Seriously, this soft pretzels recipe is easier than you think! It creates the most delicious soft and chewy pretzels with that golden brown color and iconic flavor. A lot of people are intimidated at the thought of making homemade pretzels because the shaping of them seems super complicated but trust me it’s not. Follow my step by step photos below and you’ll see how easy it really is.
Soft pretzels are boiled first in a baking soda water bath which is a super important step and the key to achieving that delicious chewy texture, dark golden color, and that pretzel flavor that everyone loves so much. So, for that authentic flavor don’t skip that step.
I’ve got all the tips you need in the recipe below plus some delicious flavor variations for you to try as well!
Lye. The dough is simple; take a basic yeast-risen dough that can be readied in an afternoon. But the trick to great pretzels is dipping the pretzels in a liquid wash before baking — and not just any wash, but a combination of water and lye. That’s what gives pretzels their terrific color, texture and flavor.
How to make Soft Pretzels
1. Combine the water, sugar, and yeast and let it bubble for a few minutes. Add the butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour whilst using a wooden spoon to mix everything together.
2. Using a dough hook attachment knead the dough whilst adding the rest of the flour gradually. The dough should bounce back when pressed with your finger. Once ready knead on a lightly floured work surface for a few minutes more. Important note – See my tips section below on how to do the windowpane test if you are unsure whether your dough has been kneaded enough or not.
3. Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
4. Divide the dough into 8 even-sized pieces and roll each one into ropes around 20-24 inch in size.
5. Create a U with each rope twisting the ends together at the top.
6. Loop the ends back down to create a classic pretzel shape.
7. Boil the pretzels in batches in boiling water with baking soda for 30 seconds each.
8. Remove to a lined baking sheet and brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with salt. Bake until golden brown and cooked through.
Do I have to boil the pretzels first?
Yes, it’s a crucial step for making the best soft pretzel recipe so don’t skip it, you only need to boil them for 30 seconds.
Making Auntie Anne’s Pretzels At Home | But Better
FAQ
What makes a soft pretzel taste like a pretzel?
What gives pretzels their distinctive flavor?
What is the secret ingredient in pretzels?
What is the aroma of soft pretzels?
What makes soft pretzels soft?
Boiling in the soda bath gives the soft pretzels their dark brown, chewy exterior and soft interior. It’s what differentiates a pretzel from other breads. What gives soft pretzels their flavor?
Are sourdough pretzels bad for health and diet?
The best health choices include fresh, natural foods, which is certainly not the case with pretzels. Therefore, its consumption should be sporadic and should not be part of everyday routine.
What goes with soft pretzels?
Soft pretzels are such a delicious snack and can be served with all sorts of dips and condiments such as mustard, ketchup, Buffalo Chicken Dip , Artichoke Dip, or nacho cheese dip. They pretty much go with anything so choose your favorite and go with it! What gives them their soft texture and flavor?
How do you make pretzels taste good?
You can also use white sugar and honey. Baking soda- This is an important ingredient because it gives the pretzels their golden brown color and also crisps the outside, leaving the inner dough chewy and soft. Butter- Unsalted butter is used for adding rich flavor to the pretzels and for melting to brush on them so the salt will adhere.