Soft Pretzels Recipe: How to Make the Classic German Bread

If you have been looking for a simple and tasty soft pretzel recipe, this one is for you. The result is a batch of chewy, golden brown pretzels that taste just like the ones from your favorite bakery.

Ingredients:

- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)

- 1 packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 2/3 cup baking soda

- 1 large egg (beaten)

- Coarse salt, for topping

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

2. Mix the Dough: Add salt and flour to the yeast mixture, one cup at a time, while stirring with a wooden spoon. When the dough starts to come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

4. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.

5. Shape the Pretzels: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20 inches long. To shape the dough into a pretzel, form the rope into a U shape. Cross the ends over each other twice to make a twist, then fold the twisted ends down toward the bottom of the U and press them gently onto the dough to form the classic pretzel loop.

6. Boil the Pretzels: Drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Brush and Bake: Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt on top. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn deep golden brown.

8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the pretzels cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm with mustard, cheese dip, or even melted butter.

This soft pretzel recipe can be improved with some practical tricks to get the best results every time. Here are some useful tips to make your pretzels soft, flavorful, and perfect.

1. Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water before baking is essential. It gives them that chewy crust and beautiful golden color.

2. Use Bread Flour for Extra Chewiness: While all-purpose flour works well, using bread flour adds more structure and makes the pretzel chewier.

3. Rest the Dough Before Shaping: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes after kneading. This helps relax the gluten and makes it easier to roll and shape.

4. Avoid Overboiling: Boil each pretzel for no more than 30 seconds. Longer boiling can make them too tough.

5. Try Different Toppings: Instead of just salt, sprinkle sesame seeds, garlic powder, or cinnamon sugar for a fun twist.

6. Use a Silicone Baking Mat: It prevents sticking and helps your pretzels bake evenly without burning the bottom.

7. Reheat Properly: If you want to enjoy leftover pretzels later, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their softness.

Once you finish your soft pretzel recipe, it’s important to know how to store them to keep that fresh, chewy texture. Soft pretzels can dry out quickly, so storing them properly helps them stay delicious longer.

If you plan to eat them within a day, keep the pretzels at room temperature in an airtight container or plastic wrap. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as refrigeration can make them hard and stale.

For longer storage, freeze your soft pretzels. Wrap each pretzel tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. When you want to eat them, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps restore their original softness and flavor, making your soft pretzel recipe taste as good as freshly baked.