Celebration Pretzels
These delightful Celebration Pretzels, inspired by the traditional Neujahrspretzel, are perfect for sharing during New Year celebrations or any festive occasion. Soft and sweet with a hint of vanilla, they are topped with a rich icing and garnished with crunchy almonds. This recipe yields two large pretzels that will be a centerpiece at your gatherings, captivating guests with their unique shape and delectable flavors.
N/A
Servings
900
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Milk
2 cups (heated until very warm)
Large Eggs
2 (beaten)
Butter or Margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
Confectioners' Sugar
1 cup (for icing)
Active Dry Yeast
2 (1/4 ounce) packages (activated in warm mixture)
Water
1 dash (for icing)
Salt
2 teaspoons (mixed into flour)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (added to icing)
Sugar
1/2 cup (mixed with yeast)
Chopped Almonds
1/4 cup (for topping)
Unbleached Flour
7 cups (for dough)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the mixture is very warm, reaching a temperature of 120-130°F (49-54°C). Remove from heat.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast, salt, sugar, and 1 cup of flour. Gradually pour in the warm milk mixture while stirring gently to combine.
3
With a hand mixer on low-speed, beat the mixture for 2 minutes until well blended, then add the eggs and another cup of flour, mixing for an additional 2 minutes.
4
Continue to add flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in bulk, approximately 1 hour.
6
Once risen, punch the dough down and allow it to rise again for another hour until doubled.
7
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two greased baking sheets.
8
Divide the dough in half and take one piece to shape into a pretzel. Roll it into a rope about 30 inches long and 1.5 inches in diameter. Cross the ends of the rope, leaving a large loop in the center, then flip the loop back onto the crossed ends to create the pretzel shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
9
Place the shaped pretzels on the prepared baking sheets and allow them to rise for an additional 15 minutes.
10
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks.
11
While cooling, prepare the icing by mixing confectioners' sugar, a dash of water, and vanilla extract until you achieve a thin consistency.
12
Drizzle the icing over the cooled pretzels and sprinkle with chopped almonds before serving.
Nutrition Information
35g
Fat
125g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Celebration Pretzels?
Celebration Pretzels are soft, sweet breads inspired by the traditional Neujahrspretzel, featuring a vanilla icing and almond garnish.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the traditional German Neujahrspretzel, often served during New Year celebrations.
How many pretzels does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields two large pretzels.
What temperature should the milk and butter mixture reach?
The mixture should be heated until very warm, specifically between 120-130°F (49-54°C).
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 1/4 ounce packages of active dry yeast.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
How many times does the dough need to rise before shaping?
The dough needs to rise twice for one hour each time before it is shaped into pretzels.
How long is the first rise?
The first rise should last approximately 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in bulk.
How long is the second rise?
The second rise, after punching the dough down, takes another hour until the dough doubles again.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long should the dough rope be when shaping?
Each piece of dough should be rolled into a rope approximately 30 inches long.
What is the recommended diameter for the dough rope?
The dough rope should be about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Is there a third rise after shaping?
Yes, once the pretzels are shaped and placed on baking sheets, they should rise for an additional 15 minutes.
What is the baking time for the pretzels?
Bake the pretzels for 25 to 30 minutes.
How can I tell when the pretzels are done baking?
The pretzels are done when they turn a beautiful golden brown.
What ingredients are used for the icing?
The icing is made from confectioners' sugar, a dash of water, and vanilla extract.
When should the icing be applied?
Drizzle the icing over the pretzels once they have cooled on wire racks.
What is used to garnish the pretzels?
The pretzels are garnished with 1/4 cup of chopped almonds.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine.
How much flour is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 7 cups of unbleached flour.
What kind of flour is specified?
The recipe specifies using unbleached flour for the dough.
How many eggs are used in the dough?
The recipe uses 2 large beaten eggs.
Is this a sweet or savory pretzel recipe?
This is a sweet pretzel recipe, classified as a dessert or sweet bread.
What are the best occasions for serving these pretzels?
They are perfect for New Year celebrations, festive gatherings, or any special celebration.
What equipment is needed for the dough mixing?
You will need a medium saucepan, a large mixing bowl, and a hand mixer.
What is the desired consistency of the icing?
The icing should be mixed until it reaches a thin consistency.
How is the yeast first incorporated?
The yeast is combined with salt, sugar, and 1 cup of flour before adding the warm milk mixture.
What type of surface should be used for kneading?
The dough should be kneaded on a floured surface.
What kind of bowl is used for the rising process?
The dough should rise in a greased bowl covered with a clean cloth.
What are the nutritional facts for calories and fat?
The recipe contains 900 calories and 35g of fat.