Chewy Pretzel Buns

Easy Soft Pretzel Buns are quick to make and perfectly chewy. These pretzel rolls are amazing as is, or make the perfect pretzel burger bun. Follow this easy soft pretzel recipe to make your own homemade buns!

📝 Ingredients

• 125 g whole milk, at room temperature
• 110 g light beer, at room temperature
• 8 g granulated sugar
• 6 g instant yeast
• 7 g salt
• 10 g milk powder
• 345 g bread flour (High grade flour)
• 30 g rye flour, or more bread flour
• 35 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup baked baking soda (see notes) plus 6 cups water
• Egg wash - 1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water
• Pretzel Salt

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- PRETZEL DOUGH ---
2. 2Combine all ingredients except for the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.
3. 3Mix on medium-low speed for 10-12 minutes until a stiff, smooth dough forms. It will be quite firm - this is fine and is what gives lovely chewy pretzels. Don't freak out.
4. 4Add the butter and mix for a further 5 minutes until it is completely incorporated and passes the window pane test.
5. 5Shape the dough into a ball, and transfer to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour, or until doubled in size. This initial rise can also be done in the fridge overnight.
6. 6--- ASSEMBLY ---
7. 7Turn the dough out onto a work surface (do not flour), and weigh the dough then divide into 6 equal sized balls. Using slightly oiled hands, shape each into a ball, then place on the bench under plastic wrap to rest for about five minutes.
8. 8Line a sheet pan with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper (if you use parchment paper you will need to drain the buns well after their baking soda bath to ensure that they do not stick.
9. 9Give each bun a quick re shape and arrange evenly spaced on the sheet pan.
10. 10Rise the buns, uncovered, at room temperature for 30 minutes, or until the dough leaves an indentation that springs back slightly when lightly pressed with a fingertip. Transfer the buns to the fridge for 10 minutes.
11. 11--- BAKING ---
12. 12While the pretzel buns are rising, preheat the oven to 425°f / 220˚c. In a large, shallow pan (I used a frying pan / skillet), combine ¼ cup baked baking soda and 6 cups of cold water. Heat until the solution is steaming, then turn off.
13. 13Working with one roll at a time, carefully lift off the baking sheet, and place upside down in the solution. Soak for 10 seconds, then carefully flip over and soak for another. Remove using a slotted spoon or spatula or another flat utensil, and place onto the silicone mat lined baking sheet.
14. 14Repeat the process with the remaining rolls.
15. 15Carefully brush egg wash over the buns, then snip a cross into them using sharp kitchen scissors - make one vertical cut, then two horizontal cuts, one each side of the vertical one to keep the cross neat. Alternatively you can score with a razor blade or a very sharp knife.
16. 16Sprinkle with pretzel salt or flaky sea salt.
17. 17Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until deeply golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 5-10 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack and allowing to cool completely.
18. 18Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. If you are planning to freeze the buns or eat them the next day, leave off the salt before baking as it will make the rolls soggy when stored.