There’s something magical about starting the year with a kitchen full of sweet aromas and a table set with meaningful treats. Every New Year’s Day, I make Chris Fennimore’s New Years pretzel recipe – it’s become as much a tradition in my home as watching the ball drop in Times Square! This isn’t just any sweet bread; that distinctive pretzel shape symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Chris Fennimore, our local baking guru, perfected this recipe over decades, balancing just the right sweetness with that satisfying, slightly chewy texture that makes this pretzel unforgettable.
What I love most is how this recipe turns simple pantry ingredients into something truly special. The warm milk activates the yeast beautifully, the butter creates richness without heaviness, and that golden egg wash glaze? Absolute perfection. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this pretzel brings everyone together with its comforting flavors and beautiful presentation. My kids now associate that first bite of buttery, sugar-crusted pretzel with fresh beginnings – and honestly, so do I.
Why You’ll Love This Chris Fennimore New Years Pretzel Recipe
Let me tell you why this pretzel recipe has become my go-to New Year’s tradition:
- It’s easier than you think – no fancy skills needed, just good old-fashioned kneading and shaping
- That gorgeous golden crust with its sugar sparkle makes everyone feel festive
- The pretzel shape isn’t just pretty – it’s packed with meaning for luck and prosperity
- Perfect for sharing – one big beautiful centerpiece that feeds a crowd
- Smells like celebration – the vanilla and butter aroma will have your whole house feeling like a holiday
Trust me, once you try Chris Fennimore’s version, you’ll understand why this pretzel deserves a spot at every New Year’s table!
Ingredients for Chris Fennimore New Years Pretzel Recipe
Gathering these simple ingredients is like collecting little promises of deliciousness to come. Here’s what you’ll need to make this lucky pretzel magic happen:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, not packed
- 1/2 cup sugar – granulated works great, but I sometimes use half brown sugar for extra depth
- 1 tsp salt – just enough to balance the sweetness
- 1 packet active dry yeast – about 2 1/4 teaspoons if you’re using bulk
- 1 cup warm milk – between 105-110°F (like baby bottle temperature)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – I leave mine out overnight, but 30 minutes at room temp works too
- 2 large eggs – room temperature helps them incorporate better
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – pure vanilla makes all the difference
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water – for that gorgeous golden glaze
- Sliced almonds & coarse sugar – optional, but oh-so-pretty on top
See? Nothing too fancy – just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Now let’s get mixing!
How to Make Chris Fennimore New Years Pretzel Recipe
Okay, let’s dive into the fun part! Making this pretzel is easier than you might think, but there are a few key steps that make all the difference. Follow along and you’ll have a gorgeous golden pretzel ready to wow your guests.
Preparing the Dough
First, let’s wake up that yeast – dissolve it in your warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy. While that’s happening, whisk together your flour, sugar, and salt in a big bowl. Now comes the messy-but-fun part!
Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla to your dry ingredients. Dig in with your hands (or use a stand mixer with the dough hook) and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back slowly when you poke it. If it sticks to your fingers, add just a tablespoon more flour at a time.
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. I like to put mine near the oven while it’s preheating. The dough should double in size – this is when you’ll start smelling that wonderful yeasty aroma!
Shaping and Baking the Pretzel
Now for the artistic part! Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into one long rope about 3 feet long – don’t worry about perfection here. Form it into a pretzel shape by making a U, then crossing the ends over each other twice before bringing them down to meet the bottom curve.
Transfer your shaped pretzel to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Right before baking, whisk together your egg yolk and water, then brush it generously over the pretzel. This gives it that beautiful golden shine! Sprinkle with sliced almonds and coarse sugar if you’re feeling fancy.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The hardest part? Waiting for it to cool enough to slice!
Tips for the Perfect Chris Fennimore New Years Pretzel
After making this pretzel more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll guarantee success:
- Find your dough’s happy place – if your kitchen’s chilly, let it rise in the oven with just the light on (heat off!) for perfect puffiness
- Go heavy on the glaze – that egg wash isn’t just for looks; it creates the most amazing crisp crust
- Play with toppings – swap almonds for pecans or skip nuts entirely for a pure sugar sparkle
- Slice it warm – I know it’s tempting, but waiting 15 minutes prevents crumbly chaos
- Revive leftovers – 10 seconds in the microwave brings back that fresh-baked magic
Remember – even lopsided pretzels taste amazing, so don’t stress about perfection!
Ingredient Substitutions and Notes
Life happens, and sometimes you need to tweak ingredients – here’s how to adapt without losing that Chris Fennimore magic:
- No almonds? Try chopped pecans or skip nuts entirely – the pretzel will still shine
- Dairy-free? Swap milk for almond milk and use vegan butter – the texture changes slightly but still delicious
- Egg wash alternative – melted butter gives decent browning if you’re out of eggs
- Critical notes: Don’t skimp on yeast freshness (check expiration dates!) and always use real butter for best flavor
- Flour tip: Bread flour works too for extra chew, but all-purpose is Chris’s original choice
The pretzel police won’t come after you – adapt as needed and enjoy!
Serving and Storing Chris Fennimore New Years Pretzel
Oh, that first warm slice fresh from the oven – pure bliss! I always serve this pretzel within a couple hours of baking when it’s at its absolute best. Just tear off chunks or slice it thick like coffee cake. If it cools completely, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that just-baked warmth.
Store any leftovers (ha!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The sugar crust softens, but the flavor stays wonderful. For longer keeping, wrap slices tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month – toast straight from frozen for a lucky New Year’s treat anytime!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per slice (based on 12 servings per pretzel): about 180 calories, 6g fat, 28g carbs, and 4g protein. But let’s be real – this is celebration food! The actual numbers will vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients and how generous you are with those almond and sugar toppings. As Chris always says, “Some things are worth savoring, not counting!”
FAQs About Chris Fennimore New Years Pretzel Recipe
Q1. Can I freeze the dough for later?
Absolutely! After the first rise, shape the dough into pretzel form, then freeze it on a baking sheet before wrapping tightly in plastic. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let it rise again at room temp for about an hour, then bake as usual. Chris Fennimore actually recommends this method for holiday prep!
Q2. My pretzel shape didn’t hold – what went wrong?
Don’t worry! This happens if the dough rope was too short or the twists weren’t tight enough. Next time, aim for a 3-foot rope and really press those crossed ends into the bottom curve. But hey – even “abstract” pretzels taste amazing!
Q3. Can I make smaller individual pretzels?
You bet! Divide the dough into 12 pieces for adorable mini New Years pretzels. Just reduce baking time to 15-20 minutes. These make perfect party favors or gifts wrapped in cellophane with a lucky charm tag.
Q4. Why didn’t my glaze turn shiny?
The egg wash needs to be applied right before baking – if it sits too long, it absorbs into the dough. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated for that perfect golden glow Chris Fennimore’s recipe is known for!
Q5. Can I use instant yeast instead?
Yes! Skip the dissolving step and mix instant yeast right in with the dry ingredients. You might need slightly less rising time – just watch for that doubled size rather than sticking strictly to the clock.
Share Your Experience
Did your New Year’s pretzel turn out golden and glorious? I’d love to hear about it! Snap a photo, leave a comment, or tag me on social media – let’s celebrate your baking success together. Nothing makes me happier than seeing this tradition spread to more kitchens!
Print
Chris Fennimore’s Lucky New Year Pretzel Recipe You’ll Love
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 large pretzel 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A traditional New Year’s pretzel recipe by Chris Fennimore, perfect for celebrating the holiday with a sweet and symbolic treat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp water (for glaze)
- Sliced almonds (optional)
- Coarse sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add yeast mixture, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Knead until smooth.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Shape dough into a pretzel form on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix egg yolk and water, brush over pretzel.
- Sprinkle with almonds and coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Let dough rise in a warm place for best results.
- Adjust sugar topping to taste.
- Store cooled pretzel in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: New Year's pretzel, Chris Fennimore, sweet pretzel, holiday baking