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Easy Shamrock Pretzels Recipe for Perfect St Patrick’s Day Treats

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These Easy Shamrock Pretzels are festive, soft, and chewy treats perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. They feature a classic pretzel flavor with a buttery, salty finish and a charming shamrock shape.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup (60ml) baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
  • Green food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (240ml) warm water with 1 tbsp sugar and the instant yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Add green food coloring if using. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Prepare baking soda bath: Bring about 8 cups (2 liters) water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add ¼ cup (60ml) baking soda.
  7. Shape pretzels: Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into an 18-inch (45cm) rope and form into a shamrock shape by creating three loops that meet in the middle, pinching ends to seal.
  8. Boil pretzels: Drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds, flipping once. Remove with slotted spoon and let excess water drip off.
  9. Salt and bake: Place pretzels on baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Cool and serve: Transfer pretzels to a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm.

Notes

Do not skip the baking soda bath to achieve the classic chewy crust and flavor. Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast properly. If dough is sticky, dust lightly with flour but avoid adding too much. For a shiny finish, brush pretzels with melted butter after baking. Pretzels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: shamrock pretzels, St. Patrick's Day treats, easy pretzels, festive snacks, homemade pretzels, shamrock shaped, baking soda bath pretzels

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/easy-shamrock-pretzels-recipe-for-perfect-st-patricks-day-treats/