Homemade Soft Pretzels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade soft pretzels offer the perfect combination of crispy, salty, and chewy in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a bakery-quality snack at home. The dough comes together easily, and the baking soda bath gives the pretzels that iconic golden-brown crust. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce, these pretzels will quickly become a favorite snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 and 1/2 cups warm water
• 4 and 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 6 cups water
• 2 tbsp baking soda
• 1 egg
• Coarse salt (for topping)
• Everything but the bagel seasoning (for topping)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the brown sugar in warm water and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and add the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
• Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Shape the Pretzels:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope (about 18-24 inches).
• To shape the pretzels, form each rope into a “U” shape, then twist the ends over each other and press them into the bottom of the “U” to form the classic pretzel shape.
• Place each shaped pretzel on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:

• In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a boil.
• Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water, one at a time, and cook for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels and place them back on the baking sheet.

4. Egg Wash and Toppings:

• In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of each pretzel. This will give them a shiny, golden finish when baked.
• Sprinkle each pretzel with coarse salt or “everything but the bagel” seasoning, depending on your preference.

5. Bake the Pretzels:

• Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 soft pretzels. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, while the dough rises for 1 hour. Baking takes about 12-15 minutes, so in total, this recipe can be made in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Variations

• Cheese Topping: After baking, top your pretzels with freshly grated cheddar cheese for a cheesy version.
• Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: For a sweet twist, omit the salt and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the pretzels after baking.
• Stuffed Pretzels: Stuff the dough with cheese, chocolate, or other fillings before shaping for a fun variation.
• Vegan Option: For a vegan pretzel, replace the egg wash with a non-dairy milk wash, such as almond or soy milk.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the pretzels in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to get the exterior crisp again.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead. After the dough has risen, punch it down, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

2. Do I have to use a baking soda bath?

Yes, the baking soda bath is essential for getting the pretzels’ signature golden-brown crust. It also gives them a slightly chewy texture on the outside.

3. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour, though bread flour yields a slightly chewier pretzel. All-purpose flour will still produce a delicious result.

4. Can I make mini pretzels with this recipe?

Absolutely! To make mini pretzels, divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into smaller ropes. Reduce the baking time by a few minutes, depending on their size.

5. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen. Shape the pretzels, then freeze them before boiling them in the baking soda bath. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, boil them in the baking soda bath straight from the freezer and bake as usual.

6. How do I get the pretzels extra crispy?

To get an extra crispy crust, bake the pretzels a minute or two longer, but keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

7. Can I use salted butter instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use salted butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of salt in the dough if you use salted butter.

8. Can I add toppings before baking the pretzels?

It’s best to add toppings like coarse salt or “everything but the bagel” seasoning right after brushing the pretzels with the egg wash, just before baking. This ensures that the toppings stick.

9. Can I make these pretzels gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture may differ from traditional soft pretzels. A high-quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking is the best choice.

10. How do I prevent the pretzels from getting too hard?

Make sure not to overbake the pretzels, as this can result in a dry and hard texture. Remove them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown.

Conclusion

Homemade Soft Pretzels are a fun, satisfying snack that brings the flavor of a traditional pretzel right to your kitchen. With a golden, slightly crisp crust and a soft, chewy interior, these pretzels are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them plain with salt or experimenting with toppings like “everything but the bagel” seasoning, these pretzels will quickly become a favorite. Warm, soft, and flavorful, homemade soft pretzels are always a crowd-pleaser!

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