Buddha's Soft Pretzels or Pretzel Rolls

Indulge in the irresistible, golden-brown perfection of Buddha's Soft Pretzels or Pretzel Rolls—homemade delights that strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy. This versatile recipe transforms simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and melted butter into warm, bakery-style pretzels or pillowy rolls, perfect for any occasion. A key feature of this recipe is the signature baking soda water bath, which gives the dough its classic pretzel flavor and beautifully bronzed crust. Whether you shape them into traditional twisted pretzels or soft, smooth rolls, these treats come out of the oven with a satisfying bite and a sprinkle of coarse salt. Ready in just 40 minutes of active prep, these homemade pretzels or rolls are perfect served warm with your favorite dips, as sandwich rolls, or enjoyed solo for a comforting snack.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1.5 cups Warm water
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.6667 cup Baking soda
• 10 cups Water (for boiling)
• 1 unit Egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)
• to taste None Coarse salt

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.

Step 2

Add warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm space for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them.

Step 6

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium to maintain a gentle boil.

Step 7

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. For pretzels, roll each piece into a rope (about 18 inches long) and shape it into a pretzel. For rolls, shape each piece into a smooth ball.

Step 8

Using a slotted spoon, dip each pretzel or roll into the baking soda water bath for 30 seconds, ensuring they are fully submerged. Remove and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over each pretzel or roll.

Step 10

Sprinkle the tops with coarse salt, adjusting to your preferred level of saltiness.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels or rolls are a deep golden brown.

Step 12

Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your soft pretzels with your favorite dips or as standalone rolls.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3536.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2293.2

Total Fat 33.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 246.5mg	0%
Sodium 43850.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 428.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.7g	0%
Total Sugars 14.2g
Protein 61.7g	0%

Vitamin D 18.2IU	0%
Calcium 104.3mg	0%
Iron 25.9mg	0%
Potassium 682.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 13.2%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 75.9%