Ultimate Chewy Pretzels
After countless attempts to recreate the beloved 'Auntie Anne's' pretzels, I've finally found a recipe that hits the spot! These Ultimate Chewy Pretzels have a delightful, slightly crisp exterior with a warm, chewy interior. Infused with just the right balance of sweetness and saltiness, they are perfect for snacking or serving at parties. Feel free to experiment with various toppings—my personal favorite includes a medley of dried Italian herbs mixed into the dough, topped off with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a touch of coarse salt. Dive into this wonderful homemade treat, and enjoy the warm, buttery aroma filling your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
active dry yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package (Dissolved in warm water)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (Added to yeast mixture)
salt
1 1/8 teaspoons (Mixed with yeast and sugar)
water
1 1/2 cups (Warm (110°F) for the initial dough)
all-purpose flour
3 cups (Mixed in to form the dough)
bread flour
1 cup (Combined with all-purpose flour)
water
2 cups (Warm (110°F) for baking soda solution)
baking soda
2 tablespoons (Mixed with warm water)
butter
2 - 3 tablespoons (Melted for brushing)
kosher salt
2 tablespoons (For sprinkling on pretzels)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast, brown sugar, and salt in 1 1/2 cups of warm water (110°F). Stir gently until dissolved.
2
Gradually add both all-purpose and bread flour to the yeast mixture, mixing until a dough begins to form.
3
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic, approximately 8 minutes.
4
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and turn the ball to coat with oil. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm location for about one hour or until doubled in size.
5
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F. In an 8-inch square pan, mix 2 cups of warm water (110°F) with baking soda to create the dipping solution.
6
After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 3 feet long and pencil-thin.
7
Twist each rope into a pretzel shape and carefully dip it into the baking soda solution, ensuring each side is coated.
8
Place the dipped pretzels on greased or parchment-lined cookie sheets. Brush the tops with melted butter and season creatively with garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and coarse salt.
9
Allow the pretzels to rise loosely covered for another 15 to 20 minutes.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
11
For an extra touch of richness, brush the pretzels with more melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Chewy Pretzels?
Ultimate Chewy Pretzels are a homemade snack featuring a slightly crisp exterior and a warm, chewy interior, balancing sweetness and saltiness.
What kind of yeast is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one 1/4 ounce package of active dry yeast.
How much yeast do I need?
The recipe calls for one package, which is approximately 1/4 ounce of active dry yeast.
What is the purpose of brown sugar in this recipe?
Brown sugar is dissolved with the yeast to provide a hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements of the pretzel.
How much salt is mixed into the dough?
The dough itself contains 1 1/8 teaspoons of salt.
What is the recommended temperature for the dough water?
The water used to dissolve the yeast should be warm, specifically 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much all-purpose flour is used?
The recipe requires 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much bread flour is required?
You will need 1 cup of bread flour to mix with the all-purpose flour.
How long should I knead the pretzel dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
How long is the initial rise time?
The dough should rise in a warm location for about one hour.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready for the next step when it has doubled in size.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is in the dipping solution?
The dipping solution consists of 2 cups of warm water mixed with 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
What type of pan is recommended for the dipping solution?
An 8-inch square pan is suggested for mixing the warm water and baking soda solution.
How many pretzels does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to yield 12 equal-sized pretzels.
How long should each dough rope be rolled?
Each piece of dough should be rolled into a rope that is about 3 feet long.
How thin should the dough ropes be?
The dough ropes should be rolled until they are pencil-thin.
What is the step after shaping the pretzels?
Once shaped, carefully dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution to coat both sides.
How should the cookie sheets be prepared?
Use cookie sheets that are either greased or lined with parchment paper.
When should the first application of melted butter occur?
Brush the tops of the pretzels with melted butter after dipping them and placing them on the cookie sheets.
What creative seasonings are suggested for the top?
Suggested seasonings include garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and coarse salt.
How long should the pretzels rise after being shaped?
Allow the pretzels to rise loosely covered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes before baking.
What is the baking time for these pretzels?
Bake the pretzels in a 450 degree Fahrenheit oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
How do I identify when the pretzels are fully baked?
The pretzels are finished when they look golden brown and smell fragrant.
What should be done immediately after taking the pretzels out of the oven?
Brush the pretzels with more melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven for extra richness.
Is this recipe similar to any restaurant pretzels?
Yes, the recipe was created to mimic the beloved Auntie Anne's style of pretzels.
Can herbs be added directly to the dough?
Yes, you can mix a medley of dried Italian herbs into the dough during the mixing process.
How much baking soda is used for the dipping solution?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of baking soda in the dipping water.
How much salt is used for sprinkling on top?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of kosher salt for sprinkling on the pretzels.
Are these pretzels suitable for serving at parties?
Yes, they are perfect for snacking or serving as party food.