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Homemade Prayer Pretzels

The process of making pretzels was once used to teach kids about prayer during Lent. The shape of a traditional pretzel mimics the folding of hands in prayer. Make homemade pretzels as a family, and while they are baking, think of someone nearby who is in need of prayer.

The following verses are great discussion starters about talking to God in prayer:

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.”
James 5:16 (HCSB)
I call on You, God, because You will answer me; listen closely to me; hear what I say.”
Psalm 17:6 (HCSB)
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)

When the pretzels are done, enjoy some as a family and wrap up the rest to take to that person and let them know you are praying for them. If you make a big enough batch, you can take them to multiple people!

Homemade Prayer Pretzels

Print Recipe
Prep Time:45 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Rise Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 35 minutes

Equipment

  • Candy Thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup very warm water
  • 2 tablespoons dry yeast (or two packets if using pre-packaged)
  • ½ cup + 3 teaspoons honey, divided
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • cups whole milk
  • 8 cups whole-wheat white flour, or unbleached flour
  • melted butter, for brushing
  • coarse salt, optional

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 3 teaspoons honey. Let rest.
  • In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add the remaining honey, 1 tablespoon of salt, and the milk. Stir over medium heat until it reaches 120°F (use a candy thermometer). Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Pour the milk mixture into the yeast mixture and stir well. Add the flour, 2 cups at a time until a slightly stiff dough forms. You may need to add a little more or less than 8 cups depending on the humidity of the day. Knead the dough for 5–10 minutes.
  • Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
  • Punch the dough down to release air and knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes. Separate the dough into 10-14 even pieces, about the size of a tennis ball.
  • Roll each piece into a rope about half an inch thick. Form a pretzel shape by crossing the rope about two inches above the ends. Twist the dough one time at the intersection. Fold the ends down to touch the sides, creating a traditional pretzel shape. Repeat with remaining dough. Place pretzels on a cookie sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F until golden brown. Do not over bake.
  • Remove pretzels from the oven and brush with melted butter and sprinkle coarse salt on top. Serve plain or with mustard or sharp cheddar cheese spread. Enjoy!
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Celebrations, Easter, Pretzel, Recipe
Servings: 10 -14 pretzels

Leave a comment with your thoughts on prayer or the pretzel activity!

If you like this recipe, you can find more like it in my cookbook “Come and Get It!” Available on Amazon.

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29 Comments

  1. This is perfect! A healthy recipe I can use to teach preschoolers about talking to God! I plan to have my students make these in school. Thanks so much!

  2. I love this idea to use with my two boys. It’s fun to get them in the kitchen. For Easter we have a recipe we follow that tells the real story of Easter.
    I enjoy celebrating in special ways. Your book fits that mold completely. I hope to share the ideas with my family and friends but also with the 3rd and 4th grade girls I teach in Awana.

  3. I really enjoyed your devotional on prayer. As a new Mom (my baby is about to turn one), I find making prayer a priority harder but even more important. I also really enjoyed your tie-in with pretzel making and prayer. I grew up baking with my Mom, and I look forward to doing the same with my daughter. If I can bring in a spiritual lesson with the baking fun, all the better!

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