Discover the joy of making Baked Soft Pretzels from scratch with this irresistible recipe that’s perfect for snack time or entertaining. These golden-brown pretzels boast a chewy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, all thanks to the magic of a quick baking soda bath before baking. Using pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a touch of melted butter, this recipe comes together in under 2 hours, from proofing to baking. The pretzels are brushed with a rich egg wash for a glossy finish and sprinkled with coarse salt for that signature flavor. Whether enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own, these homemade pretzels are sure to impress. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe is your go-to guide for creating authentic, bakery-quality soft pretzels at home!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water with the sugar and salt, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed using a dough hook attached to your stand mixer until the ingredients are well combined. Increase to medium speed and continue to mix the dough until it is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, about 4-5 minutes.
Remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a ball. Grease a large clean bowl with a little oil, and place the dough inside, turning to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
In a wide pot, bring a quart of water to a boil. Slowly add the baking soda, reducing the heat to a simmer.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope and form a U shape, crossing the ends over each other and pressing them down into the base to form the traditional pretzel shape.
Gently place each pretzel into the simmering baking soda solution for about 30 seconds, then remove them using a slotted spoon and let the excess water drain. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and the 2 tablespoons of water. Brush the top of each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with the coarse salt.
Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until they are dark golden brown.
Transfer the pretzels to a wire cooling rack. Serve them warm and enjoy!
Calories |
2341 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.1 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 246 mg | 82% | |
| Sodium | 49122 mg | 2136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 440.4 g | 160% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.7 g | ||
| Protein | 61.4 g | 123% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 105 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 25.8 mg | 143% | |
| Potassium | 744 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.