These browned butter pretzels are everything a good pretzel should be! Just a bit chewy outside and super soft inside, they are a treat everyone will love! The addition of brown butter takes then to the next level and adds an extra layer of flavor that’s to die for.
I used to think that making pretzels from scratch was super difficult and complicated. The type of baking project reserved for those baking pros that could stay hours in the kitchen and that had a ton of techniques, but oh boy I was so wrong.
Baking pretzels from scratch it’s actually super easy! Yes, the require a bit more time than going to the mall but they are a wonderful project! Hey, they are so fun to make (and require so little technique) that they are an amazing rainy day project to try with kids.
There are a million recipes you can find online. The reason this one is different? They are made with brown butter instead of melted butter.
What is browned butter?
Brown butter is butter that has been cooked for a bit. Cooking your butter caramelizes some of the milk solids which created a nutty aroma and flavor. It also enhances the butter natural flavors.
Why do we bathe the pretzels in baking soda and water
The pretzel bath was one thing that surprised me the first time I made pretzels.
If you have never heard of it before you basically mix baking soda and water and bring it to a boil. Then you dip each pretzel in this boiling mix for 30 seconds before baking it.
The quick baking soda boil helps with 2 things. It gives pretzels their distinct flavor while also helping create the nice chewy crust.
Basically the baking soda bath is a must if you want pretzels that taste even better than the ones you get from the store.
Then just brush them with some egg yolk or cream (or a combination of both!) so your pretzels bake with a nice golden crust.
Browned Butter Pretzels
These browned butter pretzels are everything a good pretzel should be! Just a bit chewy outside and super soft inside, they are a treat everyone will love! The addition of brown butter takes then to the next level and adds an extra layer of flavor that’s to die for.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups water
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tsp salt
- 3 Tsp yeast
- 5 Cups flour
- 5 Tbsp butter
- 5 Cups water
- ⅓ Cup baking soda
- 1 Egg yolk
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stirring constantly cook it for around 5 minutes or until browned. Remove from heat and let it cool.
In a bowl combine water, sugar, salt and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes or until foamy.
Add 4 ½ Cups flour and browned butter and stir until it just comes together. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. Add the remaining flour if needed.
Return the dough to the bowl and cover with a cloth. Let it rise for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Roll the dough and shape the pretzels. Set aside.
Combine water and baking soda in a large pot and bring to a boil. Working one at a time, transfer the pretzels to the baking soda bath and cook cor 30 seconds. Remove and take to a baking pan.
Whisk together egg yolk and heavy cream and brush the top of the pretzels with it.
Take to the oven and bake for 12 minutes or until golden.
Trust me when I say everyone will love these pretzels so much you’ll want to make them again and again.
