Baked Soft Pretzels

Directions

  1. 1In a stand mixer, add 1 cup warm water and 2 teaspoons active dry yeast.
  2. 2Allow the yeast to proof and become bubbly for about 5 minutes.
  3. 3With the dough hook attached, mix in ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3 cups all-purpose flour one cup at a time.
  4. 4If the dough is too dry, add in 1 additional tablespoon of water.
  5. 5Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it into a ball.
  6. 6Place the dough into a large bowl and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil on top.
  7. 7Cover the bowl with a towel and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size.
  8. 8Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. 9Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces.
  10. 10Roll each piece into a long rope and then twist it into a pretzel shape.
  11. 11Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  12. 12Add 2 cups hot water and ¼ cup baking soda together in a medium-sized bowl.
  13. 13Dip each pretzel into the water mixture and place them onto the baking sheets.
  14. 14Sprinkle the top with coarse salt for topping.
  15. 15Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
  16. 16Serve with homemade cheese sauce on the side.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 0.25 cup baking soda
  • coarse salt for topping
  • cheese dip for serving

Equipment

stand mixerdough hooklarge bowltowelparchment paperbaking sheetsmedium-sized bowl

Tips

  • If the dough is too dry, add 1 additional tablespoon of water.
  • If you skip the baking soda bath, set your oven to broil for the last 5 minutes of your bake time or use an egg wash of one beaten egg instead.
  • For dessert pretzels, omit salt and brush with butter and cinnamon sugar after baking.
  • Add pepperoni in the last few minutes of baking for a pepperoni pretzel.
  • To store baked pretzels at room temperature, cover with a dish towel and keep in a storage container for up to 2 days.
  • To refrigerate baked pretzels, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • To freeze baked pretzels, freeze for up to 1 month.
  • To reheat baked pretzels, wet them slightly and heat in oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or microwave for a few seconds at a time.
  • To refrigerate pretzel dough, store in an airtight container for up to one day.
  • To freeze pretzel dough, freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To thaw frozen dough, place in the refrigerator overnight.
  • After thawing frozen dough, allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes before continuing with the recipe.