Celebration Pretzels with Almond Icing
Ring in the New Year with these delightful Celebration Pretzels! Soft, warm, and shaped into classic pretzels, they are perfect for sharing and celebrating. Each bite is enhanced with a sweet almond icing that creates a wonderful contrast to the savory dough. These pretzels are not only a treat for your taste buds, but also a fantastic way to bring friends and family together as you toast to new beginnings. Whether served as a snack or a festive appetizer, these pretzels are sure to add joy and flavor to your New Year's festivities!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
2 cups (Heat until very warm (120-130 degrees F.))
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (Melt and combine with milk)
active dry yeast
2 packets (Mix with other dry ingredients)
salt
2 teaspoons (Add to flour mixture)
sugar
1/2 cup (Add to yeast mixture)
unbleached flour
7 cups (Sift and measure for dough)
large eggs
2 (Beaten and added to dough)
confectioners' sugar
1 cup (For icing)
water
as needed (To thin icing)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Add to icing mixture)
chopped almonds
1/4 cup (Sprinkle on top of iced pretzels)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and prepare a large baking sheet by greasing it lightly.
2
In a saucepan, combine the milk and butter. Heat gently until the mixture is very warm to the touch, ideally between 120-130 degrees F.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yeast, salt, sugar, and 1 cup of flour until well combined.
4
Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients while mixing. Beat the mixture for about 2 minutes using a mixer on medium speed.
5
Incorporate 2 beaten eggs and an additional cup of flour, mixing for another 2 minutes until smooth.
6
Continue adding flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
7
Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
8
After the first rise, punch down the dough and allow it to rise again until it doubles in size, which should take another hour.
9
Once risen, divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope (approximately 30 inches) that is around 1.5 inches thick.
10
Shape each rope into a pretzel by crossing the ends over each other, then looping them back and tucking them down to create the classic shape.
11
Place the shaped pretzels on the prepared baking sheet. Let them rise for an additional 15 minutes while the oven continues to heat.
12
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
13
Remove the pretzels from the oven and allow them to cool on wire racks.
14
For the icing, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, enough water to achieve a thin consistency, and the vanilla extract.
15
Spread the icing over the cooled pretzels and sprinkle with chopped almonds for a festive finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Celebration Pretzels with Almond Icing?
They are soft, warm, classic-shaped pretzels topped with a sweet almond icing and chopped almonds, designed for festive occasions like New Year's.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees F.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 2 servings.
What is the ideal temperature for the milk and butter mixture?
The mixture should be heated until it is between 120-130 degrees F.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded on a floured surface for approximately 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How many times does the dough need to rise?
The dough rises three times: twice for one hour each until doubled in size, and a final 15-minute rise after shaping.
How long are the dough ropes supposed to be?
Each portion of dough should be rolled into a rope approximately 30 inches long.
How thick should the dough ropes be?
The ropes should be around 1.5 inches thick.
What are the ingredients for the pretzel icing?
The icing consists of confectioners' sugar, water, and vanilla extract.
What is the total baking time for the pretzels?
The pretzels should bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the pretzels are finished baking?
They are done when they appear golden brown and are cooked through.
What should be sprinkled on top of the pretzels?
Chopped almonds are sprinkled over the icing for a festive finish.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of butter or margarine.
What type of yeast is required?
The recipe calls for 2 packets of active dry yeast.
How many eggs are added to the dough?
Two large beaten eggs are incorporated into the dough.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses 7 cups of unbleached flour.
Should the baking sheet be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the large baking sheet should be lightly greased.
When should the icing be applied to the pretzels?
The icing should be spread over the pretzels after they have been removed from the oven and allowed to cool on wire racks.
How do you shape the dough into a pretzel?
Cross the ends of the dough rope over each other, loop them back, and tuck them down to create the classic shape.
What mixer speed should be used when adding the milk mixture?
The mixture should be beaten for 2 minutes using a mixer on medium speed.
How do I achieve the right consistency for the icing?
Whisk the confectioners' sugar with enough water to reach a thin consistency.
Under which category does this recipe fall?
This recipe is categorized under Breads.
What is the first step of the preparation?
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a large baking sheet.
How much salt is included in the dough?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of salt.
How much sugar is in the dough?
The dough contains 1/2 cup of sugar.
What is the purpose of the vanilla extract in this recipe?
It is added to the icing mixture for flavor.
How much chopped almonds are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped almonds.
Is the milk added cold?
No, the milk should be heated with butter until very warm before being added to the dry ingredients.
What should I do after punching down the dough?
Allow it to rise a second time until it doubles in size, which takes about another hour.
Are these pretzels intended for a specific holiday?
Yes, they are specifically described as a treat for New Year's festivities.