Description
Classic German pretzels with a chewy golden crust and soft, pillowy interior. Perfect for snacking, dipping, or pairing with your favorite mustard or cheese.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups (480g) – Provides the structure and chewiness for the dough.
- Warm Water: 1 and 1/2 cups (355ml) – Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 and 1/4 teaspoons – Helps the dough rise and gives it a slight yeasty flavor.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon – Adds a subtle sweetness and helps yeast fermentation.
- Salt: 2 teaspoons – Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted – Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 cup – Used in the boiling step for that signature pretzel crust.
- Coarse Sea Salt: for topping – Gives the traditional salty crunch on top.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes, then add flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Slowly add baking soda.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide dough into 8 pieces, roll into ropes, and twist into classic pretzel shapes.
- Cook to Perfection: Dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Place on prepared sheets.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and bake for 12–14 minutes or until deep golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let cool slightly and serve warm with mustard or cheese dip.
Notes
- Tip: For a softer crust, reduce baking time by 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze shaped raw pretzels before boiling and baking for quick snacks later.
- Flavor Variations: Try topping with sesame seeds, cheese, or cinnamon sugar.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg