During a wild raid of Trader Joe’s in Atlanta during BlogHer Food, I found Pretzel Buns. I bought two bags, and we consumed every last one. There’s just something about that dark skinned, salty bread, so chewy and delicious.
I’ve been craving them ever since.
Alas, We have no Trader Joe’s here, so I have been pining from afar, sad that I have been eating my sandwiches on plain old buns.
Sigh.
But then something happened. Pinterest. I have found that Pinterest may very well be the death of me, but in this case, it has also become my savior.
I found a recipe for Pretzel Rolls. No, I didn’t want Pretzel Rolls, I wanted Pretzel Buns. That’s okay, though – I can adapt. And adapt I did.
I have a fear of yeast and anything breadlike in my house, as we just don’t get along. But I needed to have this pretzel bread. Sure, I was scared to death that I’d waste 7 cups of my favorite flour, but risks must sometimes be taken, and this was one of those times.
I succeeded.
This dough came together like a dream. I made it entirely in my brand new 7 Quart KitchenAid Mixer. Yes, you read that right – SEVEN Quart. Oh, she is a beaut. And tough as nails, too. A tough dough like this one may have been too much for a smaller mixer, but not this one…no problems at all. To say I am in love with it is an understatement – I really can’t profess my true feelings in words.
You really just have to see it to understand. Luckily for you, I intend to include it on my 25 Days of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide later this month. Why is that lucky, you wonder? Well, I am so glad you asked. It just so happens that I will be giving away EVERYTHING on that guide. Yep, even the 7 Quart KitchenAid. Yes, really! So, make sure you are a Fan on Facebook, so that you can be sure to get the update as to when that giveaway goes live – you don’t want to miss it, do you?
Okay, let’s get back to this bread.
If I can make it, YOU can make it. And you’ll be so glad you did! Give it a shot, as it is practically foolproof…I mean, I made it, right?
Ingredients
- 7 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 package instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- For the Water bath: 2 quarts water, 1 tablespoon salt, 4 tablespoons baking soda
Instructions
- Combine the flour and salt. Set aside.
- Combine the warm milk and yeast. Allow to rest for 5 to10minutes.
- Add the butter and water to the yeast mixture.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the wet and dry ingredients and knead until thoroughly combined and pulling away from the sides of the bowl. Knewad by hand for 1-2 minutes. Spray the bowl and return the dough to the bowl. Cover and allow to rise until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down and knead for 1 minute. Cut dough into 8 even pieces. Form into balls by pulling and tucking under the edges. Allow to rest 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Bring the water, salt and baking soda to a rolling boil. Place 2 buns into the pot, and boil on each side for 1 minute. Remove from water with a slotted spoon and then score the tops in a cross with a sharp knife. Sprinkle with coarse salt, if desired. Place on a well greased baking sheet.
- When all buns have been boiled, bake for 25-30 minutes until brown. Serve and enjoy!
Here’s to having a fabulous weekend, everyone! Do something fun, bake something delicious. Tell me all about it on Monday!
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
This looks so awesome, but I only have the 4.5 quart version…do you think it’d be able to handle the dough?
Deena – Maybe. What you could do is start it in the mixer. Once its mixed, if it looks like the mixer is struggling, take it out and knead it by hand. it’s a soft, hearty dough, so easy to knead. Just don’t stress out your mixer!
Thanks!
Follow up: I halved the recipe and it worked perfectly! I kept the water bath as is, though. Both DH and I loved them, and I have a feeling they’ll be a recurring event at our house!
Thanks so much for letting me know – so glad you liked them!
I have a smaller mixer too, but I’m thinking maybe I’l just do a half-batch! Love, love, love pretzel rolls (er, buns)!
Valerie! You need to email me! You won the Ribbon Loaf Pan! I left a note on your FB Fan Page! (I couldn’t get your email address to work for some reason from WP.)
I’ve never had a pretzel bun before, and I think that is a problem. I’m definitely adding this on my to-do list!
You won’t be sorry!!
Those look so delicious!
I’ve never had the TJ’s kind, but there’s a local restaurant here that serves the best pretzel buns. Will have to make these at home!
I love your recipes. Just sayin’… =)
They look sooooo yummy. I can’t wait to make them…..but my mixer broke. Need to save up to get a new one so I can taste them.
Can I make these without a mixer and just knead it? I don’t have one and I want to make these
thanks. They look delicious!
Can I make these without a mixer and just knead it? I don’t have one and I want to make these
thanks. They look delicious!
I just tried your recipe and the pretzel buns turned out perfectly! They tasted absolutely amazing – thank you for sharing!