Description
These soft and buttery pretzel twists are golden on the outside with a pillowy, tender center. Perfectly salted and rich, they’re great for dipping or enjoying on their own—ideal for snacks, brunch, or game day.
Ingredients
1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
10 cups water
⅔ cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Coarse salt (pretzel salt or coarse sea salt), for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in melted butter, then gradually add flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, lightly greasing them.
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
- Divide risen dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a 20–24 inch rope. Shape into twists or traditional pretzel shapes.
- Gently lower each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to baking sheets using a slotted spatula.
- Brush each pretzel with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until deeply golden brown. Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Top with shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.
For a sweet version, skip the salt and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking.
Whole wheat flour adds a wholesome, nutty flavor.
Stuff with cheese or sausage for a hearty variation.
Reduce baking soda bath to 20 seconds for a softer crust.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
