These Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels were a revelation to me the first time I made them. They really are super easy to make! A pretzel is a type of pastry made from dough which is shaped into a knot and decorated with coarse sea salt crystals. Did you know that the secret to a pretzel’s chewy ‘skin’ is bathing it in a baking soda bath before baking it in the oven?
I start these pretzels by making a dough from yeast, warm water, salt, brown sugar, butter and flour. I shape sections of the dough into traditional knot shaped pretzels which I dunk in a boiling water baking soda bath for about 20 seconds. Once the excess water drains from the pretzels, I sprinkle sea salt on top and bake them in the oven. Dee-licious!
To make Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels, you will need the following ingredients:
Mix the yeast and warm water together. Leave for 1 minute before adding the salt, brown sugar, and melted butter. Whisk well.
Gradually add 3 cups of flour and mix with a wooden spoon (or dough hook attached to stand mixer) until the dough is thick and no longer sticky. Add the remaining flour, as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 3 minutes before shaping it into a ball. Cover the dough lightly with a towel and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 °F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set the baking sheets aside.
Cut the dough into ⅓ cup sections using a knife. Shape the dough sections into a 20-22 inch rope.
Bring the ends together so the dough forms a circle. Twist the ends and then bring them towards yourself. Press them down to make a pretzel shape.
Place the baking soda and water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
Drop each pretzel in the baking soda bath carefully for 20 seconds. Lift the pretzel from the water using a slotted spoon and allow the excess water to drain off.
Place the pretzels on the baking sheet and sprinkle coarse crystals of sea salt on top.
Bake the pretzels in the oven for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
These Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels are delicious when served warm but they will keep for a few days too. Try them soon and make sure you tag all your baking photos with #cookmerecipes.
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