Pretzel Twists Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe | Chewy & Delicious
I’ve always been a huge fan of those big, soft pretzels you find at fairs and sporting events. The pillowy inside and slightly crisp, salty exterior are just irresistible. For a long time, I thought they were a special treat I could only enjoy on occasion. Then it hit me: why not try making them myself?
I was so thrilled to discover that creating these delicious soft pretzel twists at home is not only possible but surprisingly simple. Just like experimenting with other fun recipes, such as an Easy Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe, making pretzels at home gives you a satisfying hands-on cooking experience.
Ingredients for Pretzel Twists
Making these soft pretzels requires just a few basic pantry staples. The magic happens when these simple ingredients come together. Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing treats in your own kitchen.
- ¼ ounce packet active dry yeast – This is the key to getting that light, airy texture. Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results.
- 2 tablespoons sugar – A little bit of sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the saltiness.
- 1 ½ cups warm water – The water should be warm to the touch, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This forms the structure of your pretzel dough. You’ll add it gradually to get the right consistency.
- 2 teaspoons table salt – This is mixed into the dough itself to season it from the inside out.
- ¼ cup butter, melted – Melted butter adds richness and flavor, creating a tender crumb.
- 12 cups water – This is for the baking soda bath, which is a crucial step for authentic pretzel flavor and color.
- ¾ cup baking soda – Adding this to the water bath gives the pretzels their signature deep brown, crispy crust.
- 2 large eggs, whisked – An egg wash gives the pretzels a beautiful, glossy finish before baking.
- Coarse salt, for topping – This is for that classic pretzel crunch and salty flavor on the outside.
Note: This recipe makes about 12 servings. You can also pair these pretzels with a hearty meal, such as Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice, for a fun and comforting dinner.
Variations
While the classic recipe is fantastic, you can easily customize these pretzel twists to suit your taste. These simple swaps and additions can create entirely new flavor experiences.
- Sweet Twists: For a dessert version, skip the coarse salt topping. Instead, brush the baked pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle them with a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Cheesy Pretzels: After the egg wash, sprinkle the twists with shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese before baking for a savory, cheesy crust.
- Herb-Infused: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the flour mixture for an aromatic, savory dough.
- Pretzel Bites: Instead of forming long twists, cut the dough ropes into small, bite-sized pieces. Follow the same boiling and baking steps.
- Classic Pretzel Shape: If you’re feeling traditional, you can easily shape the dough into the classic pretzel loop instead of twists.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Equipment You’ll Need
- Stand Mixer: This makes kneading the dough incredibly easy, though you can also knead by hand.
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need this for letting the dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Baking Sheets: Use these to bake the pretzels to a perfect golden brown.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with this prevents the pretzels from sticking.
- Large Pot: This is for the baking soda water bath, which is essential for the pretzel-making process.
- Slotted Spoon: Safely transfer the boiled pretzels from the water to the baking sheet.
How to Make Pretzel Twists
This recipe might seem complex, but it breaks down into a few manageable stages. From mixing the dough to the final bake, each step is straightforward and contributes to the perfect final product. Following these instructions will give you soft, chewy, and delicious homemade pretzels.
Make the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Mix for about three minutes to allow the yeast to activate. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, followed by the table salt and melted butter. Continue to mix until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball.
Proof the Dough
Lightly spray a large mixing bowl with non-stick spray. Transfer the dough ball into the bowl and turn it over once to coat. Cover the bowl with a light kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let the dough rise for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Twists
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Cut the dough in half, and then cut each half into six equal pieces, for a total of 12. Roll each piece of dough into a 14-inch-long rope. Fold each rope in half and twist the dough over itself, pinching the ends to seal the shape.
Boil and Bake
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 12 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully place one or two pretzel twists into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then flip and boil for another 20 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzels and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, then brush each twist with the whisked egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until they are a deep golden brown.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making these pretzel twists a few times, I’ve picked up some small tricks that make a big difference. These are the personal touches that have taken my pretzels from good to great.
- I found that placing the bowl of dough in a slightly warm (but turned off) oven helps it rise perfectly, especially on colder days.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when you boil the pretzels. I do them one or two at a time to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to handle.
- For an extra-rich flavor, I like to brush the pretzels with a little bit of melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Be generous with the coarse salt topping. I’ve learned that some of it falls off during baking, so adding a little extra ensures you get that perfect salty bite.
How to Serve Pretzel Twists
These pretzel twists are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. For a classic snack, serve them warm with a side of spicy brown mustard or a smooth honey mustard dip. They are also fantastic with a warm cheddar cheese sauce or nacho cheese for a more indulgent treat. If you’re hosting a party, arrange them on a platter with a variety of dips to please all your guests.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one pretzel twist.
- Calories: 225 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 5g
Make Ahead and Storage
Planning and storing your pretzel twists properly ensures you can enjoy them fresh whenever you want.
Storing: Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They will maintain their softness and flavor.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled pretzels. Place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat room-temperature pretzels, bake them at 350°F for about 5 minutes. If reheating from frozen, bake them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with this homemade pretzel twist recipe. Here are a few that stand out.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, meaning you likely have most of what you need already. There’s no need for a special trip to the store for obscure items.
- Authentic Pretzel Taste: The baking soda bath is the secret to achieving that signature pretzel flavor and chewy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture. It makes them taste just like the ones from a specialty shop.
- Fun to Make: Rolling and shaping the dough is a fun, hands-on activity that’s great to do with family or friends. Everyone can get involved in twisting their own unique pretzel.
- Amazingly Versatile: These pretzels are perfect as a snack, an appetizer for a party, or even a side for a soup or salad. You can customize them with different toppings and serve them with各種 dips.
