Homemade Soft Pretzels Delight
Indulge in the warm, buttery goodness of these homemade soft pretzels, lovingly dubbed Aunt Kimmie's Pretzels by my family. These easy-to-make treats will transport you straight to your favorite mall snack stand, but from the comfort of your own kitchen. With a golden brown exterior, a soft and chewy interior, and a sprinkle of coarse salt (or sesame seeds if you prefer), these pretzels are perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as a cozy snack on your own. Whether dipped in mustard, cheese sauce, or brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, these pretzels are sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Get ready for an unforgettable baking adventure!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry active yeast
1/4 ounce (Ensure it is fresh for the best rise.)
sugar
1 tablespoon (Use granulated sugar for best results.)
flour
3 cups (All-purpose flour is recommended.)
water
1 cup (Warm water helps activate the yeast.)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Use fine salt for even distribution.)
oil
2 tablespoons (Canola or vegetable oil works well.)
egg white
1 (Slightly beaten for brushing on pretzels.)
coarse salt
to taste (For sprinkling on top before baking.)
butter
to taste (Melted for dipping or brushing after baking.)
Instructions
1
In your bread machine, add the dry active yeast, sugar, flour, water, salt, and oil in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
2
Select the 'White Bread' setting and set it to 'Manual.' Start the machine and let it mix and knead the dough for the suggested time.
3
Once the second rise cycle is complete and the machine beeps, carefully remove the dough onto a very lightly floured surface.
4
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, then take each part and further divide it into 3 pieces, resulting in a total of 12 pieces.
5
Roll each of the small pieces into an 18-inch long rope. Shape each rope into a circle, overlapping the ends by about 4 inches.
6
Grab each end of the rope and twist them where they overlap. Then, carefully lift the ends across to the opposite edge of the circle.
7
Tuck the ends underneath the circle to secure the pretzel shape, moistening and pressing them to seal if necessary.
8
Place each shaped pretzel on a greased cookie sheet and allow them to rise uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, until puffy.
9
In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water and 1/3 cup of baking soda to a boil. Lower 1 or 2 pretzels into the simmering water and cook for 10 seconds on each side.
10
Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift the pretzels out of the water and place them back on the greased cookie sheet. Let them dry for a moment.
11
Brush the tops of the pretzels with the slightly beaten egg white. Sprinkle coarse salt, sesame seeds, or leave them plain.
12
If you choose to leave them plain, after baking, dip them into melted butter and roll them in a cinnamon and sugar mixture.
13
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the pretzels for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, turn the cookie sheet around and bake for an additional 4 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Homemade Soft Pretzels Delight?
It is a recipe for warm, buttery homemade soft pretzels with a golden brown exterior and a soft, chewy interior, often called Aunt Kimmie's Pretzels.
What are the main ingredients for these pretzels?
The main ingredients include dry active yeast, sugar, flour, warm water, salt, oil, an egg white, coarse salt, and butter.
How long do the pretzels need to rise?
After the dough is shaped into pretzels, they should rise uncovered on a greased cookie sheet for approximately 20 minutes until they are puffy.
What is the purpose of the baking soda bath?
Simmering the pretzels in a baking soda water solution for 10 seconds per side gives them their characteristic pretzel flavor and helps them brown in the oven.
How do I shape the pretzel ropes?
Roll each dough piece into an 18-inch long rope, form a circle, twist the overlapping ends twice, and tuck the ends underneath the circle.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically instructs using a bread machine on the 'White Bread' setting to mix and knead the dough.
How many pretzels does this recipe make?
This recipe yields a total of 12 soft pretzels.
What type of flour is recommended for soft pretzels?
All-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture in this recipe.
How long do I boil the pretzels in the baking soda water?
You should cook the pretzels in the simmering water for 10 seconds on each side.
What should I brush on top of the pretzels before baking?
Brush the tops of the pretzels with a slightly beaten egg white to help toppings adhere and create a glossy finish.
Can I make these pretzels sweet instead of salty?
Yes, you can leave them plain while baking, then dip them in melted butter and roll them in a cinnamon and sugar mixture afterward.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the surface?
Place the dough onto a very lightly floured surface when you are ready to divide and shape it.
What kind of yeast is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 ounce of fresh dry active yeast.
Why is warm water used in the dough?
Warm water is essential to activate the dry active yeast so the dough rises properly.
Can I use sesame seeds instead of salt?
Yes, you can sprinkle the pretzels with sesame seeds or leave them plain instead of using coarse salt.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 8 minutes: 4 minutes on one side, then rotate the pan and bake for another 4 minutes.
Why do I need to turn the cookie sheet halfway through baking?
Turning the cookie sheet halfway through ensures that all the pretzels bake evenly and achieve a consistent golden brown color.
What should the pretzels look like when they are done?
The pretzels are finished when they are golden brown and have a firm yet chewy texture.
Can I use vegetable oil in the dough?
Yes, either canola or vegetable oil works well for this recipe.
How do I secure the pretzel shape so it doesn't unravel?
Tuck the ends underneath the circle and moisten or press them to seal the dough if necessary.
Is there a specific order for adding ingredients to the bread machine?
Yes, follow the order recommended by your bread machine's manufacturer for the best results.
How many pieces should I divide the dough into?
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, then divide each of those into 3 pieces to get 12 total.
How long should each dough rope be?
Each piece of dough should be rolled into a rope that is 18 inches long.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?
Yes, place the shaped pretzels on a greased cookie sheet to prevent them from sticking during the rise and bake.
What are some suggested dipping sauces?
These pretzels are great with mustard, cheese sauce, or melted butter.
How much baking soda is used in the water bath?
The water bath consists of 2 quarts of water and 1/3 cup of baking soda.
What type of sugar is best for the dough?
Granulated sugar is recommended to help the yeast and flavor the dough.
What is the family nickname for this recipe?
This specific recipe is lovingly known as Aunt Kimmie's Pretzels by the author's family.
What tools are needed to remove the pretzels from the water bath?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift the pretzels out of the simmering water.