German New Year’s Pretzel

1. Warm the Milk Base:
   Heat the milk and vanilla in a small saucepan until warm. Do not boil. Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm.

2. Activate the Yeast:
   In your mixing bowl, whisk lemon zest, flour, and 1 tsp sugar. Make a well in the center and add the yeast. Pour in 1/4 cup of the warm vanilla milk, and sprinkle 1 tsp sugar over the yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes.

3. Make the Dough:
   Scrape some flour into the milk and mix until a rough dough forms. Cover and rest for 10 minutes.

4. Add Remaining Wet Ingredients:
   Add remaining milk, egg yolks, salt, and beat for 8 minutes until smooth. Add butter gradually, then knead for 3 minutes until elastic.

5. First Rise:
   Cover and let dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.

6. Punch Down & Rest:
   Line a baking sheet with parchment. Punch down dough and rest 10 minutes.

7. Divide & Shape:
   Divide into three equal parts. Roll into 2-foot logs. Roll each log out again to 8 inches on each end. Braid them together tightly.

8. Shape Into a Pretzel:
   Form the braid into a pretzel on the lined sheet. Tuck ends under and secure. Let rise 15 minutes.

9. Preheat Oven:
   Set to 375°F (190°C).

10. Prepare Egg Wash:
    Whisk 1 egg with 1 tsp milk. Brush dough with it and sprinkle with pearl sugar.

11. Bake:
    Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

12. Cool & Serve:
    Cool 10 m

💡 Recipe Notes:

• Many people tuck a 1-cent coin (wrapped in foil) inside the dough for New Year’s luck .

• Pearl sugar can be found in specialty stores or substituted with crushed sugar cubes.