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St. Patrick’s Lucky Clover Pretzels

lucky clover pretzels - featured image

These festive green pretzels are soft, fluffy, and shaped like lucky clovers—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day parties, classroom treats, or a whimsical snack. Easy to make with pantry staples and a pop of green food coloring, they’re a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet/7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm milk (about 110°F; any kind, dairy or non-dairy)
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing after baking)
  • Green food coloring (gel-based preferred, about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon as desired)
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) water
  • 1/3 cup (80g) baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for topping)
  • Melted butter (for brushing, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in melted butter and green food coloring until desired shade is reached. Add flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or knead with a stand mixer and dough hook for 6 minutes.)
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 30-40 minutes.
  5. Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 16-inch rope. Shape each into a clover by forming a pretzel shape and pinching the loops for leaves and a stem.
  6. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in baking soda slowly. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  7. Using a slotted spatula, dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove, shake off excess water, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
  8. Bake at 425°F for 12-14 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden.
  9. Immediately brush warm pretzels with melted butter. Cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best color, use gel food coloring. If making ahead, shape and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 baking blend. For dairy-free, use non-dairy milk and vegan butter. Chill shaped pretzels for 10 minutes before baking if they spread too much. Brush with butter while warm for extra softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: St. Patrick's Day, pretzels, green snack, festive, party food, easy baking, kid-friendly, holiday treat, clover pretzels