Soft Pretzels are a classic snack that are soft, chewy, and have a delightful golden-brown crust. Perfect for dipping in mustard or cheese sauce, these pretzels are a hit at parties or as a comforting homemade treat. They require a bit of patience, but the result is well worth the effort.
Appliances and Special Utensils
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Large baking sheet
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix Dough: Add melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Increase speed to medium and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Let Dough Rise: Remove the dough from the mixer and form it into a ball. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with oil.
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Prepare Water Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
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Shape Pretzels: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope and form into a pretzel shape.
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Boil Pretzels: Using a slotted spoon, gently place each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake: Brush each pretzel with melted butter using a pastry brush and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Serve: Let the pretzels cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade soft pretzels with your favorite dip!
These homemade soft pretzels are sure to impress with their authentic taste and delightful texture. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best experience!