Honey Butter Soft Pretzel Candy Canes.

Soft pretzel dough shaped into festive candy cane twists, boiled, baked until golden, and brushed with sweet honey butter. These soft, salty-sweet rolls are perfect for holiday tables or cozy weekend brunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the rich flavor of buttery pretzels with the sweetness of honey glaze

• Fun and festive shape that’s perfect for holiday gatherings

• Ready in under two hours with minimal fuss

• Can be made ahead and frozen for easy serving

• Great for both dinner and breakfast

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 stick salted butter, at room temperature or melted

• 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for brushing)

• ¼ cup baking soda (for boiling water)

• Pretzel salt, for sprinkling

Honey Butter:

• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted

• 3 tablespoons honey

Directions

1. In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water, honey, and butter. Mix with dough hook or knead by hand until dough is smooth (about 4–5 minutes). Add more flour if dough is sticky. Cover and rest for 15 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

3. Divide dough in half, then each half into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 8–12 inches long. Twist two ropes together and shape into a candy cane. Place on prepared sheets and let rise for 15 minutes.

4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add baking soda. Boil 2 rolls at a time for 3 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and return to baking sheet. Reshape if needed.

5. Brush each roll with egg wash and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake 22–25 minutes until golden brown.

6. Mix melted butter and honey. Brush rolls with honey butter and bake for 1–2 more minutes. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 rolls

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Rising time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Shape into knots or classic pretzels instead of candy canes

• Add cinnamon and sugar instead of pretzel salt for a sweet version

• Mix in herbs or cheese to the dough for added flavor

• Use browned butter for a deeper, nuttier glaze

• Try whole wheat flour for a healthier twist

Storage / Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months

• Reheating: Thaw if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Brush with extra butter if desired

FAQs

What does boiling the dough do?

Boiling the dough in baking soda water gives the rolls their signature chewy crust and pretzel flavor.

Is boiling for 3 minutes too long?

Some find 3 minutes makes the rolls overly chewy. Boiling for 30–60 seconds is a softer alternative.

Can I skip the candy cane shape?

Yes, you can shape the dough into knots, rolls, or traditional pretzel forms.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead the dough by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth.

Can I use active dry yeast instead?

Yes. Dissolve it in warm water with honey and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before adding flour.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, bake first, then cool and freeze. Reheat before serving.

Is the honey butter necessary?

It adds sweetness and shine but can be omitted if preferred.

How far ahead can I prep these?

Make through boiling, then refrigerate and bake later the same day.

What should I serve them with?

Great with holiday roasts, soups, or on a brunch table with butter and jam.

Can I make them sweet instead of salty?

Yes! Skip the salt topping and brush with butter and cinnamon sugar after baking.

Conclusion

These Honey Butter Soft Pretzel Candy Canes combine festive fun with warm, salty-sweet comfort. Whether you’re serving them for a special dinner or breakfast the next day, they bring a unique twist to traditional rolls. Simple to make, beautiful to serve, and delightful to eat—they’re bound to become a holiday favorite.