Soft Pretzel Recipe

There’s something magical about freshly baked pretzels, especially when they emerge from the oven, golden brown and warm. The aroma fills the kitchen, instantly transporting me back to those days at the fair, where the scent of soft pretzels filled the air. Today, I’m excited to share with you how to make your very own Soft Pretzel Recipe right at home. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy pretzel, perfectly salted, and the best part? You can customize them with your favorite toppings!

Essential Ingredients for Soft Pretzel Recipe

Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and the ones in our Soft Pretzel Recipe are no exception. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. From the warmth of the water to the sweetness of honey, these ingredients blend together to form the delicious dough.

• 1 ½ cups warm water (100 to 110 degrees F): This activates the yeast and helps create a soft, fluffy dough.
• 1 packet active dry yeast (1/4 ounce or 2 1/4 teaspoons): The key ingredient that helps the dough rise and gives it a light texture.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps feed the yeast.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• 2 to 2 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour, divided: Provides structure and a hearty texture.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided: Offers balance to the whole wheat flour, creating the perfect dough consistency.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Used for the egg wash, giving the pretzels their beautiful golden color.
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and flavor to the pretzels.
• Pretzel salt: For that classic salty topping that makes pretzels irresistible.
• Cinnamon sugar: A delightful option for those who prefer a sweeter pretzel.
• Finely grated Parmesan + Italian herbs: An excellent savory topping for an Italian twist.
• Everything bagel seasoning: A trendy topping that elevates the flavor profile.

Cooking Instructions for Soft Pretzel Recipe

Making Soft Pretzel Recipe at home is a fun and fulfilling process. Follow these steps to create your own batch of warm, delicious pretzels!

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. While it heats, prepare two baking sheets by covering them with parchment paper or a silpat mat. This will ensure that the pretzels don’t stick, making it easier to transfer them after baking.

2. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let sit for 1 minute. You’re looking for a foamy layer to form over the mixture. If it’s not foamy, this means the yeast didn’t activate properly, and it’s best to start again.

3. Next, stir in the kosher salt. With a wooden spoon (or the mixer’s paddle attachment), gradually add in 2 cups of the white whole wheat flour and the all-purpose flour. Keep stirring until well combined.

4. Continue to add the remaining ½ cup of white whole wheat flour in a few tablespoons at a time until the dough is no longer sticky and springs back when poked. You may need to adjust based on the moisture in your flour and the weather; sometimes flour acts differently!

5. Once your dough forms, it’s time to knead. With the dough hook, knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.

6. Lightly coat a clean bowl with nonstick spray. Transfer the dough into the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with the spray. Cover with a towel and let it rise for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size. This is the time when the magic happens!

7. After the dough has risen, lightly flour a knife or bench scraper and divide the dough into 4 equal parts. From here, take each part and cut it into 2 smaller pieces.

8. Now comes the fun part! Roll each piece into a thin rope of even diameter on a lightly floured surface. The length of the rope affects the pretzel size; longer ropes will yield larger pretzels. Aim for about 16 inches for a classic pretzel shape.

9. To form the pretzel, lay the rope horizontally, pick up each end and draw them upwards, forming a circle. Cross the ends over each other and draw them down to complete the pretzel shape. Press the ends lightly to secure the shape.

10. In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together the egg and 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Dip each pretzel into the egg wash, coating both sides, and then place it on the prepared baking sheet.

11. Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning; you want them golden brown and delicious. Once baked, let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

12. For finishing touches, brush the warm pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with your choice of toppings. Enjoy them while they’re warm and fresh!

Tips for Success

Making perfect pretzels can be a delightful endeavor. Here are some tips to ensure your Soft Pretzel Recipe turns out exceptionally well.

• Storage: Store pretzels in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep them fresh. After that, they can become dry.
• Freezing: Freeze pretzels in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a great snack anytime.
• Variations: Experiment with different toppings such as cheese, seeds, or herbs to create unique flavor profiles.
• Reheating: To reheat, place pretzels on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with a variety of dips like mustard, cheese sauce, or a sweet cinnamon dip for added enjoyment!

Serving Ideas for Soft Pretzel Recipe

The Soft Pretzel Recipe is not just a standalone snack; it opens the door to numerous serving opportunities that can elevate your culinary experience.

• Game Day Snack: Serve these pretzels at your next sports gathering alongside a selection of dips for a crowd-pleaser.
• Movie Night Treat: Enjoy them while watching your favorite films, paired with melted cheese or a creamy dip.
• Party Appetizer: Offer pretzel bites at parties as a fun finger food option that everyone will love.
• Picnic Addition: Pack them for a picnic; they’re easy to transport and can be enjoyed cold or warm.
• Seasonal Gatherings: These pretzels are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a holiday party or a summer barbecue.
• Creative Toppings: Customize toppings to suit the occasion, using spices or cheeses that align with your menu.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Soft Pretzel Recipe brings the joy of homemade pretzels right into your kitchen. The chewy texture, the warmth, and the ability to customize toppings make it a truly special treat. I encourage you to try making these pretzels yourself; they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy baking!

Soft Pretzel Recipe

The ultimate comfort food, these Soft Pretzel Recipe are warm, chewy, and perfect for snacking or sharing. With a golden finish and customizable toppings, they’ll satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Make them tonight for a delightful homemade treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 pretzels

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups warm water 100-110 degrees F
• 1 packet active dry yeast (1/4 ounce or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 to 2 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour divided
• 1 cup all-purpose flour divided
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• pretzel salt
• cinnamon sugar (I use 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for each tablespoon sugar)
• finely grated Parmesan + Italian herbs
• everything bagel seasoning

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Set aside two baking sheets covered in parchment paper or a silpat mat.
2. In a large bowl (or the bowl of stand mixer), combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir and let sit for 1 minute. The yeast should be foamy. If it is not, the yeast did not activate properly and this step must be repeated.
3. Stir in the kosher salt. With a wooden spoon (or the mixer’s paddle attachment), slowly stir in 2 cups of the white whole wheat flour and the all-purpose flour.
4. Continue to stir in the remaining 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky and bounces back when poked.
5. With the dough hook, knead the dough for 5 minutes. Lightly coat a clean bowl with nonstick spray. Place the dough into the bowl, turn to coat the dough on all sides with the spray, then cover and let dough rise for 30 minutes.
6. Once dough has puffed, lightly flour a knife or bench scraper and cut the dough into 4 equal parts. Then, cut those 4 parts into 2 parts each.
7. Gently roll each piece of dough into a thin rope of even diameter on a lightly floured surface. To form the pretzel, lay the rope horizontally, then pick up each end and draw them upwards as if you were forming a circle, cross the ends, then draw them down to form a pretzel shape.
8. In a shallow bowl or pie dish, beat the egg with 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Dip each entire pretzel into the egg wash and coat both sides. Place each pretzel on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Let cool slightly.
10. Brush the warm pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with desired toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

• If you’d like to make raisin pretzels, or add other mix-ins of choice, stir them into the dough after it is mixed but just before kneading; I’d recommend between 1/2 and 3/4 cup.
• TO STORE: Store pretzels in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
• TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
• TO FREEZE: Freeze pretzels in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw and enjoy as desired.

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Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.