Homemade Pretzel Buns for Hot Dogs (Laugenstangen)

Method7 steps · about 1 hr 45 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Stir 15 g sugar and 7 g active dry yeast into the 275 ml lukewarm dough water. Let stand for about 5 minutes until bubbly.

   Activate dough yeast · 5 minUses 15 grams granulated sugar (You can use white or brown sugar. Brown sugar gives this recipe a slight malty note.) · 7 grams active dry yeast (1 pouch) · 275 ml lukewarm water for dough

2. 2

   Step 2: Sift together 500 g flour and 10 g dough sea salt. Add 30 g room-temperature butter and the prepared yeast mixture, then knead on the mixer dough-hook low setting for 8–10 minutes until smooth.

   Uses bubbly dough yeast mixture · 500 grams all-purpose flour · 30 grams butter (room temperature) · 10 grams sea salt

   
3. 3

   Step 3: Cover the dough with a clean towel and rest for 5 minutes. Divide into 8 equal pieces, shape each into a ball, then roll into a log about 10 inches /25 cm long.

   Uses kneaded pretzel-bun dough

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Place the shaped buns well apart on two silicone baking mats, cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 60 minutes. Preheat the convection oven to 180°C /355°F before baking.

   Proof buns · 60 minUses eight shaped pretzel buns

5. 5

   Step 5: In a well-ventilated place, wearing protective gloves and eye protection, put the 500 ml cold bath water in a nonreactive bowl such as stainless steel. Carefully add 20 g food-grade lye to that water, never water to dry lye, and stir carefully until dissolved and clear. Use a steel skimmer to dip each risen bun for 5–10 seconds, drain and place on silicone-lined baking sheets. Follow the lye product handling directions; do not touch the bath with bare hands.

   Uses risen pretzel buns · 20 g food-grade lye for the dipping bath · 500 ml cold water for the lye bath

   
6. 6

   Step 6: With a small sharp knife, cut 3 diagonal slits in each dipped bun and sprinkle with the separate pretzel salt as desired.

   Uses lye-dipped unbaked pretzel buns · pretzel salt

   
7. 7

   Step 7: Bake in the 180°C /355°F convection oven for about 12 minutes until golden brown and baked through, rotating the sheets after 6 minutes. Cool for a few minutes before slicing lengthways to use as hot-dog or sandwich buns.

   Bake pretzel buns · 12 minUses slit salted pretzel buns