Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe
Introduction
Soft pretzels are a deliciously warm and chewy treat that you can easily make at home. This recipe offers a simple way to enjoy freshly baked pretzels with minimal ingredients and fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add the melted butter and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
- Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and bring a large pot of water with the baking soda to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a long rope. Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, crossing the ends over each other, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
- Step 5: Boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for 30 seconds, then remove carefully and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 6: Optionally, sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt before baking.
- Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, brush pretzels with melted butter right after baking and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning like cinnamon sugar or garlic salt.
- You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
- If you prefer softer pretzels, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel while still warm.
Storage
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness and crisp crust.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze homemade soft pretzels?
Yes, pretzels freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best results.
Why do I boil pretzels in baking soda water?
Boiling in baking soda water gives pretzels their trademark chewy crust and distinctive flavor by creating a Maillard reaction during baking.
PrintEasy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe
Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels are a deliciously chewy, golden-baked treat made from a simple dough of flour, yeast, baking soda, salt, and butter. These pretzels feature a brief boiling step that creates the signature soft crust and chewy interior, perfect as a snack or party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 soft pretzels 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
Boiling Solution
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water along with sugar, and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the melted butter, salt, and gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape pretzels: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 20-24 inches long, then shape into the classic pretzel form by forming a U shape, crossing the ends twice, and pressing them onto the bottom of the U.
- Boil pretzels: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spatula and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the pretzels: Optionally, brush the boiled pretzels with an egg wash for a shiny finish, then bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Boiling the pretzels in baking soda solution is essential for the traditional soft crust and distinctive flavor.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle coarse salt on pretzels before baking.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure water is warm but not hot for activating yeast properly.
- These pretzels are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, easy pretzels recipe, baking pretzels, snack recipe
