Homemade Soft Pretzels

Soft pretzels are a delicious and comforting snack that everyone can enjoy. These homemade pretzels are golden on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and perfect for pairing with your favorite dipping sauces. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply for a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade soft pretzel recipe is simple, fun to make, and results in soft, chewy pretzels with a rich, buttery flavor. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, such as salt, cinnamon sugar, or garlic butter, making them perfect for any occasion. Plus, making pretzels at home means you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven, with that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling water)
• Coarse sea salt, for topping

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, then stir until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda.
7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 18 inches long, then shape it into a pretzel by forming a “U” shape, crossing the ends over each other, and folding them down to form the classic pretzel shape.
8. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Sprinkle each pretzel with coarse sea salt and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 pretzels
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Rest time: 1 hour
• Cook time: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: After baking, brush the pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Pretzels: Toss the baked pretzels with garlic butter and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
• Pretzel Bites: Roll the dough into small bite-sized pieces instead of full-size pretzels for easy snacking.
• Cheese-stuffed Pretzels: Stuff the dough with a piece of cheddar or mozzarella cheese before shaping it into pretzels.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to stay fresher longer, you can also wrap them in foil and refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the pretzels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

How do I make the pretzels extra soft?

The key to a soft pretzel is allowing the dough to rise properly and boiling them in a baking soda solution before baking. This process gives the pretzels their signature texture.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze pretzel dough! After it rises, divide it into portions, shape into pretzels, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, let them thaw and boil them as usual before baking.

Do I need to use active dry yeast or can I use instant yeast?

You can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast. If using instant yeast, you can skip the step of dissolving it in warm water, as it can be added directly to the flour mixture.

Can I make these pretzels without boiling them?

Boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution before baking is what gives them their classic chewy texture. Skipping this step will result in a different texture, so it’s recommended to boil them for the best results.

Can I make these pretzels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pretzels up to the point of boiling and then refrigerate the shaped pretzels. When ready to bake, simply boil and bake them as directed.

Can I use whole wheat flour for these pretzels?

You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version, though it may affect the texture and flavor.

How do I make pretzels without butter?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Can I add toppings to the pretzels before baking?

Yes, you can add coarse sea salt or other seasonings before baking. However, toppings like cinnamon sugar or garlic butter are best added after baking.

Why did my pretzels turn out hard?

If your pretzels are too hard, it’s likely they were overbaked or the dough wasn’t kneaded enough. Be sure to keep an eye on them in the oven and check for that perfect golden-brown color.

Can I use a bread machine to make pretzel dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough. Simply add the ingredients as directed for your machine and let it run the dough cycle.

Conclusion

Homemade soft pretzels are an absolute treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in, these pretzels are sure to be a hit. With a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have warm, fresh pretzels in no time. Enjoy them with your favorite dip or just on their own for a satisfying snack!

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