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Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 105 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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