Hungarian Pretzels Perec

Indulge in the golden, pillowy perfection of Hungarian Pretzels, or Perec—a beloved traditional snack that’s both rustic and satisfying. Made with a rich, yeasted dough enhanced by buttery softness and a touch of sweetness, these iconic pretzels boast a crisp, golden crust thanks to a quick baking soda boil and a glossy egg wash finish. Perfectly seasoned with a sprinkle of coarse salt, Perec pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or enjoyed on their own as a savory treat. With simple pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe brings a taste of authentic Hungarian comfort food straight to your kitchen. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these pretzels are an irresistible balance of texture and flavor, making them a must-try for any home baker.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 250 milliliters Milk
• 50 grams Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 7 grams Active dry yeast
• 1 whole Egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 2 tablespoons Baking soda
• 1 whole Large egg
• 2 tablespoons Coarse salt

Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (around 37°C or 98°F). Do not overheat.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.

Step 3

Melt 50 grams of unsalted butter and add it to the yeast mixture. Stir well.

Step 4

Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together and becomes smooth.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it is soft and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 7

After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions.

Step 8

Roll each portion into a rope, about 50 cm long. Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U shape, crossing the ends over one another, and then folding them down to the bottom of the U.

Step 9

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

Step 10

Using a slotted spoon, gently lower each pretzel into the boiling water one at a time. Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then remove and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 11

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 12

In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of water. Brush the egg wash over each pretzel.

Step 13

Sprinkle coarse salt over the pretzels, adjusting to your taste preference.

Step 14

Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Step 15

Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	991.6 grams (991.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2514

Total Fat 62.80g	81%
Saturated Fat 32.20g	161%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 504mg	168%
Sodium 23360mg	1016%
Total Carbohydrate 410.20g	149%
Dietary Fiber 15.00g	54%
Total Sugars 27.10g
Protein 72.30g	145%

Vitamin D 173IU	863%
Calcium 455mg	35%
Iron 25mg	138%
Potassium 1177mg	25%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.7%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 65.8%