For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a pinch of cardamom to the dough. Ensure your milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. If the dough is too sticky while kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a manageable consistency. Watch the pretzel carefully during baking to prevent over-browning. If it starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.
German New Year Pretzel
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PREP TIME20 mins
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COOK TIME25 mins
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TOTAL TIME2 hrs 20 mins
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SERVING8 People
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VIEWS18
Ring in the New Year with this delightful German tradition! This lightly sweet, soft pretzel is said to bring good luck when it's the first bite of the year. Forget the savory version – this one is all about gentle sweetness and heartwarming flavor, perfect with a smear of creamy butter.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate37 g
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Cholesterol69 mg
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Fiber2 g
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Protein7 g
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Saturated Fat5 g
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Sodium71 mg
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Sugar9 g
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Fat9 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepActivate the Yeast: In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of the lukewarm milk. Add 4.5 tablespoons of sugar. Let it stand until the yeast softens and develops a creamy foam, approximately 5 minutes.
02
StepCombine Initial Dough: In a separate bowl, stir together the yeast mixture and 2 1/4 cups of sifted flour until a dry, clumpy dough forms. Let this rest for 15 minutes to allow the gluten to begin developing.
03
StepCreate Final Dough: Add the remaining 1/2 cup of lukewarm milk, melted butter, egg, lemon zest, and salt to the dough. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
04
StepKnead and Rise: Knead the dough, adding more flour as needed, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean, damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
05
StepShape the Pretzel: Preheat your oven to 390 degrees F (199 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet. Gently knead the dough to release any air. Roll it into a long rope and carefully twist it into the traditional pretzel shape. Place the shaped pretzel on the prepared baking sheet.
06
StepSecond Rise: Cover the pretzel with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 15 minutes.
07
StepBake to Perfection: Brush the pretzel with egg yolk and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar (or more, to your liking). Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
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Isobel Hayeshowell
Jun 6, 2025I was a bit intimidated by the yeast, but the instructions were so clear, and it worked out great! My family loved it." - John B.
Dino Ritchie
May 24, 2025The lemon zest adds such a lovely aroma and subtle flavor. Will definitely be making this again next New Year's!" - Emily L.
Jon Kuphalkemmer
Apr 24, 2025This recipe is fantastic! The pretzel came out perfectly – soft, slightly sweet, and so much better than store-bought!" - Sarah M.