Pretzel Sticks Recipe
Make Pretzel Sticks Recipe in just 1h 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Baking Soda Bath
Finish & Topping
Method
Dough
- 1
Activate yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (105–115°F) with the sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5–8 minutes until foamy. If it doesn't foam, yeast may be inactive—start with fresh yeast.
- 2
Mix dough
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 3 1/2 cups of the flour and the salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix on low speed (or stir with a wooden spoon) until a shaggy dough forms, about 1–2 minutes. If using a mixer, increase speed to medium and knead 4–6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes, adding up to the remaining 1/2 cup flour as needed to keep the dough manageable but slightly tacky.
- 3
Shape Pretzel Sticks
- 4
Divide and rest
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside. Punch the risen dough down and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces (about 1.5 ounces / 42–45 g each). Cover pieces with a towel and let rest 5 minutes to relax the gluten so they’re easier to roll.
- 5
Roll sticks
Working with one piece at a time, roll each into a long thin rope about 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) long and 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) thick for classic pretzel sticks. Taper the ends slightly if desired. Place shaped sticks on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them. Repeat with remaining dough.
Baking Soda Bath
- 6
Prepare bath
In a large, wide pot, bring 8 cups water to a gentle simmer and carefully stir in 3 tablespoons baking soda. Allow the solution to come back to a simmer; do not boil vigorously.
- 7
Dip sticks
Using a slotted spatula or large slotted spoon, gently lower 6–8 pretzel sticks at a time into the simmering baking soda bath for 20–30 seconds, turning once so both sides get coated. Remove and return to the baking sheet. Repeat until all sticks have been dipped. The bath gives the pretzels their characteristic color and chew.
Finish & Bake
- 8
- 9
Bake
Bake in the preheated 450°F (230°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until the sticks are deep golden brown and glossy. Watch closely near the end to prevent over-browning.
- 10
Finish (optional)
Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack. If desired, brush lightly with 1 tablespoon melted butter for flavor and sheen. Cool 5 minutes before serving — they are best served warm.