It’s been a bit since I’ve shared any recipes, but this one was worthy…
Why pretzels? And for Lent??
Pretzels actually have a long history with Lent. Their shape is religiously symbolic, like arms crossed over the chest in humble prayer and the holes of the baked bread that symbolize the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Their simple ingredients are as spare as the season itself. Nothing fancy, nothing indulgent. I love that early Christians shaped them as a reminder to pray, and that the tradition stayed with us. As I was twisting the dough, it struck me that the devil can’t create anything new; he only distorts what God made good. Maybe that’s why the twist felt symbolic. And honestly, part of me wondered if I should just leave these as straight pretzel sticks—as a little reminder to stay on the straight and narrow. There are truly reminders of His love everywhere. And bread is certainly one of those 🙂
Soft Buttery Homemade Pretzels (Auntie Anne’s Style)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
Baking Soda Bath
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
For Topping
- Coarse salt
- 4 Tbsp melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
- Activate yeast
Stir warm water and sugar together. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. - Make dough
Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix and knead about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let rise 30–60 minutes until doubled. - Shape
Divide into 8 pieces. Roll each into a long rope (about 20–24 inches). Twist into pretzel shape (or leave them straight if you want!) - Baking soda bath (key step–DO NOT SKIP!)
Bring water and baking soda to a gentle boil.
Drop pretzels in for 20–30 seconds each. Remove with slotted spoon. - Bake
Place on parchment-lined sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake at 450°F for 10–12 minutes until deep golden brown. - Butter finish
Brush generously with melted butter right away.
Serving suggestions:
I love to dip these in spinach-artichoke dip, or instead of the salt you can make a cinnamon-sugar version. Neither are very Lenten-penance worthy, but there’s always Sunday!
