Quick and Easy Pretzel Buns

To make the dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the dough ingredients using a spoon, flexible spatula, or the flat beater attachment. The dough will look a little dry at first but will become a soft, somewhat cohesive dough as you stir. It’s OK if it looks a bit rough at this stage. Knead, by hand on a lightly floured surface or with the dough hook of the mixer, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the dough is bouncy. 

Cover the dough and set aside for 30 minutes. While your dough is rising, grease or line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease a hamburger bun pan. 

To make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the glaze packet and the water. Set aside. 

Deflate the dough then divide it into 6 pieces (109g each). Shape each piece into a round and gently press to slightly flatten. Dip the top of each bun into the glaze and place on the prepared baking sheet or in the lightly greased wells of the hamburger bun pan.  

Allow buns to rise, uncovered, for 30 to 60 minutes, or until puffy or roughly doubled in size. As the buns rise, preheat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the center. 

Once the buns have risen, gently brush the buns with the glaze to make sure they’re evenly coated.  (You will have several tablespoons of the glaze left over; it can be discarded after this step.) 

Just before baking, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to score the buns down the middle, if desired. Lightly sprinkle with pretzel salt to your liking. 

Bake the pretzel buns for 25 to 30 minutes or until well browned. Cool completely on the pan the before using. These pretzel buns are best served fresh.