Description
Soft, chewy, and golden brown homemade German pretzels with a classic bakery-style crust and crunchy coarse salt topping. These traditional pretzels are fluffy inside with a rich buttery flavor and authentic chewy texture thanks to a baking soda bath.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 cups water for boiling
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- Coarse salt for topping
- Optional egg wash for extra shine
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the melted butter, bread flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 20 to 24 inches long and shape into pretzels.
- Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully stir in the baking soda.
- Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush the pretzels with egg wash or melted butter if desired and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Bread flour creates the chewiest pretzel texture.
- The baking soda bath gives pretzels their classic crust and deep brown color.
- Brush with egg wash for a glossy bakery-style finish.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Great with mustard, cheese sauce, or garlic butter dip.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
