Soft homemade pretzels –Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a pretzel adventure that’s so buttery, it’ll make your taste buds do the happy dance? Well, grab your aprons because we’re diving into the world of soft pretzels, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this delicious detour!
Buttery Soft Pretzel Recipe
Let’s start this culinary escapade by taking a peek at the glorious dough we’re going to transform into pretzel perfection!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup baking soda (for the water bath)
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy. This is the yeast doing a little happy jig!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the melted butter.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Your arms might even get a mini workout!
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is the time for the dough to take a nap!
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, prepare a baking soda solution by bringing 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. This is where the magic happens!
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down (yes, you can punch it, it won’t mind) and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and twist it into the classic pretzel shape.
- Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds. This gives them that gorgeous brown color and chewy texture!
- Place the pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush them with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and calling your name from the oven!
- Let them cool slightly before digging in. Enjoy your delicious buttery soft pretzels!
And there you have it! With a little bit of flour and a whole lot of love, you’ve created a batch of mouth-watering soft pretzels. Perfect for movie nights, game days, or anytime you need a snack that feels like a warm hug. Happy baking!