Soft, Buttery Pretzels
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 .25-ounce package active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 1/2 cups warm water, about 110 degrees (divided)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups bread flour
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Supplies
- stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- large bowl
- plastic wrap
- 2 baking sheets
- parchment paper or Silpats
- large skillet or saucepan
- slotted spatula
- small bowl
- fork
- pastry brush
- cooling rack
Directions
In the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar, and salt in 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Allow the yeast mixture to activate for 10 minutes.
Attach your dough hook to the stand mixer. Add both the all-purpose flour and bread flour and mix on low speed for 5-6 minutes.
Remove the dough from the stand mixer and place it in a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for approximately 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch the dough down in the center, re-cover the bowl, and let the dough rise again for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats.
Combine the remaining water and baking soda in a large skillet or saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope. Shape each rope into a pretzel shape.
Using a slotted spatula, gently dip each pretzel into the boiling water for approximately 30 seconds.
Remove the pretzels and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Prepare an egg wash. In a small bowl, beat an egg with a fork. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of each pretzel with the egg wash. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
Bake for 8-10 minutes (or until the pretzels are golden brown) on the middle rack of the oven.
Transfer the pretzels to a cooling rack. Brush them with melted butter. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Store homemade soft pretzels for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Who can resist fresh-out-of-the-oven, soft, and chewy pretzels? Pair warm pretzels with a cold beer and your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ll have the perfect snack. These buttery golden pretzels are simple to prepare and absolutely addicting — you’ve been warned. Having a Super Bowl party or a small get-together for the Academy Awards? Your carb-loving guests will swoon over these soft and buttery pretzels!
Delicious Toppings For Homemade Pretzels
![cinnamon and sugar pretzels](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/cinnamon-and-sugar-pretzelsdc38c0-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Our soft and buttery pretzels are generously brushed with butter and sprinkled with kosher salt, a savory combination that everyone will love. However, pretzel-loving fans don’t have to stop there. Many toppings are available to explore. Here are a few for inspiration:
- cinnamon and sugar
- various popcorn seasonings
- melted cheeses
- cheese and bacon
- cheese and jalapeños
- cheese and pepperoni
Don’t Forget The Dip!
![cheese dip](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/cheese-dip4687e5-1.jpg?resize=725%2C545&ssl=1)
Pretzels and dip go together like peanut butter and jelly. Go the extra step and dunk your pretzels in some yummy dipping sauce. Here are some popular options:
- beer cheese
- honey mustard
- spinach artichoke
- ranch
- cream cheese
Diet-Friendly Variations
![gluten free flour](https://i0.wp.com/upload.oola.com/rola/uploads/2021/12/gluten-free-flour3efca6-1.jpg?resize=725%2C545&ssl=1)
Many ingredients in these soft and buttery pretzels are not suitable for all diets. However, there are substitutions available for those looking to prepare these tasty snacks.
Gluten-Free
Substitute gluten-free flour for both the all-purpose flour and bread flour in this recipe.
Don’t get your snack platter in a knot — make these classic twists to satisfy your cravings!