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Soft Pretzels Recipe

Soft Pretzels Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

These homemade soft pretzels are a cozy and delicious treat featuring a golden crust and a chewy interior. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, they are perfect for satisfying snack cravings or serving at gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Baking Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the yeast in warm water with the sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make the Dough: Add the salt and melted butter to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  3. Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes to develop gluten and achieve the right texture.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Shape the Pretzels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope and form into pretzel shapes.
  7. Bake Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Gently lower each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Season and Bake: Sprinkle each pretzel with coarse sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is about 110°F (45°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Be gentle when lowering the pretzels into the baking soda water bath to maintain their shape.
  • For a richer flavor, brush pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to restore softness.
  • You can add toppings like cinnamon sugar or sesame seeds as a variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, snack recipe, baking, yeast dough, chewy pretzels

Find it online: https://maicook.com/soft-pretzels-recipe/