Irresistible Soft Pretzel Recipe – Fun Homemade Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction
Soft pretzels are a classic comfort food that’s perfect for snacking or sharing with family and friends. This homemade recipe yields warm, golden pretzels with a tender inside and a slightly crisp crust. With a simple boil and bake method, you’ll enjoy delicious, bakery-quality pretzels right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (3g) instant yeast
- 1 tbsp (15g) sugar
- ¼ tsp (2g) salt
- 150ml (⅔ cup) warm water
- 15g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 500ml (2 cups) water
- 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional toppings: coarse sugar, cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and softened butter, stirring to form a sticky dough. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 2: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for 45 to 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Step 3: Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 14 to 16 inches long, then shape each rope into a classic pretzel form.
- Step 4: Bring 2 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Step 5: Brush each pretzel with melted butter and add your choice of toppings such as coarse sugar, cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, or cheese.
- Step 6: Bake the pretzels in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Optionally, brush with more melted butter right after baking for extra richness.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour to create a chewier texture.
- Experiment with toppings like everything bagel seasoning or shredded cheddar cheese before baking.
- If you prefer softer pretzels, brush them generously with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Use cold water instead of warm when boiling if you want a slightly different crust texture.
Storage
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. For longer storage, freeze pretzels in a sealed bag for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
What is the purpose of boiling pretzels in baking soda water?
Boiling pretzels in baking soda water creates the characteristic chewy crust and gives them their traditional deep golden color when baked.
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Irresistible Soft Pretzel Recipe – Fun Homemade Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This irresistible soft pretzel recipe offers a fun and comforting homemade treat that yields perfectly soft, golden-brown pretzels with a slightly chewy texture. Perfect for snack time or a cozy gathering, these pretzels are made from a simple dough enriched with butter, boiled briefly in a baking soda bath to develop their signature crust, and baked to perfection with optional toppings like coarse sugar, cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, or cheese.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (3g) instant yeast
- 1 tbsp (15g) sugar
- ¼ tsp (2g) salt
- 150ml (⅔ cup) warm water
- 15g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
For Boiling
- 500ml (2 cups) water
- 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
For Finishing
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional toppings: coarse sugar, cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, cheese
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and softened butter, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 45 to 60 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into six equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope approximately 14 to 16 inches long, then twist into the classic pretzel shape.
- Boil the Pretzels: Bring 2 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake: Brush each pretzel with melted butter and sprinkle with your choice of toppings such as coarse sugar, cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, or cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown. Optionally, brush with more melted butter immediately after baking for extra flavor and shine.
Notes
- Boiling pretzels in a baking soda bath is essential to develop the characteristic chewy crust and deep brown color.
- You can customize toppings according to your preference to create sweet or savory pretzels.
- If the dough is too sticky during kneading, lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour to manage.
- Ensure the water used for the baking soda bath is at a rolling boil for best results.
- Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container; reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, baking soda bath, snack recipe, comfort food
