Soft Pretzel
How to make the best soft pretzels at home! Don't forget to check out my step by step photos and tips above!
- Prep time
- 30 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 8 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water ((360mL) at 110F)
- 1 packet active dry or instant yeast ((2 and 1/4 teaspoons) )
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cool)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for sprinkling on counter ((480g))
- coarse sea salt for sprinkling (flaked or coarse)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
Instructions
- 1
Combine warm water, sugar and yeast in a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Mix together and set aside for 4 minutes or until it begins to bubble.
- 2
Add, salt, melted butter, and two cups of flour a cup at a time mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon in between.
- 3
Attach dough hook to your stand mixer (or electric hand mixer). Add the remaining flour a cup at a time while mixing on a medium speed. Mix for about 3 minutes or until the dough comes together and bounces back when pressed lightly with your clean finger. If your dough is still quite sticky you can mix in a ¼ cup of flour.
- 4
Transfer to a lightly floured counter and knead for about 4 minutes or until smooth and bouncy.
- 5
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.
- 6
Transfer dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl then cover with plastic and place in a warm place to rise for 40 minutes or until roughly doubled in size.
- 7
Divide dough into 8 pieces then roll into 20-24 inch ropes. Form a U shape with the dough then twist the two ends together at the top leaving about an inch and a half free. Loop the twisted portion down to form a pretzel shape. Repeat for the remaining ropes.
- 8
Preheat oven to 450F
- 9
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil then add the pretzels in one at a time for 30 seconds, remove with a slotted spoon, and place on your lined baking sheet.
- 10
Brush with the beaten egg and a teaspoon of water then sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for about 12 minutes or until golden brown.