If you’ve ever wanted to wrap your senses in the delicious comfort of freshly baked pretzels, now’s your chance! These homemade soft pretzels are as delightful to eat as they are satisfying to make. With a golden-brown crust and a soft, chewy interior, they’re perfect for a cozy snack or a shared treat with family and friends.
Ingredients
- Warm water โ 360 ml (1.5 cups)
- Sugar โ 1 tablespoon
- Rapid or instant yeast โ 1 package
- Butter, melted โ 28 g (2 tablespoons)
- All-purpose flour โ 480 g (4 cups)
- Salt โ 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda โ 2/3 cup
- Egg โ 1, for egg wash (optional)
- Coarse salt โ to taste
Steps to Pretzel Perfection
- Activate the Yeast
Pour 360 ml of warm water into your mixing bowl. Add the sugar and yeast, mix, and let it sit until foamy. - Prepare the Flour
Melt the butter and set aside. Mix 480 g of flour with salt in a separate bowl. - Make the Dough
Add part of the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix into a smooth paste. - Form the Dough
Add remaining flour gradually while mixing with a dough hook on medium speed until cohesive. - Knead the Dough
Knead on a floured surface until smooth and stretchy, passing the windowpane test. - Let It Rise
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. - Shape the Pretzels
Preheat oven to 230ยฐC (450ยฐF). Boil water and baking soda together. Divide dough, roll into ropes, and shape into pretzels. - Boil and Prepare
Boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for 30 seconds. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. - Bake
Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 12 minutes until golden brown.
Once out of the oven, these soft pretzels will beckon with their warm, buttery aroma and their delightful salty crunch. Enjoy these as a standalone snack or with mustard, cheese, or your favorite dip. Happy baking!
