soft pretzel dough recipe

The Best soft pretzel dough recipe

I’ve been making soft pretzels for my family for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. The combination of the warm, buttery dough and the perfect balance of salt and sweetness is a winning formula that has become a staple in our household. I love how easy it is to make these soft pretzels, and how versatile they are – whether I’m serving them as a snack for a quick pick-me-up or as part of a meal for a family gathering, they’re always a hit.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – by using whole wheat flour and a touch of salt, I can feel good about serving these to my kids without worrying about the impact on their health. Plus, the process of making them is so much fun – there’s something special about shaping and twisting each individual pretzel that makes it feel like a little piece of magic. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites – they can’t get enough of the soft, chewy texture and the way the salt sprinkles make them happy.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a fun project to do with your kids, this soft pretzel dough recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household too. I’ve tried many different recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to – it’s just that good! And did I mention how easy it is?

Just mix together some flour, water, yeast, salt, and sugar, let it rise, shape into pretzels, and bake until golden brown. It’s really not much more complicated than that. One thing I will say is that you need to be patient with the rising process – don’t rush it!

But trust me when I say it’s worth the wait. Once you take your first bite of these soft pretzels, you’ll be hooked – they’re truly irresistible. Soft pretzels are one of those foods that evoke memories of time spent with loved ones – whether it’s a trip to the ballpark or a cozy afternoon at home with family and friends.

They’re also one of those rare foods that tastes just as good when you’re eating them straight from the oven as they do when they’re all cooled down and ready to be devoured at room temperature. There’s something special about biting into one of these warm pretzels fresh out of the oven – it’s like being transported back to a simpler time when life was less complicated and all we had to worry about was what delicious treat we’d enjoy next.

Soft Pretzel Dough Recipe

4.8 from 853 votes

This soft pretzel dough recipe is perfect for making homemade soft pretzels. The dough is easy to make and results in a soft, chewy texture.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F-115°F
2 tbsp brown sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath

10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and brown sugar.
2Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3Add the flour, salt, and melted butter.
4Mix until a dough forms.
5Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
8Roll each piece into a long rope about 18 inches long.
9Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape and crossing the ends over each other, pressing them into the bottom of the U.
10Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
11In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda.
12Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 2-3 at a time, for 30 seconds each.
13Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
14Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until they are golden brown and have a glossy sheen.
15Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large pot
Slotted spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can also add toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt before baking.

One thing that’s always impressed me about this recipe is how well it stores – simply place any leftover soft pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze them for up to three months for later use.

When reheating leftover soft pretzels in the oven or microwave be sure not only reheat but also brush them lightly with melted butter before returning them to their original shape as soon as possible after thawing so they retain their signature texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Pretzel Dough

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

A: For this recipe, I recommend using bread flour with a high protein content – this will give your soft pretzels their signature chewiness.

Q: Can I make these soft pretzels ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can definitely make these soft pretzels ahead of time – simply shape them into balls after mixing up the dough, let them rise until doubled in size (about an hour), then punch down and shape into long ropes before cutting into individual pieces.

Q: How do I know if my yeast is active?

A: To check if your yeast is active, mix 1/2 teaspoon yeast with 1/2 cup warm water (around 100°F) in a clean glass or bowl.

Q: What kind of toppings do you recommend for these soft pretzels?

A: For toppings, I like to keep things simple with just melted butter and coarse salt sprinkled on top – but feel free to get creative with sesame seeds, poppy seeds or even chopped herbs!

Q: Can I make these soft pretzels vegan?

A: Yes! To make these soft pretzels vegan-friendly substitute out the butter with vegan butter or margarine.

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