Pretzels are a fantastic snack from Germany that you can make more easily than you might think. Unlike crispy pretzels, these are doughy and soft and are absolutely delicious. Here’s how you can make them.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
- Butter (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the mixture, stir, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheets with baking paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and shape it into a pretzel.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add baking soda to the boiling water. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. If you want a shiny finish, you can bush your pretzels with melted butter. Enjoy!
