Get ready to transport your taste buds to the charming streets of Sweden with these irresistible Swedish Sweet Pretzels, known as Kringlor! Imagine biting into a golden, pillowy pretzel that's both delightfully sweet and perfectly tender - a pastry so magical it'll make you feel like you've discovered a hidden culinary treasure. These aren't your ordinary pretzels; they're a traditional Swedish delicacy that combines the perfect balance of buttery dough, delicate sweetness, and a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Swedish
Serves: 24 pretzels
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, warm 1 cup of milk until it is comfortably warm to the touch, but not hot. Add 1/4 cup of melted butter to the warm milk and stir until combined.
- Gradually pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, approximately 18 inches in length. Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a loop and twisting the ends together before pressing them onto the bottom of the loop.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the pretzels for baking.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the shaped pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over each pretzel to give them a golden color when baked.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar over the top of each pretzel for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade Swedish Sweet Pretzels Kringlor warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) when mixing with yeast to activate it properly without killing the yeast cultures.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to help it double in size and develop rich flavor.
- When shaping pretzels, aim for consistent rope length and thickness to ensure even baking.
- Don't skip the egg wash - it's crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and glossy finish.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar generously for an authentic Swedish touch and added crunch.
- Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain their crisp texture.
- These kringlor are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
