Description
These soft pretzels are golden, chewy, and irresistibly warm! Perfect for snacking or sharing with friends, they’re made with simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method. Serve them with cheese dip, mustard, or enjoy them plain for a classic treat
Ingredients
- For the Pretzels:
- Warm water (1 ½ cups, 110°F): Activates the yeast for the dough.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet, 2 ¼ tsp): The leavening agent that makes the dough rise.
- Salt (1 tsp): Adds flavor to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1 tbsp): Helps activate the yeast and adds sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): Forms the base of the dough.
- Baking soda (2/3 cup, for boiling): Used in the boiling water to give the pretzels their golden, chewy exterior.
- Egg yolk (1 large) + water (1 tbsp, for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden finish on the pretzels.
- Coarse salt: For topping the pretzels before baking.
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: Add salt and sugar to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the pretzels: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and twist into a pretzel shape.
- Boil the pretzels: In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda. Gently dip each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Egg wash & salt: Brush each pretzel with the egg wash (egg yolk mixed with water). Sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cheese dip or mustard.
- To store, wrap the pretzels in foil and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.
- For a sweeter twist, brush the baked pretzels with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: ~210
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~450mg
- Fat: ~3g
- Saturated Fat: ~1g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~25mg