Simple Soft Pretzels Made at Home from Norine’s Nest
These Simple Soft Pretzels are a homemade take on the classic snack, featuring a chewy, golden-brown crust and a soft, fluffy interior. Whether enjoyed plain, sprinkled with coarse salt, or dipped in mustard or cheese sauce, these pretzels are incredibly satisfying and easier to make than you might think. This recipe from Norine’s Nest delivers a foolproof way to bring the comforting taste of soft pretzels into your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 and 1/2 cups warm water
1 packet active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup baking soda
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Coarse salt for topping
Instructions
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
Stir in the salt and sugar until dissolved. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water to a boil and carefully stir in the baking soda.
While the water heats, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into a pretzel.
Using a slotted spatula, carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for 20 to 30 seconds. Place the boiled pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet.
Brush each pretzel with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until deep golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated the next day. For sweet pretzels, skip the salt topping and brush with melted butter after baking, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. You can also freeze shaped, unbaked pretzels after boiling and bake them straight from frozen when needed.