Go Back
To make buttery soft pretzel rolls, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1½ cups warm water - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup baking soda (for bath) - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - Coarse sea salt, for topping These ingredients create a rich and soft texture. The yeast and warm water work together to make the dough rise nicely. The butter gives the rolls a rich taste. Coarse sea salt on top adds a great crunch. Choosing high-quality ingredients is key. Use fresh yeast for better rise. A good flour makes the dough strong. I always recommend melting the butter just before using it for maximum flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of butter. You can use salted or unsalted, depending on your taste. Make sure to have fun while cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by taking a small bowl. Combine 1½ cups warm water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 packet active dry yeast. 2. Mix these together gently. 3. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. It will become frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work! 1. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. 2. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. 3. Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the well. 4. Mix everything together until a dough forms. It will be sticky at first, but keep mixing. 1. Lightly flour your surface. Turn the dough out onto it. 2. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should become smooth and elastic. 3. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. 4. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. This step is key for soft pretzel rolls! Kneading the dough is key for soft pretzel rolls. You should knead for 5-7 minutes. This helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls their chewy texture. If the dough feels sticky, add a little flour, but don’t overdo it. Rising conditions also matter. Find a warm spot for the dough to rise. A sunny kitchen or a powered-off oven with the light on works well. Cover the bowl with a cloth to keep the warmth in. The dough should double in size, usually in about an hour. The baking soda bath is a must! This step gives pretzel rolls their classic flavor and dark color. The alkaline nature of baking soda helps create that shiny crust. When you drop the rolls into boiling water, do it gently. Use a slotted spoon to lower them in, one or two at a time. Boil for 30 seconds to get the best texture. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot. To know when the rolls are done, look for a deep golden brown color. They should feel firm to the touch and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For that perfect finish, brush the tops with melted butter before baking. This adds flavor and enhances the color. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning! Pro Tips Perfect Water Temperature: Ensure the water is around 110°F (43°C) for the yeast to activate properly, promoting a good rise. Boiling Soda Bath: The baking soda bath is crucial for the pretzel flavor and texture. Don't skip this step! Butter Brushing: Brushing the rolls with melted butter before baking adds flavor and helps achieve a beautiful golden brown crust. Cooling Time: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving; this helps set their shape and makes them easier to handle. {{image_2}} You can make your pretzel rolls even more exciting. Try cheese-filled pretzel rolls for a savory twist. Use shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. Just place a small amount in the center of each roll before shaping. Herb-infused variations also add great flavor. Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder into the dough. This gives the rolls a lovely aroma and a tasty kick. Get creative with toppings! You can experiment with different seasonings. Try garlic powder, onion powder, or even smoked paprika for a fun twist on the classic salt topping. For a sweet variation, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top after baking. The warm rolls will soak up the sweetness, making them perfect for dessert or breakfast. Pair your buttery soft pretzel rolls with delicious dips or spreads. Mustard and cheese dips are classic choices. You can also try hummus or a savory onion dip for a fun mix. For a creative presentation, arrange the rolls in a basket lined with a cloth napkin. Drizzle some extra melted butter on the side for dipping. This adds a nice touch and makes them even more inviting! To keep your leftover rolls fresh, start by wrapping them well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Place the wrapped rolls in the fridge. They can last about 3 to 5 days this way. If you notice they are getting stale, you can also slice them and freeze them. To freeze pretzel rolls, let them cool completely first. Then wrap each roll in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. This keeps the rolls from getting freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you want to eat them, take the rolls out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat your rolls, use your oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes. This makes the outsides nice and crisp again. You can also microwave them for about 15 seconds if you’re in a hurry. Just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them soft. Look for a few simple signs. The dough should double in size. You can also poke it gently. If it springs back slowly, it’s ready. If it springs back fast, it needs more time. A great rise means light, fluffy rolls. Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and shape the rolls. Place them in a covered container in the fridge. They will keep well for about 24 hours. When you are ready, just boil and bake them. For longer storage, freeze the shaped rolls. There are several options you can try. Bread flour gives a chewier texture. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor. Gluten-free flour blends can work too, but check the package for best results. Each flour will change the taste and texture a bit. Making perfect pretzel rolls is easy when you follow these steps. We covered key ingredients, from flour to sea salt. You learned how to prepare the yeast, knead the dough, and achieve that golden finish. Remember our tips for boiling and baking—they make a big difference! Explore variations for more fun flavors and great toppings. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can impress anyone with your baking skills. Happy baking and enjoy your delicious pretzel rolls!

Buttery Soft Pretzel Rolls

Deliciously soft and buttery pretzel rolls, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
  • 1.5 cups warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups baking soda (for bath)
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 to taste coarse sea salt, for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the yeast mixture.
  • Mix everything together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a roll by rolling it into a ball.
  • In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the baking soda carefully (it will bubble up).
  • Gently drop each roll into the boiling water, cooking 1-2 at a time for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve the rolls warm with extra melted butter on the side for dipping, and arrange them in a basket lined with a cloth napkin for a rustic touch.
Keyword baking, pretzel, rolls