Homemade Soft Pretzels

These homemade soft pretzels are warm, chewy, and perfect for sharing. With a unique baking method, they offer a delicious treat that can be customized with various toppings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 1 15

Servings: 12 pretzels

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pretzel Dough Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base structure for the pretzels, providing a soft and chewy texture.
2 teaspoons instant yeast Helps the dough rise quickly.
1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
1 tablespoon sugar Adds a subtle sweetness and feeds the yeast.
1.5 cups warm water Activates the yeast.
2 tablespoons neutral oil or olive oil Softens the dough and adds moisture.

Baking and Topping Ingredients

0.5 cup baking soda Creates a chewy crust during the alkaline bath.
10 cups hot water Used for dissolving baking soda.
Coarse to taste Kosher salt To be sprinkled on top.
2 tablespoons melted butter Adds richness and flavor.

Method

Preparation

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
Add the warm water and oil, then stir with a rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough briefly until it feels tacky.
Place the dough in a bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour.

Cooking

Preheat the oven to 425ºF.
Divide the dough into 12 pieces and roll each piece into a long log, twisting into pretzel shapes.
Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water.
Dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle with kosher salt and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Serving

Brush the baked pretzels with melted butter immediately and serve warm.

Notes

These soft pretzels are perfect for sharing, and you can try different toppings or dips. Experiment with coarse sea salt or cinnamon sugar for variety.