Pretzel Buns

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   {'id': 'step_0', 'step': 1, 'text': 'Sprinkle yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar over ½ cup warm water (about 100 degrees F, 40 degrees C) in a large bowl. Set aside until yeast becomes foamy, about 5 minutes.'}

2. 2

   {'id': 'step_1', 'step': 2, 'text': 'Add 3 cups flour, milk, shortening, eggs, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1 ½ teaspoons salt to yeast mixture; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add remaining 3 cups flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing well by hand after each addition, until dough comes together; turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Dough will be sticky.'}

3. 3

   {'id': 'step_2', 'step': 3, 'text': 'Lightly oil a large bowl. Add dough; turn to coat in oil. Cover the bowl with a cloth; set aside to rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C)) until doubled in volume, about 1 hour. Punch down dough.'}

4. 4

   {'id': 'step_3', 'step': 4, 'text': 'Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).'}

5. 5

   {'id': 'step_4', 'step': 5, 'text': 'Roll baseball-sized portions dough into "snakes" about 6 inches long; roll each into a spiral to give tops some texture. Set aside.'}

6. 6

   {'id': 'step_5', 'step': 6, 'text': 'Combine 4 cups hot water and baking soda in a bowl (baking soda does not need to dissolve completely). Dip each bun in baking soda solution; transfer to a baking sheet. Brush buns with melted butter; sprinkle with coarse sea salt.'}

7. 7

   {'id': 'step_6', 'step': 7, 'text': 'Bake in the preheated oven until brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack or brown paper bag.'}

📊 Nutrition Facts

Per serving (12 servings total)