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Homemade Soft Pretzels

Close-up of freshly baked soft pretzels sprinkled with coarse salt, ready to be enjoyed.

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Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with these easy-to-make homemade soft pretzels. Perfect for a cozy snack or sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • Coarse salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 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. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
  7. Roll each piece into a rope about 18-20 inches long.
  8. Shape each rope into a pretzel shape.
  9. In a shallow dish, whisk together the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water.
  10. In a separate shallow dish, combine the baking soda and 1/2 cup of water.
  11. Dip each pretzel first into the egg wash, then into the baking soda mixture.
  12. Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
  13. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  14. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the dough.
  • If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast. In that case, you can skip the blooming step and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
  • For a chewier pretzel, you can boil them in a baking soda solution for 30 seconds before baking.

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