Soft and Chewy Pretzel Delights Recipe
Soft and Chewy Pretzel Delights are classic homemade pretzels with a satisfyingly soft interior and chewy crust. By briefly boiling the shaped dough in a baking soda solution before baking, you achieve the signature pretzel texture and golden-brown color that’s perfect for snacking or serving with dips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 medium pretzels 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling solution)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water with the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Mix in the flour and salt, and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into long ropes about 20 inches long, and shape them into traditional pretzel forms by forming a U-shape, crossing the ends over twice, then pressing them down onto the bottom of the U.
- Boil the pretzels: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop pretzels one at a time into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the pretzels: Bake the boiled pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with coarse salt before baking for extra flavor.
Notes
- Using baking soda in the boiling water is essential to develop the pretzels’ unique crust and flavor.
- Ensure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the pretzels to get the perfect chewy texture.
- For softer pretzels, brush melted butter over them immediately after baking.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for better texture and flavor.
- Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container; reheat gently to restore softness.
Keywords: soft pretzels, chewy pretzels, baking soda pretzels, homemade pretzels, snack recipes
