homemade soft pretzels recipe

homemade soft pretzels recipe

The Best homemade soft pretzels recipe

I’ve been making homemade soft pretzels for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family and friends. There’s something about the combination of a crispy crust and a soft, chewy center that just can’t be beat.

I think part of the reason I love this recipe so much is that it’s a great way to connect with my heritage. Soft pretzels are a traditional German snack, and my grandmother used to make them for me all the time when I was growing up.

She’d shape the dough into perfect little twists and let them rise on the kitchen counter before baking them to a golden brown perfection. To this day, whenever I smell the yeasty aroma of freshly baked pretzels wafting from the oven, I’m instantly transported back to those happy memories of childhood.

But beyond just being a nostalgic treat, homemade soft pretzels are also an incredibly versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dips and spreads. And because they’re relatively easy to make, you don’t have to be an experienced baker to whip up a batch.

Just mix together some flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, shape it into twists or braids, and let it rise in a warm place until it’s puffed up like a little pillow. Then bake them in the oven until they’re golden brown and serve them warm with your favorite toppings.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack to munch on while watching TV or a fun activity to do with the kids on a weekend afternoon, homemade soft pretzels are always a good idea.

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Homemade Soft Pretzels

4.9 from 1763 votes

Soft pretzels are a classic snack. They are perfect for game days, parties, or a fun weekend activity.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F-115°F)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
22 ounces all-purpose flour
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath

10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda

For the Topping

1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Pretzel salt or flaky sea salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine warm water, sugar, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer.
2Sprinkle yeast on top and allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam.
3Add the flour and melted butter to the bowl and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined.
4Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
5Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil.
6Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
7Preheat the oven to 450°F.
8Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil.
Set aside.
9Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.
10In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 12 equal pieces.
11Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope.
12Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel.
13Place onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan.
14Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 by 1, for 30 seconds.
15Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula.
16Return to the half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt.
17Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes.
18Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Large pot
Pastry brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 3g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add different seasonings to the egg wash for extra flavor, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or everything bagel seasoning.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Soft Pretzels Works

I love serving homemade soft pretzels at family gatherings because they’re so easy to grab and go – perfect for big groups where everyone needs something quick and satisfying.

Plus they’re great at any time of day whether you want something sweet or savory – just top them with whatever sounds good at the moment!

As an added bonus these treats store well in an air-tight container for up to three days which means you can enjoy leftovers without feeling guilty about wasting food.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Pretzels

Q: What type of flour should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a high-protein flour such as bread flour or all-purpose flour with a high protein content. This type of flour will give your pretzels a nice chewy texture and help them hold their shape.

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast in this recipe. However, keep in mind that active dry yeast will require longer rising times than instant yeast.

Q: How do I get my pretzels to rise properly?

To get your pretzels to rise properly, make sure you’re using warm water (around 100°F) and letting the dough rise in a warm place (such as your oven with the light on). Also, avoid overworking the dough or letting it rise for too long.

Q: Can I shape my pretzels into different shapes besides twists?

Yes, you can shape your pretzels into different shapes such as braids or knots. Just remember that whatever shape you choose will affect how they hold together once baked.

Q: How do I prevent my pretzels from becoming too dark?

To prevent your pretzels from becoming too dark, try reducing the baking temperature by 25°F (or 15°C) if you find that they’re browning too quickly.

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