Save to Pinterest There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked soft pretzels wafting from the oven. This recipe guides you through creating those iconic, chewy, and perfectly salted treats right in your own kitchen. Prepare to be rewarded with golden-brown knots of doughy perfection, ready for a generous dunk in your favorite mustard.
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The magic begins with a simple dough, which rises to become light and pliable. Rolling and twisting the ropes into the classic pretzel shape is a fun, hands-on part of the process. The crucial step is a quick bath in boiling baking soda water, which ensures that signature crust and color before they are baked to perfection.
Ingredients
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- Dough
- 4 cups (500 g) bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet/7 g) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp (13 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp (10 g) kosher salt
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
- Baking Soda Bath
- 10 cups (2.4 L) water
- ⅔ cup (90 g) baking soda
- Topping
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Coarse pretzel salt (or kosher salt), to sprinkle
- For Serving
- Yellow or spicy brown mustard
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2
- Add melted butter and salt. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 6
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil.
- Step 7
- Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20–22-inch (50–55 cm) rope. Shape into large pretzels by forming a U, twisting the ends twice, and folding over to form the classic shape.
- Step 8
- One by one, carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spatula and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Step 9
- Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
- Step 10
- Bake 12–15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
- Step 11
- Cool slightly on a wire rack and serve warm with mustard.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
The baking soda bath is the secret to a genuine pretzel crust. Be careful not to leave the pretzels in the boiling water for longer than 30 seconds, as this ensures the perfect color and flavor without any metallic aftertaste. A slotted spatula is essential for safely transferring them from the pot to the baking sheet.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For a sweet twist, you can omit the salt topping. Instead, brush the warm baked pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle them generously with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. For other savory options, try topping the pretzels with sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking.
Serviervorschläge
These soft pretzels are traditionally served warm with a side of yellow or spicy brown mustard for dipping. For a richer experience, they also pair wonderfully with a warm cheese sauce or a sweet and tangy honey mustard dip.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy the satisfying process of making these classic snacks from scratch. Whether for a game day, a party, or a simple afternoon treat, these warm, homemade soft pretzels are sure to be a huge hit.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes pretzels soft and chewy?
The combination of proper dough hydration, kneading, and baking soda bath creates a tender crust with a chewy interior.
- → Why use a baking soda bath before baking?
Dipping shaped dough into a boiling baking soda bath raises the pH, which helps develop the classic pretzel crust and deep color.
- → Can I add different toppings besides coarse salt?
Yes, try cinnamon sugar for sweetness or sesame and poppy seeds for added texture and flavor variations.
- → How long should the dough rise for best results?
Letting the dough rise for about an hour until doubled ensures a light and airy texture inside.
- → What is the ideal oven temperature for baking pretzels?
Baking at around 450°F (230°C) helps achieve a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside soft.
