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–+ servings

Valentine's Pretzels

Soft and slightly chewy pretzels with a tender crumb and a touch of sweetness, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 pieces
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups warm milk About 110 degrees, room temperature helps with texture.
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast One standard packet.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar This adds a classic richness.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter Softened but not melted.
  • 1 teaspoon salt For balance.
  • 3 to 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour Scoop and level for steady results.
  • 1 large egg Beaten for an egg wash.
  • to taste coarse sea salt or pretzel salt To sprinkle on top.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a small bowl, stir the warm milk with the brown sugar until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour with the salt, and add the softened butter. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, adding more flour a little at a time until you have a smooth, elastic dough that is slightly tacky but not sticky.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Once risen, gently deflate the dough and divide it into twelve equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long.
  • Shape each rope into a pretzel by making a U, crossing the ends, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U to form the knot.

Baking

  • Place the pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between them.
  • Whisk the egg and brush it over each pretzel to create a glossy finish, then sprinkle with coarse salt.
  • Let the shaped pretzels rest for 20 to 30 minutes to puff slightly while the oven preheats to 400 degrees.
  • Bake the pretzels for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for a deep golden color on the tops.
  • Remove the pretzels to a cooling rack and let them cool until just set.

Notes

Serve these pretzels warm with softened butter, honey, or jam. They travel well when wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
Keyword Baking, Comfort Food, Homemade Pretzels, Sweet and Salty, Valentine's Pretzels
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