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
Scale
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
