Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Buttery Soft Pretzels Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This easy homemade buttery soft pretzel recipe yields 12 golden, chewy pretzels in about one hour. Using simple pantry staples like yeast, flour, and butter, these pretzels boast a perfectly soft interior and a beautifully browned crust with a classic touch of coarse salt. The technique of boiling in a baking soda solution before baking gives them that signature pretzel texture and flavor. They are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, with an optional buttery finish for extra richness.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 pretzels

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115°F) milk or water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Boiling Solution

  • 9 cups water
  • 1/3 cup baking soda

Topping

  • 1 large egg (whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
  • Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Mix the dough: Whisk together the warm milk and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast foams and becomes activated.
  2. Knead the dough: Add the all-purpose flour, melted butter, and fine sea salt to the yeast mixture. Mix using a spoon until combined, then knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 4 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding more flour if sticky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 4 minutes.
  3. Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes until it doubles in size.
  4. Prep oven, baking sheet, and boiling solution: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large stockpot or saucepan, combine 9 cups of water with 1/3 cup baking soda and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Form the pretzels: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled work surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope. Shape each rope into a U, cross the ends over each other, and press the ends onto the bottom of the U to form the traditional pretzel shape.
  6. Boil the pretzels: Using a spatula, carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. Remove with the spatula and place onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them apart so they don’t touch.
  7. Add egg wash and salt: Brush the top of each boiled pretzel with the whisked egg and water mixture. Sprinkle generously with pretzel salt or coarse sea salt.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the pretzels are golden brown and reach your desired crust color. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
  9. Optional buttery finish: While still warm, brush the pretzels with extra melted butter for added richness and shine.
  10. Serve warm: Serve the pretzels warm for the best soft and chewy texture and flavor. They are perfect fresh from the oven.

Notes

  • Using warm milk or water activates the yeast effectively to ensure a good rise.
  • Boiling pretzels briefly in a baking soda solution is crucial for the classic pretzel crust and flavor.
  • Adjust flour amount as needed to achieve a soft but not sticky dough.
  • Brush with extra butter if you prefer a richer, more buttery flavor and softer crust.
  • Pretzel salt can be substituted with coarse sea salt if unavailable.
  • These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh the day they are baked, but can be reheated for serving next day.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/buttery-soft-pretzels-recipe/