.
• Kosher salt: Balances flavor and adds depth to the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that forms the dough’s structure.
• Oil: For greasing and ensuring the dough doesn’t stick while rising.
• Baking soda: Creates the classic pretzel crust when boiled in water.
• Large egg: Used in the egg wash to give that beautiful shiny, golden finish.
• Cold water: Mixed with the egg to make the perfect wash.
• Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled on top for that signature salty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Pretzel Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by combining warm water, light brown sugar, active dry yeast, and melted butter in your stand mixer bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbling—this signals the yeast is active and ready to work its magic on your dough.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Knead

Next, add kosher salt and most of your flour. Mix on low speed until combined, then crank up to medium and knead until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and just begins to pull away from the bowl. If it’s still sticky, sprinkle flour in, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the perfect texture.

Step 3: First Rise

Form the dough into a ball and coat it in oil inside a large bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour, until it has doubled in size. This rise is essential to developing those soft, airy interiors Pretzel Rolls are known for.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

After your dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Cut it into 12 equal pieces, shaping each into a smooth ball. This step is where you start to see your Pretzel Rolls take shape, promising that perfect balance of chew and softness.

Step 5: Boil the Rolls in Baking Soda Water

Bring a large pot of water with baking soda to a rapid boil. Carefully lower two rolls at a time into the water and boil for 30 seconds. This brief soak creates the outer crust and that wonderfully deep color once baked. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let excess water drip off on a wire rack.

Step 6: Score, Egg Wash, and Salt

Place the boiled rolls closely together on a greased and parchment-lined baking pan. Score an X on their tops with a sharp knife to help them expand beautifully in the oven. Whisk together your egg and cold water for the egg wash, brush it over each roll, and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the Pretzel Rolls in a 400-degree oven for 22 to 27 minutes. When the tops are deep golden brown and smell irresistible, they’re ready. Let them cool just a bit, and your freshly baked Pretzel Rolls are ready to be savored warm.

How to Serve Pretzel Rolls

Garnishes

Pretzel Rolls lend themselves beautifully to simple garnishes like a dab of butter melting into the warm crust or a smear of grainy mustard. Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme can be sprinkled before baking to infuse subtle aromatics that elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a wonderful match to hearty soups, stews, and salads. Imagine them alongside a rich beef stew or stacked with roasted turkey and cranberry sauce for a mouthwatering lunch. Their dense, chewy texture holds up well with robust flavors, making every meal feel special.

Creative Ways to Present Pretzel Rolls

Use Pretzel Rolls as the base for mini sliders or serve them sliced with cheese, charcuterie, and pickles for an impressive appetizer platter. You can even twist these rolls into snack-sized pretzels for parties, adding a playful touch to any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Pretzel Rolls tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to 2 days, providing wonderful grab-and-go options.

Freezing

Pretzel Rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delightful flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the rolls and warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. This revives the crustiness on the outside while sealing in the softness inside, nearly as good as fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I make Pretzel Rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand on a clean surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Why do Pretzel Rolls get boiled before baking?

The boiling step with baking soda is crucial because it creates the unique chewy crust and deep brown color characteristic of pretzels. It also contributes to the distinct flavor that sets Pretzel Rolls apart from regular bread.

Can I substitute baking powder for baking soda in the boiling water?

It’s best to stick with baking soda. Baking powder will not create the same classic pretzel crust and flavor, as it does not have the alkaline properties baking soda provides.

How salty should the Pretzel Rolls be?

The coarse sea salt sprinkled on top adds a pleasant crunch and balances the bread’s slight sweetness. You can adjust the amount according to your taste, but a generous sprinkle is traditional and delicious.

Can Pretzel Rolls be made gluten-free?

Making Pretzel Rolls gluten-free is challenging because the traditional chewy texture relies on gluten. However, with specialized gluten-free flour blends and additives, it’s possible but requires some recipe adjustments.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm Pretzel Roll fresh from the oven—crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful within. This recipe is not only rewarding but also a fun way to bring the cozy charm of a bakery right into your home kitchen. Give these Pretzel Rolls a try and watch how they quickly become a beloved staple in your bread repertoire.

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