Description
Warm German-inspired Buttery Soft Pretzels bring golden comfort to your kitchen, inviting hearty enjoyment. Salt-sprinkled and rich with bakery charm, these twisty delights will transport you to delicious moments of pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dough Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Boiling Solution:
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
Topping and Finishing:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Coarse salt or pretzel salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5-10 minutes.
- Gradually incorporate salt, melted butter, and flour into the yeast mixture, blending until a cohesive dough emerges.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic texture. Alternatively, utilize a stand mixer with a dough hook for efficient kneading.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare the baking space by preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Deflate the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each segment into a lengthy 24-inch rope, then artfully shape into classic pretzel formations.
- Create a boiling bath by bringing water to a rolling boil and adding baking soda.
- Submerge each pretzel in the alkaline water bath for 15 seconds, ensuring even coating.
- Arrange the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet and generously sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake until achieving a deep golden-brown color, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, generously brush with melted butter.
- Serve while warm, accompanied by complementary dipping sauces like cheese sauce, mustard, or cinnamon sugar.
Notes
- Activate yeast with lukewarm water to ensure proper rising and soft texture.
- Choose bread flour for extra chewiness and better gluten development in pretzels.
- Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven for consistent rising.
- Swap water bath with baking soda for authentic pretzel color and signature glossy exterior, creating that classic pretzel shine and deep brown crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg