Soft Pretzels
Warm, chewy, golden-brown soft pretzels are surprisingly easy to make at home and taste incredible straight from the oven.
Ingredients
- •1 1/2 cups warm water (355ml)
- •1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- •1 tablespoon sugar
- •2 teaspoons kosher salt
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- •4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (540g)
- •10 cups water (for boiling)
- •1/2 cup baking soda
- •1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- •Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- 2
Add the melted butter, kosher salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
- 3
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 5
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, lightly greased.
- 6
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20 to 22 inches in length.
- 7
Shape each rope into a U-shape, cross the ends twice, and press them down onto the bottom of the U to form a traditional pretzel shape.
- 8
Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a large wide pot.
- 9
Drop the pretzels into the boiling water one or two at a time for 20 to 30 seconds each, then remove with a slotted spatula and place back on the baking sheets.
- 10
Brush the boiled pretzels with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
- 11
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the pretzels are dark golden brown.
- 12
Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving with mustard or cheese dip.
💡 Chef tips
- Make sure to use baking soda and not baking powder for the boiling bath, as the soda gives pretzels their authentic chewy crust and distinct flavor.
- Store leftover baked pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, and reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their fresh texture.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished pretzels have a deep golden-brown, shiny crust with a satisfying chew, a tender interior, and a delicious savory flavor.