Description
These fun and festive Easter Pretzels are a colorful twist on the classic salty snack. Soft pretzels are shaped into Easter-themed designs and topped with colorful sprinkles or icing for a sweet and salty treat that’s both fun and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling on top)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve, and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t bubble, it may be expired, and you’ll need to try with fresh yeast.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture, then pour in the yeast mixture and the softened butter. Mix until the dough begins to come together. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes. If mixing by hand, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is an essential step for achieving a light, fluffy texture.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 18 inches long. To form the classic pretzel shape, form a “U” with each rope, then twist the ends together and fold them down toward the bottom of the “U” to create the pretzel shape.
Place the shaped pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Leave space between each pretzel to allow them to expand during baking.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create the egg wash. Brush each pretzel generously with the egg wash using a pastry brush. This step will help the pretzels achieve their golden-brown crust during baking. Sprinkle coarse salt over the top of each pretzel for the classic salty pretzel taste.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. This step is essential for achieving the traditional pretzel texture and color. Carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, and let them cook for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them back on the prepared baking sheet.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the pretzels are all boiled and placed on the baking sheet, bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown. If needed, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
Once they’re done, remove the pretzels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
While the pretzels are baking, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired to make the icing more festive. Once the pretzels have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the top of each pretzel. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to create a decorative effect.
While the icing is still wet, sprinkle the pretzels with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or any other decoration of your choice. This adds a cheerful and festive touch, making them perfect for Easter celebrations.
Allow the icing to set and harden before serving. This typically takes about 15 minutes. Serve the pretzels warm or at room temperature for a sweet and festive Easter treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180-220 kcal
- Fat: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 4g