Aunt Kimmie’s Soft Pretzels Recipe
Description: Aunt Kimmie’s Pretzels, as my family fondly calls them, are the epitome of comfort food bliss. Say goodbye to the mall runs because these homemade soft pretzels are irresistibly delicious and easy to make right in your own kitchen!
Recipe Category: Yeast Breads 🍞
Keywords: Breads, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Weeknight, Bread Machine, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 211.8
- Fat: 3.9g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 154.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 37.7g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 1.7g
- Protein: 5.7g
Servings: 8 Large Pretzels
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry Active Yeast | 1 packet |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Flour | 3 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coarse Salt | 2 tablespoons (for topping) |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon (for brushing) |
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Grease a cookie sheet and set it aside.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
Using a Bread Machine:
- Place the ingredients in the bread machine pan in the order suggested by the manufacturer.
- Select the White Bread setting, Manual, and then press Start.
- After the machine completes the second rising cycle, it will beep.
-
Shaping the Pretzels:
- Remove the dough onto a very lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
- Further divide each fourth into 3 pieces.
- Roll each piece into an 18-inch rope.
- Shape each rope into a circle, overlapping about 4 inches, and leaving the ends free.
- Take one end in each hand and twist at the point where the dough overlaps.
- Carefully lift the ends across to the opposite edge of the circle.
- Tuck the ends under the edge to make a pretzel shape, moisten, and press the ends to seal.
- Place the shaped pretzels on the greased cookie sheet.
-
Rising and Preparing the Water Bath:
- Let the pretzels rise, uncovered, until they are puffy, for about 20 minutes.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, combine 2 quarts of water and 1/3 cup baking soda, then bring it to a boil.
-
Boiling the Pretzels:
- Lower 1 or 2 pretzels into the saucepan at a time.
- Simmer for 10 seconds on each side.
- Lift the pretzels from the water with a slotted spoon and return them to the greased cookie sheet.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Let the pretzels dry briefly.
- Brush each pretzel with beaten egg white.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt or sesame seeds, or leave them plain.
- If you prefer them plain, dip them into melted butter after baking, then into a cinnamon and sugar mixture.
-
Baking:
- Bake the pretzels at 425°F (220°C) for 4 minutes.
- Rotate the cookie sheet and bake for an additional 4 minutes until golden brown and deliciously fragrant.
-
Enjoy!
- These soft pretzels are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. Serve them as a delightful snack or pair them with your favorite dips for a truly satisfying treat. 🥨🤤
Notes:
- Feel free to get creative with toppings and dips to suit your taste preferences.
- These pretzels can also be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days, but they’re truly at their best when freshly baked.
- Share them with family and friends, or keep them all to yourself for a delightful indulgence anytime! 🥨❤️
