There’s something truly comforting about making bread from scratch, especially when it involves twisting soft dough into that familiar pretzel shape. I remember the first time I made these soft homemade pretzels—it was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I wanted to create something warm and comforting to share with my family.
The smell of freshly baked pretzels filled the house, making everyone gather around the kitchen, eagerly waiting for the first bite. These pretzels are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying to make!
If you’re looking for a fun baking project or just want to enjoy some warm, buttery pretzels, this recipe is perfect for you. This soft pretzel recipe is easy to follow and requires just a few basic ingredients. You can customize the toppings to your liking, whether you prefer classic salted pretzels or something more adventurous like cinnamon sugar. And if you’re in the mood for more sweet treats, I recommend trying out this simple toffee crisp recipe for a delicious dessert option.
Ingredients for Soft Pretzels
- 360ml warm water
- 7g dry instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 480g flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For Boiling:
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- Lots of water
For Brushing:
- 1 egg (for brushing before baking)
- Melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Soft Pretzels
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by adding the warm water, sugar, and yeast to a mixer bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step activates the yeast, ensuring your pretzels will rise nicely.
2. Knead the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough using a mixer until it reaches the “windowpane” stage—this means you can stretch a small piece of dough without it tearing easily. The dough will be a bit sticky and soft, but it should still be manageable. If it’s too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover it with a cloth. Let it rest in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This usually takes about 1 hour, depending on the room temperature.
4. Shape the Pretzels
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope and then shape it into a pretzel. This is the fun part—don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
5. Boil the Pretzels
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds. This step is what gives pretzels their characteristic chewy crust and deep brown color. After boiling, drain them well and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake to Perfection
Brush each pretzel with egg wash to give them a nice golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown. If you want an extra touch of flavor, brush them with melted butter right after they come out of the oven.
FAQs About Homemade Pretzels
Why Do I Boil Pretzels in Baking Soda?
Boiling pretzels in a baking soda solution before baking is what gives them that distinctive chewy texture and shiny brown crust. The alkaline solution from the baking soda also helps with browning during baking.
Can I Freeze the Pretzel Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after shaping the pretzels but before boiling. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw, boil, and bake as usual.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pretzels?
Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
Creative Twists to Try with Your Pretzels
- Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels: Add a small piece of cheese inside each pretzel for a gooey surprise.
- Sweet Pretzels: Sprinkle the pretzels with cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter for a sweet treat.
- Everything Pretzels: Top the pretzels with an “everything bagel” seasoning before baking for a savory twist.
These soft homemade pretzels are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a joy to make. Whether you’re enjoying them plain, with a cheesy dip, or with your favorite mustard, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy baking!
Soft Pretzels Recipe
Ingredients
- 360 ml warm water
- 7 gr dry instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 480 gr flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For Boiling:
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- Lots of water
- 1 egg for brushing before baking
- Melted butter for brushing after baking
Instructions
- Add warm water, sugar and yeast in the mixer bowl . Let it sit until foamy for 5 mins.
- Add in flour, salt and butter . Knead using mixer until window pane stage. The dough will be a bit sticky and soft but still manageable but If the dough too sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at the time.
- Let it rest in oiled bowl until double the size.
- Preheat oven to 220c . Divide dough into 8 equal parts and roll into pretzels .
- Bring water in a pot to boil, add baking soda and boil the pretzels for 30 seconds. Drain it well and place it in baking tray.
- Brush with egg wash .
- Bake for 12 mins . Brush with melted butter after it comes out of the oven if you want.
Notes
- Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the size of the pretzels and specific ingredients used.
- Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for a richer flavor and softer texture.
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