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Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

These easy homemade soft pretzels are a perfect snack or appetizer, featuring a chewy texture and a golden, slightly crispy crust. Made from simple ingredients, the dough is boiled in baking soda water before baking, giving the pretzels their distinctive crust and flavor. This recipe is ideal for beginners looking to enjoy fresh, warm pretzels straight from the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (optional, for dough seasoning)

Boiling Solution

  • ¾ cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water (for boiling)

Topping

  • Coarse salt (for sprinkling on pretzels)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
  2. Make the Dough: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt into the yeast mixture until a dough forms. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands for mixing.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic, which ensures good gluten development.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  5. Shape the Pretzels: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch long rope, then twist into the classic pretzel shape.
  6. Prepare Boiling Solution: In a large pot, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil and add the ¾ cup baking soda. The solution will foam a bit, which is normal.
  7. Boil Pretzels: Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. This step helps create the pretzel’s signature chewy crust.
  8. Prepare for Baking: Remove the boiled pretzels with a slotted spoon and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle each pretzel generously with coarse salt.
  9. Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
  10. Cool and Serve: Let the pretzels cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving to enjoy their perfect soft and chewy texture.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, brush the pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking.
  • You can experiment by adding toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or cinnamon sugar instead of coarse salt.
  • Make sure your water is warm (around 110°F/43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Do not skip the baking soda boil as it creates the signature pretzel crust.
  • Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, snack recipe, easy pretzels, baking pretzels

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/easy-homemade-soft-pretzels-recipe/