Homemade Soft Pretzels

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (60g) baking soda 1/4 cup (60g) baking soda
• Coarse salt, for sprinkling Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda.
8. 8.
   Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape it into a pretzel.
9. 9.
   Carefully place the pretzels, one at a time, into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
10. 10.
    Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
11. 11.
    Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yeast — Make sure the water used to dissolve the yeast is warm, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast properly.
• Baking soda — Boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution gives them their characteristic flavor and color. Do not skip this step.

Tips & Tricks

• For a shiny finish, brush the pretzels with an egg wash before baking.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or cheese.
• If you prefer a softer pretzel, brush them with melted butter immediately after baking.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade soft pretzels warm as a delightful snack or appetizer. They are perfect for dipping in mustard or cheese sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pretzels on a platter, showing off their twisted shape. Sprinkle them with a touch of coarse salt for an appetizing appearance.