German New Year Pretzel

Method7 steps · about 1 hr 55 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup milk in a bowl; add 4 1/2 tablespoons sugar. Let stand until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.

   Uses 6 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast · 1/2 cup lukewarm milk · 4 ½ tablespoons white sugar

2. 2

   Step 2: Stir yeast mixture and 2 1/4 cups flour together in a bowl until dough is dry and clumpy. Allow dough to rise for 15 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup milk, butter (4 ½ tablespoons), egg (1), lemon zest (1 teaspoon), and salt (1 pinch) to dough until evenly mixed.

   First rise · 15 minUses 6 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast · remaining 1/2 cup lukewarm milk · 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted, or more as needed · 4 ½ tablespoons melted butter · 1 egg · 1 teaspoon lemon zest · 1 pinch salt

3. 3

   Step 3: Knead dough, adding more flour as needed, until dough is elastic. Cover bowl with a clean damp towel or plastic wrap and allow dough to rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

   Rise until doubled · 60 minUses 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted, or more as needed

4. 4

   Step 4: Preheat oven to 390 degrees F (199 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.

5. 5

   Step 5: Gently knead dough; roll into a long rope on the prepared baking sheet and twist into a pretzel shape. Cover dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and allow to rise for 15 minutes more.

   Second rise · 15 min

6. 6

   Step 6: Brush egg yolk (1) over dough and sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over egg yolk.

   Uses 1 egg yolk · 1 teaspoon white sugar, or as needed

7. 7

   Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.

   Bake pretzel · 30 min