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Soft pretzels with golden twisted crusts and coarse salt served on a ceramic plate

Basic Soft Pretzels with Homemade Dough and a Rise

Soft pretzels are a homemade snack with a tender interior, chewy crust, and classic golden finish. This easy soft pretzel recipe is perfect for gatherings or whenever you want a fresh baked treat.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 189
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 package instant yeast
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • more flour for dusting
Pretzel Bath and Topping
  • 1/4 cup baking soda whisked into 3-4 cups warm water
  • 1 egg
  • coarse salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk together the warm milk, yeast, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the flour and stir until a dough forms, then move the dough to a floured surface and knead 10-15 times.
  2. Place the dough back in the bowl and drizzle with a little oil to help prevent sticking. Cover with a cloth or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour.
Shaping and Baking
  1. Press down the risen dough and divide it into 6-8 portions. Roll each portion into a long thin rope and shape each rope into a pretzel.
  2. Dip the shaped pretzels into the baking soda solution, then arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Brush the pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 450°F / 232°C for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Use only enough dusting flour to keep the dough from sticking while shaping.