Berliner Knüppel - German Sweet Pretzels

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar, for dusting 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
4. 4.
   Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. 5.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and shape it into a pretzel.
9. 9.
   Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best texture and rise.
• Lemon zest — Make sure to grate only the outer yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the pretzels before baking.
• Serve the Berliner Knüppel warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a sweeter pretzel, you can brush the baked pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle additional powdered sugar on top.

Serving advice

Serve Berliner Knüppel as a delightful snack or dessert. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Berliner Knüppel on a platter, dusted with powdered sugar. You can also serve them in a traditional German-style breadbasket for a charming presentation.