Fluffy Homemade Pretzel Rolls Recipe: Bake Like a Pro

Soft, golden pretzel rolls emerge from the oven with a tantalizingly crusty exterior that begs to be devoured.

These homemade pretzel rolls combine the classic German bakery charm with a rustic, comforting texture that sets them apart from ordinary bread.

Crafting these delectable rolls requires just a few simple ingredients and a touch of baking magic.

The salty, shiny surface and deep brown color beckon you to sink your teeth into their pillowy interior.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore these versatile rolls for their rich, distinctive flavor and impressive appearance.

From sandwiches to dinner accompaniments, these pretzel rolls add a gourmet touch to any meal.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15-20 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 13

Pretzel Roll Ingredients for Chewy Goodness

• Water: Activates yeast and helps bind ingredients for perfect dough consistency.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical rising agent that creates fluffy, soft texture in rolls.
• Brown Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle caramel-like sweetness to the dough.
• Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and classic pretzel roll foundation.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances dough's sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich, smooth richness and helps create tender crumb.

• Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel shine and deep golden-brown exterior.

• Egg: Provides glossy, golden sheen and helps salt adhere to roll surface.
• Pretzel Salt: Delivers classic pretzel crunch and traditional salty flavor burst.

Tools for Shaping Pretzel Rolls Easily

• Stand Mixer or Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough smoothly.
• Pizza Cutter or Long Knife: Perfect for dividing dough into even wedges.
• Large Saucepan: Needed for poaching dough in baking soda bath.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps transfer poached dough without excess liquid.
• 3-Quart Baking Dish: Provides space for dough to rise and bake.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing baking soda into water.
• Sharp Paring Knife: Great for making slashes on top of dough balls.
• Plastic Wrap: Covers dough during rising process.
• Pastry Brush: Helps apply egg wash evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Bake Soft Pretzel Rolls Step by Step

• Yeast Activation

Combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture bubble and get frothy for a few minutes, creating a warm environment for the yeast to wake up.

• Dough Creation

Mix flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and soft, with a slightly tacky texture that promises delicious rolls.

• First Rest

Place the dough in a cozy spot and let it relax and grow. The dough will double in size, becoming puffy and full of potential.

• Shaping Adventure

Divide the dough into even pieces. Gently shape each piece into a round ball, tucking edges underneath to create a smooth surface. Arrange the dough balls in a baking dish.

• Poaching Magic

Prepare a simmering bath of water and baking soda. Carefully dip each dough ball, giving it a quick swim that will create that signature pretzel shine and flavor.

• Final Touch

Brush the dough with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Make small cuts on top to help the rolls expand beautifully during baking.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the dish into a hot oven. Watch as the rolls turn golden brown and develop a gorgeous, glossy exterior. Let them cool slightly before serving these irresistible homemade pretzel rolls.

Twist These Rolls with Sweet or Savory Fillings

• Pretzel-Perfect Prep Tricks
• Yeast Activation Hack: Ensure your water is precisely warm (not hot) to wake up the yeast without killing it. Tepid water around 110°F works magic for perfect rising.
• Kneading Mastery: When hand-kneading, use the heel of your palm to push and fold the dough, creating a smooth elastic texture that guarantees soft pretzel rolls.
• Salt Selection Strategy: Traditional pretzel salt provides the classic look, but coarse sea salt works wonderfully as a delicious alternative if you're out of specialty salt.
• Texture-Boosting Technique: For extra golden and shiny exterior, brush rolls with egg wash twice – once before baking and again halfway through cooking for a professional bakery-style finish.
• Storage Wisdom: These rolls stay fresh for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Warm them briefly in the oven before serving to restore that just-baked softness and bring back their incredible aroma.

Serve Pretzel Rolls Fresh from the Oven

• Deli Delight Platter: Create a mouthwatering sandwich spread by slicing the pretzel rolls and filling them with premium deli meats like roast beef, turkey, or ham. Top with sharp cheddar cheese and crisp lettuce for a gourmet lunch experience.
• Hearty Soup Companion: Serve these warm, golden pretzel rolls alongside a steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup or robust beef stew. The rolls are perfect for soaking up rich, flavorful broths and adding a delightful crunch to your meal.
• Appetizer Adventure: Transform the rolls into mini appetizers by cutting them in half, spreading with herb-infused cream cheese, and topping with smoked salmon or thinly sliced prosciutto. Garnish with fresh dill or chives for an elegant touch that'll impress guests at your next gathering.
• Breakfast Twist: Split the rolls and use them as a unique base for eggs benedict or breakfast sandwiches. The slightly salty, chewy texture pairs wonderfully with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a slice of melted Swiss cheese.

Best Way to Store Pretzel Rolls the Next Day

• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: After baking, let pretzel rolls rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to stabilize their texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Fridge Storage Solution: Wrap rolls individually in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, maintaining their soft interior and crispy exterior.
• Freezing Technique: Stack rolls between parchment paper layers inside a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving, then briefly warm in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness.
• Reheating Magic: Revive day-old rolls by spritzing with water and warming in oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This method restores their crispy crust and soft inner texture, making them taste almost freshly baked.

Fluffy Pretzel Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15-20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Hearty German-inspired pretzel rolls deliver a perfect blend of crispy exterior and chewy interior. Salt-sprinkled golden brown rolls complement soups, sandwiches, and classic German meals while offering you a delightful homemade bakery experience.

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Ingredients

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• 4.5 cups (1080 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 package (2.25 tsp / 11.25 ml) active dry yeast
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) water (110°F / 43°C)
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp (5 ml) water
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
• 1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
• 0.25 cups (60 ml) baking soda
• pretzel salt, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in a mixing vessel, allowing the mixture to become frothy and develop active fermentation bubbles.
2. Dough Formation: Gradually blend flour, salt, and melted butter, kneading until a smooth, slightly tacky dough develops with a well-developed gluten structure.
3. First Proofing: Spray a mixing bowl with non-stick coating, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Position in a warm area until the dough doubles in volume, creating a puffy, elastic texture.
4. Shaping and Portioning: Gently transfer dough to a lightly floured surface, divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each into compact spheres by tucking and sealing edges, then arrange in a prepared baking dish with consistent spacing.
5. Baking Soda Bath: Prepare a simmering water bath with dissolved baking soda. Carefully poach each dough ball for approximately 30 seconds per side, creating the characteristic pretzel exterior and deep brown coloration.
6. Finishing Touches: Brush poached dough with egg wash, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle generously with pretzel salt and make diagonal slashes to promote even rising and aesthetic appeal.
7. Baking Process: Slide the prepared baking dish into a preheated oven, baking until rolls achieve a rich golden-brown crust and emit a tantalizing aroma.
8. Cooling and Serving: Remove rolls from the oven, allowing them to rest briefly for temperature equalization. Separate from the baking dish and serve warm, revealing a tender, soft interior perfect for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Master Yeast Activation: Warm water and sugar create the perfect environment for yeast to bloom, ensuring soft, fluffy bread texture.
• Gluten Development Technique: Thorough kneading builds strong protein networks, resulting in chewy, elastic dough with superior rise.
• Baking Soda Bath Secret: Poaching dough briefly creates the classic pretzel shine and deep golden-brown exterior with signature tangy flavor.
• Precise Proofing Matters: Placing dough in warm, draft-free spot allows maximum volume expansion and develops rich, complex bread flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 4.5g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg