Incredibly Simple Homemade Soft Pretzels

Incredibly Simple Homemade Soft Pretzels

We are so over sourdough, at least making our own, but that doesn’t mean we are over baking. So what should we make now? After the 2020 baking obsession, we knew our fellow hipsters would be looking for something to take them beyond the realm of sourdough and banana bread. These simple homemade soft pretzels are the perfect answer.  It is easy to be put off making these tasty, salty, chewy treats. The process may seem intimidating, but fear not, this recipe is so basic it may even pop out for a pumpkin spice latte part way through making it.

This recipe will make a dozen medium sized pretzels but if that’s too many you can easily cut the dough in half. The dough is easy to make and very versatile, so do not feel like you have to stick to the traditional pretzel shape. Push the boat out and let your imagination run wild. These simple homemade soft pretzels are best when they are fresh from the oven so remember to plan ahead, as the dough will need about an hour to rise. You can also boil them a day in advance and they will keep in the refrigerator to bake the next day.

Incredibly simple homemade soft pretzel

Incredibly Simple Homemade Soft Pretzels

You will need the following ingredients:
  • 2 cups (500 ml) Warm water

  • 1 tbsp White sugar

  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) Active dry yeast

  • 5 cups Flour

  • 1 tbsp Sea salt (plus a bit for sprinkling over pretzels)

  • 1 Egg

  • 1.5 litres Water

  • 1 tbsp Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)

  • Vegetable oil or butter for greasing baking sheet

And the following equipment:
  • Electric mixer with dough hook

  • Cup measures

  • Measuring spoons

  • Large mixing bowl

  • Knife

  • Sauce pot

  • Slotted spoon

  • Baking sheet

  • Small bowl

  • Fork or small whisk

  • Pastry brush

Homemade soft pretzels

Ok, now lets get cooking!

Make the pretzel dough
  • In mixing bowl, dissolve 1 tbsp of white sugar in 2 cups of warm water

  • Sprinkle 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) of active dry yeast into sugar water

  • Let the yeast sit for 5 minutes to begin acting. It should become foamy in appearanceActivate yeast for soft pretzels

  • Mix in 1 cup of flour and 1 tbsp sea salt

  • Slowly incorporate remaining 4 cups of flour in 1/2 cup steps. If dough is too wet, add another 1/2 cup to 1 cup until dough easily pulls away from the bowlPretzel dough pulling away

  • Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 1-2 minutes, until dough is smooth

  • Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, turn dough to lightly oil outside of dough

  • Cover bowl and let dough rise to double in size, about 1 hour 

Bake the pretzels
  • Preheat oven to 230° C and lightly grease baking sheet

  • In a sauce pan, boil 1.5 litres of water. Once water has come to a boil, turn it down to a simmer and add 1 tbsp of baking soda

  • Turn risen dough out onto lightly floured surface

  • Cut dough into four parts. Cut each quarter into further 3 parts

  • Roll out each piece of dough to about the thickness of a finger

  • Twist ends around twice and then fold over to create the traditional pretzel shape. Press ends over body of pretzel to hold the shapeTwist soft pretzel

  • Lower the pretzels into the water bath in batches of 2 or 3 and simmer for 1 minute

  • Remove pretzels with slotted spoon and place on to greased baking sheet

  • Beat 1 egg with 1 tbsp of water to create an egg wash

  • Brush egg wash over pretzels and sprinkle with sea saltHomemade soft pretzels ready to bake

  • Bake pretzels for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on bottom

  • Remove from baking sheets and let cool on a rack

  • Serve warm and enjoy!

We recommend these simple pretzels dipped in mustard or served with cheese. We made the traditional, salty version here but there is no limit to what you can make. Looking to spice up your pretzels? Try a sweet cinnamon sugar mix or give them a dusting of Herbs de Provence. Or why not get playful? Make yourself pretzel rolls for sandwiches or bite sized pretzel nuggets for serving with fondue (cheese or chocolate, dealer’s choice).

Looking for more adventure in the kitchen? Try our recipe for Easy Homemade English Muffins



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