Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Introduction

Soft pretzels are a beloved snack with a delightful chewy texture and a salty crust. Making them at home is easier than you might think, and this recipe guides you through creating warm, golden pretzels from scratch.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 tablespoon salt (plus extra for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Step 2: Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a long rope. Shape each rope into a pretzel knot.
3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle each pretzel with a little salt, then bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, brush pretzels with melted butter right after baking.
• Try adding cinnamon sugar instead of salt for a sweet version.
• Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used. You can add it directly to the flour without dissolving it in water. The rising time may be shorter.

Why do I need to boil pretzels in baking soda water?

Boiling in baking soda water gives pretzels their characteristic chewy crust and deep golden color by altering the surface before baking.

Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

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Learn how to make Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels with a simple recipe that combines a yeast dough, a quick baking soda boil, and oven baking to achieve that classic soft, chewy texture and golden crust.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 medium soft pretzels 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1 tsp salt

Boiling Solution

• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda

Topping

• Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour and salt, and mix to form a dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Let dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape pretzels: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 20-24 inches long, then shape into a classic pretzel shape by forming a U, crossing the ends over twice, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
4. Prepare baking soda bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
5. Boil pretzels: Using a slotted spatula, carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Apply salt and bake: Sprinkle coarse salt over the boiled pretzels. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cool and serve: Remove pretzels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

• Ensure the water for yeast activation is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Use coarse salt for an authentic pretzel finish; table salt will dissolve quickly.
• For softer pretzels, brush melted butter on them immediately after baking.
• You can add flavor variations such as cinnamon sugar coating or cheese topping.
• Boiling in the baking soda bath is key to achieving that signature pretzel crust and flavor.

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