So much better than what you get at the mall, these soft and tender pretzels, finished with butter and coarse salt, are total comfort food.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a giant pretzel, and these Homemade Baked Soft Pretzels are almost as fun to make as they are to eat!
Yes, they take a little bit of extra effort, and require a few more steps than a typical bread recipe. But that’s a good thing–otherwise I’d be making them and eating them every day.
Sure, you could drive to the local mall and buy a big soft pretzel, but the whole pretzel making process is so interesting and fun. And of course, the finished product is well worth the effort.
These pretzels are soft, chewy, buttery and salty, just like a good pretzel should be. And you can customize them with different seasonings, or cinnamon sugar, depending on your mood.
And let’s not even get started on all the amazing things you can dip these pretzels in!
The trickiest step in making authentic pretzels is the boiling process, which happens after the dough has risen, but before you bake the shaped pretzels.
Whatever you do, do not skip this step! It’s what gives the pretzels that shiny, chewy outer crust. Without the boiling, you’ll just end up with pretzel shaped bread.
Which would probably still be satisfying and delicious, it just wouldn’t have that true pretzel texture and flavor.
Your pretzels might unravel a bit during the boiling process, but don’t worry too much about your pretzels being perfectly shaped. Just tie them back together the best you can. They’ll still be delicious!
These Homemade Baked Soft Pretzels are loved by kids and adults alike, and baking and eating them together might even become a fun family tradition. Enjoy!
Be sure to save this recipe for Homemade Baked Soft Pretzels to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Homemade Baked Soft Pretzels
- Instant yeast
- Sugar
- Butter
- Bread flour
- Salt (fine and coarse)
- Baking soda
- Eggs
Homemade Baked Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For boiling
- 2 quarts water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For finishing
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- Coarse salt to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- I๏ปฟn the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, instant yeast, sugar and melted butter. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- A๏ปฟdd the salt and 3 cups of the flour. Mix on low until the dough is shaggy.
- U๏ปฟsing the dough hook, knead the dough until it is smooth, elastic and clears the sides of the bowl, 6-8 minutes. Add up to 1/2 cup more flour, one tablespoon at a time, as needed.
- T๏ปฟurn the dough onto a floured work surface and knead a few times by hand. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until dough is doubled in size, about one hour.
- P๏ปฟreheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- D๏ปฟivide the dough into 6 portions. Roll and stretch each piece of dough into a rope, about 24 inches long. You may need to let the dough rest occasionally during this process. Twist each rope into a pretzel shape, and lay the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet.
- I๏ปฟn a large pot, combine the ingredients for the boiling solution. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low boil. Gently lower one pretzel into the solution and cook for 20 seconds. Remove the pretzel with a slotted spatula and drain before placing it back on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pretzels.
- I๏ปฟn a small cup, stir together the beaten egg and water. Brush each pretzel with the egg mixture. Sprinkle with coarse salt, to taste.
- B๏ปฟake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Cool for 2-3 minutes before brushing lightly with melted butter.
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Nutrition
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Who Dished It Up First: Adapted from Midwest Made
1 comment
Laurendap
These look awesome! Iโll try them this weekend!