Soft Chewy Homemade Pretzels Easy

Recipe Introduction

Craving Pretzels?

Fancy a soft pretzel recipe that's dead easy? Honestly, who doesn't love a warm, chewy pretzel recipe , fresh from the oven? This recipe is my go-to, and I reckon it'll be yours too.

Your Home Bakery Is Calling

Pretzels have been around for ages, with some folks saying monks invented them. This easy soft pretzel recipe is a breeze, taking about an hour and a half.

You'll get about 8 pretzels perfect for sharing or, let's be honest, keeping all to yourself.

More Than Just a Snack

This recipe is great because it is a quick soft pretzel recipe . You can whip this recipe in very little time.

Plus, you can feel good about making something from scratch. Homemade soft pretzels are perfect for game night, a quick snack, or just because you deserve a treat.

Ready to get started? Let's gather the bits and bobs you'll need!

Ingredients & Equipment for Our Epic Homemade Pretzels

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this easy soft pretzel recipe . Honestly, it's less intimidating than you think.

Even if you're not a seasoned baker, this quick soft pretzel recipe is totally doable.

Main Ingredients: The Pretzel Dream Team

Here’s the breakdown for these homemade pretzels soft easy recipes .

• Warm Water: 1 ½ cups (355 ml) , aiming for that sweet spot of 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast. Too cold, and it won't activate.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon (10g) , just a touch to get the yeast happy.
• Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) , aka one packet. Make sure it's not past its expiration date.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon (14g) , melted. This adds a bit of richness.
• Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) .
• All-Purpose Flour: 4 ¼ cups (530g) , plus extra for dusting.
• Water for the Baking Soda Bath: 8 cups (1.9 L)
• Baking Soda: ½ cup (115g) .
• Egg: 1 large , beaten, for that golden brown sheen.
• Coarse Sea Salt or Pretzel Salt: For sprinkling.

Seasoning Notes: Elevating the Pretzel

For that authentic mall style pretzels recipe vibe, don't skip the salt! Coarse sea salt is perfect.

Flavor Boosters : Want to get fancy? Add a pinch of garlic powder to the dough. You know, if you're feeling spicy.

Equipment Needed: Keepin' It Simple

You don't need a ton of fancy gadgets for this soft pretzel recipe .

• Large Mixing Bowl: For wrangling that pretzel dough recipe .
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvs.
• Baking Sheet: To bake the chewy pretzel recipe on.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking.
• Large Pot: For the all-important baking soda bath.
• Slotted Spoon: For rescuing the pretzels from the bath.

Honestly, that's it! I bet you already have most of this stuff. Let's get baking!

Right, let's dive into this Simple Pretzel Recipe . I'm thinking of a Soft Pretzel Recipe that even I can manage after a long day.

Forget overly complicated, we are aiming for Easy Soft Pretzel Recipe perfection! You with me?

Let's Prep! Essential Mise en Place

Before we even think about yeast, let's get organised. This isn't MasterChef, but a little mise en place never hurt anyone.

Gather your ingredients. Make sure the water is the right temp: 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Don't be scalding that yeast, mate! Also, get your baking sheet ready with parchment.

step-by-step: From Dough to Deliciousness

Alright, pay attention, this is where the magic happens for our Quick Soft Pretzel Recipe .

1. Yeast Activation: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups warm water, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 ¼ tsp yeast. Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes . It should get all foamy and prove the yeast is ready.
2. Dough Time: Add 1 tbsp melted butter and 1 ½ tsp salt to the yeast mix. Then, gradually add 4 ¼ cups of flour. Mix until it forms a shaggy dough.
3. Kneading is Key: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5- 7 minutes . It should become smooth and elastic. I know, arm workout, innit?
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover it. Leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour , until doubled. This is the Pretzel Dough Recipe part.
5. Shaping Shenanigans: Divide the dough into 8 equal bits. Roll each into a 24 inch rope. Shape them into pretzels. Get creative!
6. Baking Soda Bath: Boil 8 cups of water, then CAREFULLY add ½ cup of baking soda. Simmer it. Dip each pretzel for 20-30 seconds . Don't skip the Baking Soda Bath , yeah? It's what makes a pretzel a pretzel .
7. Egg Wash : Place pretzels on baking sheet, wash with egg.
8. Bake: Bake at 425° F ( 220° C) for 15- 20 minutes . They should be golden brown. Sprinkle with salt.

Pro Tips for a Mall Style Pretzels Recipe

• Don't kill the yeast! That water temperature is crucial. If it's too hot, you are back to square one.
• Under kneading can make your pretzels tough. Aim for smooth dough.
• Consider these Homemade Pretzels Soft Easy Recipes .

And that's it! Your Chewy Pretzel Recipe is complete. Now go and enjoy your Homemade Soft Pretzels . Or if you are feeling really fancy you can make Easy Pretzel Bites Recipe by cutting the dough into pieces.

Alright, let's talk about the nitty gritty of this Easy Soft Pretzel Recipe . It's not just about baking; it's about making memories and having a bit of fun in the kitchen! I want to share some tips and ideas that will help make this simple pretzel recipe a smashing success.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Dip On!

Right, so you've got these gorgeous, golden brown homemade soft pretzels . How should you serve them? Honestly, presentation matters! Pop them on a rustic wooden board.

Drizzle with a bit of melted butter. Sprinkle with extra sea salt. Fancy, innit?

For dipping, think classic. Mustard is a must. Cheese sauce is always a winner. If you're feeling adventurous, try a beer cheese dip or even a sweet cinnamon glaze.

And remember, a good old cuppa alongside Mall Style Pretzels Recipe never hurt anyone.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Homemade pretzels soft easy recipes are best served fresh. Honestly, though, life happens. So, here's how to keep them in tip-top shape.

For short term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. To keep them even longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week.

Reheat in a low oven (about 300 degrees Farenheit ) to crisp them up again.

Want to freeze them? Go for it! Let them cool completely. Wrap them individually in cling film. Then, bung them in a freezer bag.

They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, defrost them completely and reheat. They are awesome Easy Pretzel Bites Recipe

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy a twist on the classic? Let’s do it. For a dietary adaptation, try using a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free Soft Pretzel Recipe .

Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.

Seasonally, get funky with the ingredients. In autumn, try adding a pinch of pumpkin spice to the dough. In summer, top with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

You can get a Chewy Pretzel Recipe from this with just minor tweaks.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat!

Let's be real. Homemade Soft Pretzels are a treat, not a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Each pretzel clocks in at around 250-300 calories.

They’ve got a decent amount of carbs. Some protein. A little bit of fat.

The baking soda bath gives them a unique flavour. The salt gives sodium but hey, it's all about balance!

So, there you have it! My take on recipe notes for this amazing Quick Soft Pretzel Recipe ! Remember, cooking should be fun.

So, don't be afraid to experiment. Mess around. And most importantly, enjoy every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

My yeast isn't foaming! Is my dough doomed?

Don't panic! First, double check the water temperature (105-115°F is the sweet spot, like a nice bath). If it's too hot, it kills the yeast; too cold, and it won't wake up. If the temperature is right and it's still not foaming after 10 minutes, your yeast might be past its prime.

Time to buy some fresh yeast; you can find it in most local stores, like Tesco or Sainsbury's.

Why is the baking soda bath so important for this simple pretzel recipe?

That baking soda bath is pure magic! It's what gives pretzels their signature dark, glossy crust and that distinctive, slightly alkaline pretzel flavour. Think of it as the secret ingredient that elevates your homemade pretzels from "just bread" to the real deal. It helps create that chewy texture we all love too!

Don't skip this step.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!

Absolutely! You can prepare the pretzel dough, let it rise once, and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and proceeding with the recipe. This makes it super convenient for a bake off on your schedule.

Help! My pretzels are flat and sad. What went wrong?

A few culprits could be at play here. Firstly, ensure your yeast is active. Secondly, make sure you kneaded the dough well enough proper kneading develops the gluten for structure. Thirdly, don't skip the proofing stage and ensure that the pretzels are baked for long enough.

Finally, ensure that the baking soda bath is hot enough.

How should I store these delightful homemade pretzels?

Freshly baked pretzels are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm them through.

You can also freeze baked pretzels for up to 2 months; just thaw them completely before reheating.

Can I adapt this simple pretzel recipe for different dietary needs?

Of course! For gluten-free pretzels, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can easily reduce the sugar content if needed. Consider swapping out the butter with coconut oil, or other alternatives, for a non-dairy friendly option. Just remember gluten-free doughs might behave slightly differently.