Bavarian Pretzels/ Pretzel Rolls (Laugenbrezeln)

Brenda.'s Note:

This easy recipe is from one of my all time favorite bread making cookbooks Local Breads by Daniel Leader/ Lauren Chattman with the directions tweaked just a little. I usually double the recipe and have always had outstanding results.The dough can be refrigerated from 2-24 hours so I sometimes bake 1 batch and then save the rest of the dough for the next day so they are fresh. I mostly use the recipe to make pretzel rolls and often wrap the dough around hot dogs or sausages which are a favorite of my DS (Pretzel Dogs) *See note at bottom of instructions*. I occasionally add a little extra flour depending on the weather to get my dough as directed below. The dough should be a little moist/ sticky. Add only a tablespoon at a time if extra is needed. Please read the recipe through before starting. This recipe prints out as 2 pages for those that may want to set their print job to 2 sided :)

• Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 3 hrs
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 8

Yield: 8.0 rolls/p ...

• 3 ¾-4 cups unbleached bread flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter , chilled, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (70-78 degrees)
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 2 ¼ teaspoons sea salt
• 1⁄3; cup baking soda (for boiling the rolls)
• kosher salt (for topping) (optional)
• sesame seed (for topping) (optional)

Directions:

1. Place the flour in the bowl of a stand mixer.
2. Using the paddle attachment stir in the butter on low speed until it is evenly distributed and the texture of coarse cornmeal, 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in the water and sprinkle on the yeast and salt.
4. Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium until very smooth and pliable, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a large well oiled bowl.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place, (70-75 degrees) for about 1 hour until it has slightly expanded and risen to a dome.
7. Lightly oil a baking sheet, (I use parchment paper).
8. Turn the dough out onto an unfloured countertop and pat into a rough rectangle.
9. Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces.
10. At this point you can shape the dough into either pretzels or rolls.
11. Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet at least 1 inch apart and cover with plastic wrap.
12. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 2-24 hours.The dough will not necessarily rise while refrigerated, but it helps them to hold their shape while handling.
13. Boiling and Baking:.
14. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
15. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a wide 6 quart kettle, (I highly recommend you do not use a teflon coated kettle as I ruined my brand new Calphalon pot this way. The baking soda is acidic).
16. ***IMPORTANT- Add the baking soda slowly, (The water will bubble like crazy when you add the baking soda and can boil over furiously if added too fast).
17. Turn the heat down to a healthy simmer.
18. Add the rolls 1 at a time to the boiling water and allow each roll to rise to the surface before adding the next one. (I only make about 3-4 at a time).
19. After each roll has risen to the surface, let cook for about 20 seconds and then flip over with a slotted spoon and cook the other side for 20 seconds.
20. Remove the rolls from the water with a slotted spoon, draining them well and place on a freshly oiled baking sheet. (I use parchment paper). Repeat until all rolls have been boiled.
21. Sprinkle the rolls with salt or seeds if desired and place the baking sheet in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
22. When nicely browned remove the rolls from the oven to a cooling rack and let cool at least 10 minutes.
23. If you have any leftover, place the rolls in a plastic bag and they will be good for about 1-2 days, (We have never had leftovers *wink*).
24. ****If making "Pretzel Dogs" simply flatten the piece of dough by hand into a rectangle (Step 10) big enough to accomodate your hot dog (I pat the hot dog dry with paper towels first). Place hot dog on long side of dough rectangle and roll up tucking in the sides and pinching the seams so they are well sealed. Continue with/to step 11.

Reviews

[Galley Wench]

Great rolls . . . fun to make too! Due to space in the refrigerator I skipped step #12. I placed the rolls on parchment paper and covered with plastic wrap and allowed to rise for 30 minutes. Then immediately went to Step #18, water bath. Wouldn't think of making without topping without kosher salt. Made for ZWT #6. Thanks for sharing!

[Muffin Goddess]

Need some baking therapy? These are perfect for that! They made the house smell divine while baking, and they tasted just like the silly-expensive warm pretzels you can get at sporting events. I used the lesser amount of flour (all-purpose, since I didn't have any bread flour on hand), and I added a tbs of vital wheat gluten. I did find that I had to add about 1/4 cup more water than was specified in the recipe because my dough was too dry without the extra water. Breadmaking is usually like that for me, though -- I use the recipe's water and flour amounts as a guideline, then just go by the feel of the dough. I actually made these into pretzels rather than rolls (more fun!), and I topped them with the salt only. I briefly contemplated topping them with some garlic too, but that'll be a project for another day. They baked up beautiful and golden in about 25 minutes (my oven was running a bit hot). Auntie Anne's, eat your heart out! LOL Thanks for posting :)! Made for The Queens of Quisine for the ZWT6 Germany Oma Challenge

[Sydney Mike]

Absolutely wonderful tasting rolls, & a great new addition to the list of homemade breads that I'll enjoy in the future ~ Can hardly wait to make these for company! I did include the optional toppings (salt & sesame seeds) & we thought they shold be required, but then, that's just our preference! Thanks for sharing this great treat! [Made & reviewed will in Germany with ZWT6]