Soft pretzels are popular street food items, often found in big cities like New York. They can be plain or coated with various flavors such as cinnamon-sugar or everything bagel seasoning.

Making pretzels at home can be a fun and rewarding baking project. Here’s a simple recipe to help you create delicious soft pretzels:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
  • 1 packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

For Boiling:

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda

For Topping:

  • Coarse salt, pretzel salt, or other toppings of your choice
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, salt, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
    • Gradually add the flour to the yeast mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
    • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  2. Let the Dough Rise:
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size.
  3. Shape the Pretzels:
    • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into sections. Roll each section into a rope, about 20-24 inches long.
    • Form each rope into a pretzel shape: Make a U shape, cross the ends over each other, and press them onto the bottom of the U shape to form the classic pretzel twist. Press gently to ensure they stick.
  4. Boil the Pretzels:
    • In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil.
    • Add the baking soda to the boiling water (be careful, as it might foam up).
    • Gently place the pretzels into the boiling water, one at a time, for about 30 seconds. This step helps give the pretzels their chewy texture and distinctive flavor.
  5. Egg Wash and Toppings:
    • Remove the pretzels from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
    • Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg to create a shiny finish.
    • Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt, pretzel salt, or other desired toppings.
  6. Bake the Pretzels:
    • Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and have a crisp exterior.
  7. Cool and Enjoy:
    • Allow the pretzels to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
    • Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels! They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can also store them in an airtight container for a day or two.

Feel free to get creative with your pretzels by adding toppings like cinnamon-sugar, cheese, or even dipping them in mustard or cheese sauce. Making pretzels at home is a wonderful way to enjoy this classic snack and impress your friends and family with your baking skills.