Ultimate Soft Pretzels
Rediscover the joy of soft pretzels with this ultimate recipe that captures the authentic taste of traditional pretzels, far beyond any basic bread. I’ve refined this technique to deliver that perfect balance of chewy exterior and soft, tender interior. With a remarkable flavor that enchants taste buds, these pretzels can be enjoyed at any time of day—not just for snacking! Your kids will love them as a warm breakfast treat, especially when brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. While these pretzels shine as a savory snack, feel free to leave some plain for a sweet twist. Although the process may seem a bit intricate, it's surprisingly straightforward, and you can have a delicious batch ready in just an hour and a half. Get ready to impress family and friends with your homemade pretzel goodness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
yeast
1 tablespoon (Active dry yeast)
sugar
1 tablespoon (Granulated sugar)
salt
1 teaspoon (Table salt)
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (Softened)
warm water
1 cup (Around 115°F)
all-purpose flour
2 3/4 cups (Unbleached or regular flour)
coarse salt
to taste (For sprinkling)
baking soda
5 teaspoons (For boiling)
water
4 cups (For boiling)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Soft Pretzels?
Ultimate Soft Pretzels are authentic, homemade treats featuring a perfect balance of a chewy exterior and a soft, tender interior, surpassing basic bread in flavor.
How long does it take to make these pretzels?
You can have a delicious batch of these pretzels ready in approximately one hour and a half.
What type of yeast is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for one tablespoon of active dry yeast.
What is the ideal temperature for the warm water?
The water used for the dough should be around 115°F to properly activate the yeast.
What kind of flour is recommended?
You should use 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, either unbleached or regular.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for 2 tablespoons of either softened butter or margarine.
What is the purpose of the baking soda?
Baking soda is added to the boiling water to help create the traditional chewy pretzel crust and golden color.
How much baking soda is needed for the boiling step?
The recipe requires 5 teaspoons of baking soda for the boiling solution.
How much water is needed for boiling the pretzels?
You will need 4 cups of water to create the boiling bath for the pretzels.
Are these pretzels suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they make a wonderful warm breakfast treat, especially when topped with melted butter and cinnamon sugar.
Can I make these pretzels sweet instead of savory?
Absolutely! You can leave off the coarse salt and instead brush them with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
What kind of salt is used for the topping?
Coarse salt is recommended for sprinkling on top of the pretzels to achieve that classic savory taste.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including items for the dough and the boiling bath.
Is the process for making these pretzels difficult?
While the process may seem intricate, it is actually surprisingly straightforward for home bakers.
Can kids help make these?
Yes, kids love eating them and can certainly help with tasks like shaping the dough or applying toppings.
What makes these better than basic bread?
The refined technique and the baking soda bath ensure they have the authentic, remarkable flavor and texture of traditional pretzels.
Do I need sugar for the dough?
Yes, one tablespoon of granulated sugar is used in the dough mixture.
What is the texture of the interior?
The interior of these pretzels is designed to be soft and tender.
What is the texture of the exterior?
The exterior is crafted to be perfectly chewy, following traditional pretzel standards.
Can I serve these at a party?
Yes, they are excellent for impressing friends and family as a homemade snack.
Is there salt inside the dough?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of table salt within the dough itself.
How much yeast is needed in tablespoons?
The recipe calls for exactly 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast.
Can I use regular table salt on top?
While you can, coarse salt is preferred for the traditional look and crunch of a soft pretzel.
What category of food does this fall into?
These are categorized as soft pretzels, snacks, and yeast bread.
Is the butter melted or softened?
The 2 tablespoons of butter should be softened before being added to the recipe.
How many cups of flour are used?
The recipe uses 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Can I eat these plain?
Yes, you can leave some plain if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is designed to capture the authentic taste of traditional pretzels.
Are these pretzels considered comfort food?
Yes, they are tagged as a classic comfort food treat.
Can I make these in under two hours?
Yes, the entire process takes about an hour and a half from start to finish.