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Bakery-Style Soft Pretzels

Close-up of a freshly baked soft pretzel, golden brown and sprinkled with coarse salt.
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Learn to make chewy, golden-brown soft pretzels at home with a simple baking soda bath and easy shaping techniques. Perfect for snacks or parties.

Ingredients

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  • 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons coarse salt (like pretzel salt or sea salt)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. In a wide pot or Dutch oven, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Gradually stir in the baking soda. It will foam up. Reduce heat to a simmer.
  7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
  8. Roll each piece into a rope about 20-24 inches long.
  9. Shape each rope into a pretzel: cross the ends over the top, then bring them down to meet the bottom curve.
  10. Carefully dip each shaped pretzel into the simmering baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds per side.
  11. Place the dipped pretzels on the prepared baking sheet.
  12. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
  13. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
  14. Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

  • For a sweeter pretzel, add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dough.
  • For a cheesy pretzel, knead in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese after the first rise.
  • Serve with your favorite cheese dip or mustard.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/soft-pretzel-recipe/