Polish pretzels

Polish Pretzels – A Fluffy and Aromatic Delicacy

In a world full of sophisticated desserts and elaborate dishes, it is sometimes wonderful to return to the roots of traditional cooking. Polish pretzels are a perfect choice for any occasion, being a delicious combination of fluffy dough, butter, and a sweet honey glaze. This dessert is not just a culinary indulgence but also a piece of gastronomic history, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every bite.

In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve perfect, fluffy, and aromatic pretzels that will impress family and friends.

Useful Information

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Baking time: 20-25 minutes
- Number of servings: 12 pretzels
- Calories per pretzel: approximately 200 cal

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 550 g wheat flour (preferably type 550)
- 10 g dry yeast
- 75 g granulated sugar
- 250 ml warm milk
- 100 g melted butter (plus 50 g for layers)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt

For brushing the layers:
- 50 g butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For brushing the pretzels:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons milk

For the syrup:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 100 ml water

Step-by-step Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by ensuring that all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help with the optimal activation of the yeast. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat the milk, ensuring it is warm but not boiling.

2. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, add the dry yeast, 4-5 tablespoons of warm milk, and one tablespoon of flour. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy dough.

3. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add salt, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix the dry ingredients well. Add the activated yeast and the rest of the warm milk. Start kneading the dough, gradually incorporating the melted butter. The dough should be elastic and non-sticky. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

4. Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step is essential for getting fluffy pretzels.

5. Preparing the layers
After the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and turn out the risen dough. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Take the first part and roll it out into a rectangular sheet of medium thickness. Sprinkle 50 g of melted butter over the sheet, spreading it evenly.

6. Shaping the pretzels
Fold the sheet in half and cut strips about 2 cm wide. Each strip is cut in half lengthwise but leave one end uncut. Braid the two strips to form a pretzel. Repeat this process for the second part of the dough.

7. Placing the pretzels on the tray
Place the shaped pretzels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg yolk with the milk and brush the pretzels with this mixture to achieve a golden crust.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (180°C). Bake the pretzels for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden and brown.

9. Preparing the syrup
While the pretzels are baking, prepare the syrup. In a small pot, add water and honey and put it on low heat. Stir until the honey completely dissolves. Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool slightly.

10. Finishing and serving
Once the pretzels are ready, take them out of the oven and generously brush them with honey syrup. Serve them warm to enjoy the delicious aroma of butter and vanilla. If you are not serving them immediately, cover them with a thick towel to keep them soft.

Serving Suggestions
Polish pretzels are delicious when served warm, alongside a cup of fruit tea or aromatic coffee. You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the honey syrup for an even more intense flavor.

Recipe Variations
To add a personal touch, you can experiment with various fillings. For example, try adding ground nuts or dark chocolate to the strips of dough before folding them. You can also use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast. Replace 10 g of dry yeast with about 30 g of fresh yeast.

- How can I keep the pretzels soft?
After brushing them with syrup, cover them with a thick towel or in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

- What other desserts can I try?
If you enjoy Polish pretzels, you can also try other traditional desserts such as apple pie or fluffy doughnuts, which are equally delicious.

Polish pretzels are a perfect recipe to add a touch of magic to any day. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, the result will always be delicious. Enjoy!