Like in New York – Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe.

Homemade pretzels are a classic snack that’s fun to make and delicious to enjoy. Here’s a simple recipe for making soft and chewy pretzels:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F or 45°C)
• 1 packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil

For Boiling:

• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda

For Topping:

• Coarse salt (such as pretzel salt)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dough:
   • Add the salt and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
3. First Rise:
   • 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.
4. Shape the Pretzels:
   • Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 20-22 inches long. Shape each rope into a pretzel by forming a U-shape, crossing the ends, and twisting them together before pressing them onto the curved part of the U.
5. Boil the Pretzels:
   • In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda carefully (it will fizz).
   • Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake:
   • Sprinkle the boiled pretzels with coarse salt while they are still wet.
   • Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
7. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove the pretzels from the oven and brush them with melted butter while they are still warm.