Vanilla Bean Glazed Pretzel Donuts
Try this Vanilla Bean Glazed Pretzel Donuts recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Vanilla Bean Glazed Pretzel Donuts recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- for the glaze:
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp. salt
- 10 cups water
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2/3 upbaking soda
- for the pretzel dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees f) water
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp.) active dry yeast
- 2 oz. unsalted butter melted
- vegetable oil for pan or fryer
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water
- pretzel salt (or sea salt works fine too)
- 1 vanilla bean (i used rodelle) split, beans scraped out and pod discarded
- Carbohydrate 59.6990188260131 g
- Cholesterol 0.0953125 mg
- Fat 0.720507813378595 g
- Fiber 1.89843753594659 g
- Protein 6.98459688386061 g
- Saturated Fat 0.127557031389882 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (377g)
- Sodium 1631.98750203256 mg
- Sugar 57.8005812900665 g
- Trans Fat 0.228452812786502 g
- Calories 279 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine water, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl; sprinkle yeast on top.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture foams.
- Add flour and butter; mix on low speed until combined.
- Increase speed to medium and knead until smooth and pulls away from the bowl (4-5 minutes).
- Remove dough, clean and oil the bowl, then return dough to the bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Heat oil to 365°F (fryer or large heavy pan).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly oiled surface and divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope.
- Form a U-shape, cross the ends, and press to form a pretzel shape.
- Place pretzels on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Boil pretzels one by one for 30 seconds.
- Remove with a large spatula and return to the baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg yolk and water mixture; sprinkle with pretzel salt.
- Fry donuts one at a time for about a minute per side, until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Place cooled donuts on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean seeds until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over warm pretzels.
Vanilla Bean Glazed Pretzel Donuts: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake can feel like a luxury. But sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most rewarding. That's why I love this recipe for Vanilla Bean Glazed Pretzel Donuts – it's surprisingly easy to make, yet delivers an explosion of flavor and texture that's hard to resist. The combination of soft, chewy pretzel dough and the sweet, creamy vanilla glaze is simply divine. And honestly, the entire process, from start to finish, is less stressful than a typical grocery run.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It's perfect for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or even a mid-week pick-me-up. I’ve found that even the slightly imperfect pretzels, the ones that don't quite hold their shape during frying, are still utterly delicious. Their rustic charm adds to their overall appeal; nobody’s judging a slightly wonky donut! In fact, the imperfections just add to the homemade charm.
I often double the recipe on busy weekends, prepping the dough the night before and then finishing the frying and glazing in the morning. This allows me to grab a quick and satisfying breakfast before tackling the day’s tasks. It's a fantastic time-saver, especially during those chaotic mornings where every minute counts. This way, I get to enjoy a delightful treat without sacrificing too much of my precious time. The aroma alone, as the donuts fry and then get coated with that luscious glaze, is worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
A Tip for Busy Bakers: Make the glaze the night before. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This simple step saves crucial time in the morning, allowing you to focus on frying the donuts and enjoying the sweet reward. The glaze actually tastes even better the next day!
Beyond the Basics: While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment with different flavors. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar instead of pretzel salt would add a warm, comforting twist. You could also try incorporating other extracts, such as almond or lemon, to customize the glaze to your preferences. The possibilities are truly endless!
This Vanilla Bean Glazed Pretzel Donut recipe is more than just a recipe; it's a shortcut to happiness. It’s a testament to the fact that even amidst the daily grind, there’s always room for a little sweetness, a little indulgence, and a whole lot of deliciousness. So, go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve it!
Variations to Try:
- Chocolate Glaze: Melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips with a little heavy cream and drizzle over the warm donuts.
- Salted Caramel Glaze: Combine caramel sauce with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty masterpiece.
- Citrus Glaze: Add a zest of lemon or orange to the basic glaze for a bright and refreshing twist.
No matter which variation you choose, these Vanilla Bean Glazed Pretzel Donuts are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy!
