Craving a warm, buttery snack that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of your favorite city? Look no further! Our Homemade Soft Pretzel Twists are not only a delight to the taste buds but also a fun and satisfying baking project for any home cook. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create these golden, chewy pretzels that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Get ready to impress your friends and family with a treat that's as easy to make as it is irresistible!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 pretzels
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup baking soda
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. You will need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a wooden spoon, a clean surface for kneading, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a large pot for boiling the pretzels.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of warm water (about 110°F) with 1 packet of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the frothy yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add ½ cup of baking soda. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up when the baking soda is added.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long, and shape it into a twist. To make a twist, create a U shape with the rope, cross the ends over each other twice, and then tuck the ends under the bottom of the pretzel.
- Carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the pretzels while they are still wet from the boiling water. This will help the salt stick to the surface.
- Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't over-bake.
- Once baked, remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade soft pretzel twists warm, perhaps with mustard or cheese dip!
Tips
- Perfect Your Dough: Make sure your water is warm, not hot! Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will prevent it from activating. Aim for around 110°F for optimal results.
- Knead with Care: Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for achieving that classic pretzel texture, so don’t rush it!
- Shape Like a Pro: When twisting your pretzels, take your time to ensure they’re evenly shaped. A well-formed pretzel not only looks great but also bakes evenly.
- Boiling is Key: Don’t skip the boiling step! This is what gives pretzels their signature chewy crust. Just be cautious when adding baking soda to the boiling water, as it will bubble up.
- Salt it Up: For the best flavor, sprinkle coarse sea salt on the pretzels right after boiling. The moisture from the water helps the salt adhere perfectly.
- Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on your pretzels while they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want them to be golden brown, not burnt.
- Serve Warm: These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Pair them with your favorite mustard or cheese dip for a delicious treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
