Ingredients

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cups warm water

2 tablespoons honey

1 stick salted butter, at room temperature or melted

1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for brushing before baking)

1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)

Pretzel salt, for sprinkling

6 tablespoons salted butter, melted

3 tablespoons honey

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water, 2 tablespoons honey, and butter. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is fully incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes up to 1 hour.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 3: Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Then divide each half into 8 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into ropes about 8-12 inches long. Take two ropes and twist them around each other, then shape into a candy cane. Place on prepared sheets. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Boil two rolls at a time for 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, letting water drain, and transfer to a parchment-lined sheet. If needed, reshape candy canes.

Step 5: Brush each roll with the beaten egg yolk mixture and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: While baking, combine the melted butter and 3 tablespoons honey in a small bowl. When pretzels come out of the oven, brush them generously with the honey butter. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes more to set the glaze. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For an extra soft pretzel, try using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.

You can substitute the honey butter glaze with cinnamon sugar for a different flavor.

Make smaller candy cane pretzels for bite-sized snacks or party favors.

Use coarse sea salt if pretzel salt is not available for a similar authentic taste.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Make sure to knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?

If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding to the flour mixture.