Pretzel Dough

Unleash the magic of homemade pretzels with this easy and satisfying Pretzel Dough recipe! Perfectly chewy with a golden, salty crust, this versatile dough combines simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and melted butter, ensuring a rich, buttery flavor that’s hard to resist. The secret to achieving that signature pretzel texture lies in a quick baking soda water bath, giving each pretzel its deep brown color and distinctive bite. Ready in just 90 minutes with minimal hands-on effort, this recipe is ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re shaping soft pretzels for snacking or using the dough as a base for pretzel buns, this foolproof method will become your go-to. Garnish with coarse salt and serve these warm, freshly baked pretzels with your favorite dips like cheese sauce or mustard for an irresistible treat!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Warm water
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
• 0.67 cup Baking soda
• 10 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Coarse salt (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir lightly and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.

Step 2

Add the salt, melted butter, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3

Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, a little at a time, and knead the dough either by hand or with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough in it, and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them. Set aside.

Step 6

In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup of baking soda to a boil. Lower the heat to keep it at a simmer.

Step 7

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, about 20 inches long, and shape into a pretzel by forming a U-shape and twisting the ends together before pressing them down onto the base.

Step 8

Using a slotted spatula or spoon, dip each pretzel into the simmering baking soda water for 20-30 seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9

Sprinkle coarse salt over the tops of the pretzels while they are still damp from the water bath.

Step 10

Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown.

Step 11

Remove the pretzels from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3476.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2020.1

Total Fat 28.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 56147.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 381.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 13.6g
Protein 52.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 217.3mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 663.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 12.7%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 76.8%