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Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe Perfect for Beginners

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This beginner-friendly recipe for homemade soft pretzels is easy to follow and yields delicious, golden pretzels with a chewy, fluffy interior. Perfect for sharing and customizing with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup baking soda (for boiling water bath)
  • 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Optional toppings: coarse salt, cinnamon sugar, shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water (about 110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the Dough: Add salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes (or use a stand mixer) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. Proof the Dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the Pretzels: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 18 inches/46 cm) and twist into a pretzel shape.
  5. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1/3 cup of baking soda and stir until dissolved.
  6. Dip the Pretzels: Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to a lined baking sheet.
  7. Brush with Egg Wash: Use a pastry brush to coat each pretzel with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse salt or desired toppings.
  8. Bake: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. Cool and Serve: Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s essential for authentic pretzel flavor and texture. Be generous with toppings and work quickly after dipping pretzels in the baking soda bath.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, beginner recipe, baking, snack, easy recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/homemade-soft-pretzels-recipe-perfect-for-beginners/