Description
Perfectly soft, chewy, and golden homemade soft pretzels made with simple ingredients and easy techniques, delivering authentic bakery-style quality for a delightful snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
Baking Soda Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Topping
- Coarse kosher salt, for sprinkling (or pretzel salt)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Mix warm water and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is activated and ready.
- Prepare the Dough: Add flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic to develop gluten for chewiness.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size, to develop flavor and texture.
- Shape Your Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide into equal portions. Roll each into a long rope and twist into the classic pretzel shape, adding a playful, hands-on touch.
- Baking Soda Bath: Bring water and baking soda to a simmer in a large pot. Carefully dip each pretzel for 30 seconds to thicken the crust and develop the signature deep brown color.
- Add Salt and Bake: Place dipped pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse kosher salt generously. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Keep water around 110°F (43°C) for activating yeast to avoid killing it.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, ensuring a chewy pretzel.
- Do not skip the baking soda bath, it is key for authentic crust and flavor.
- Use coarse salt like kosher or pretzel salt for optimal flavor without overpowering.
- Shape pretzels gently and with care for best appearance and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg