Ultimate Soft Pretzels with Sweet & Savory Options
These homemade soft pretzels offer a delightful twist on the classic snack. While they may not be identical to Auntie Anne's, they boast an incredible flavor and texture that you’ll love. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, these pretzels are incredibly versatile. Want a sweet treat? Brush them with melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a dessert-style snack. Prefer savory? Top with parmesan cheese, garlic salt, or your favorite seasoning. You can easily double or triple this recipe to create a batch to share, or make some to freeze for a quick indulgence later. Get ready for a culinary adventure that the whole family will enjoy!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Warm Water
1/2 cup (Lukewarm (about 115 degrees))
Active Dry Yeast
3/8 teaspoon (Sprinkled into warm water)
Brown Sugar
2/3 tablespoon (Add into the yeast mixture)
Salt
3/8 teaspoon (Add into the yeast mixture)
Bread Flour
1/3 cup (Gradually incorporated into the dough)
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (Gradually incorporated into the dough)
Warm Water
2/3 cup (For baking soda bath)
Baking Soda
2/3 tablespoon (Dissolved in water for dipping)
Unsalted Butter
1 1/3 tablespoons (Melted for brushing)
Honey
1 tablespoon (Mixed into melted butter)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and grease a baking sheet.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water (about 115°F) with the active dry yeast and stir gently until dissolved.
3
Mix in the brown sugar and salt until fully incorporated.
4
Gradually add the bread flour and all-purpose flour, mixing thoroughly. Knead the dough in the bowl until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise for at least 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6
Prepare the baking soda bath by mixing warm water and baking soda in a shallow dish. Stir well to dissolve and set aside.
7
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a long, thin rope, approximately 1/2-inch thick for the best texture.
8
Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, twisting the ends, and placing them down over the base of the U.
9
Dip each pretzel into the baking soda bath for a few seconds before placing them on the greased baking sheet.
10
Allow the shaped pretzels to rise again under a cover to ensure a fluffy texture.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until they are just golden brown. Be cautious to avoid overbaking, as this can make them tough.
12
While the pretzels are baking, melt the unsalted butter and mix in honey to taste. A tablespoon works well for four pretzels, but adjust according to your preference.
13
Shortly before the pretzels are finished baking, brush each one with the butter-honey mixture and return to the oven for an additional minute.
14
For extra flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, or use savory toppings like parmesan cheese or coarse salt just after brushing on the butter.
15
For variation, you can also shape the dough into pretzel sticks if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should the oven be for these soft pretzels?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
What is the ideal temperature for the warm water used with the yeast?
The water should be lukewarm, approximately 115°F, to properly dissolve the active dry yeast.
How long should the pretzel dough rise initially?
The dough should rise for at least 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
What types of flour are required for this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour for the best texture.
How many pretzels does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 soft pretzels.
What is the purpose of the baking soda bath?
Dipping the pretzels in a baking soda bath for a few seconds gives them their signature flavor and golden-brown crust.
How thick should the dough ropes be before shaping?
The dough should be rolled into long, thin ropes approximately 1/2-inch thick.
Can I make pretzel sticks instead of traditional shapes?
Yes, you can easily shape the dough into pretzel sticks if you prefer.
What ingredients are used for the pretzel glaze?
The pretzels are brushed with a mixture of melted unsalted butter and honey.
How long do the pretzels bake in total?
They bake for about 8 minutes initially, and then for an additional minute after being brushed with the butter-honey mixture.
What sweet topping is recommended?
Brush the pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.
What savory toppings can I use?
Savory options include parmesan cheese, garlic salt, or coarse salt.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can make these pretzels ahead of time and freeze them for a quick snack later.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is easily scalable to make larger batches for parties or gatherings.
How do I know when the pretzels are done baking?
The pretzels are finished when they are just golden brown. Avoid overbaking to prevent them from becoming tough.
What type of sugar is added to the dough?
Brown sugar is used in the dough to add flavor and help activate the yeast.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should grease the baking sheet to prevent the pretzels from sticking.
What is the ratio of water to baking soda for the bath?
The bath uses 2/3 cup of warm water and 2/3 tablespoon of baking soda.
How do I shape a traditional pretzel?
Form a U-shape with the dough rope, twist the ends together, and fold them down over the base of the U.
What kind of yeast is needed?
This recipe requires active dry yeast.
Does the dough need to rise a second time?
Yes, allow the shaped pretzels to rise again under a cover to ensure a fluffy texture before baking.
Is this recipe similar to Auntie Anne's?
While not identical, these pretzels offer a similar delightful flavor and texture.
How much honey should I add to the butter?
One tablespoon of honey is recommended for four pretzels, but you can adjust this to your preference.
What texture should the dough have after kneading?
The dough should be kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
The recipe requires 10 main ingredients.
When should I add the coarse salt or parmesan?
Toppings should be added immediately after brushing the pretzels with the butter-honey mixture.
Can I use a kitchen towel to cover the rising dough?
Yes, you can use either plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel to cover the bowl.
How much salt goes into the dough itself?
The dough requires 3/8 teaspoon of salt.
What are the primary categories for this snack?
These are categorized as pretzels, snacks, and homemade baked goods.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is an enjoyable culinary adventure for the whole family to participate in.