Cooking web notes

How To Make Homemade Soft Pretzels

Just like most people, I enjoy a good soft pretzel from time to time. However, I hate paying $3.00 for one at my local mall or area sporting event, when I can make a great tasting one at home.

This recipe was given to me by an Amish woman that I had gotten to know back in the late 1980's. The Amish here in South Central Pennsylvania, are great pretzel makers. This recipe will make 28-30 pretzels, so I recommend freezing the ones you won't be eating that day.

Pretzel Making Tips

1. You can buy kosher coarse salt at most grocery stores.
2. Follow the recipe closely and in the order that the steps are given.
3. If you want to freeze them after baking, cut the baking time down by 2-3 minutes. Let them completely cool, then wrap for freezing. To reheat them from the freezer, microwave on 50% power for 1 minute.

Soft Pretzels Recipe

2 1/2 cups warm water
2 packages dry yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
1 egg
7-8 cups all-purpose flour

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast; stir until yeast is dissolved. Stir in the granulated sugar, salt, butter, egg and 3 cups of flour. Beat mixture at medium speed until all ingredients are combined and smooth. Add remaining flour and mix until dough is still. Place dough mixture in refrigerate for 4 hours.

Remove dough and divide in half. Return the other half back to refrigerator until you have the other half worked. Place dough on a lightly floured dough board and divide into 15 equal pieces, form each piece into a log shape that measures 18" long. Shape into a pretzel form.

Place onto a greased cookie sheet or a baking sheet lined with a nonstick silicone baking mat. Brush each pretzel generously with egg white. Sprinkle each one with coarse salt. Let them sit on baking sheet to rise for 5 minutes. Place baking sheets into a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Article Copyright © 2009 By Shelly Hill and Shakin 'N Bakin Recipe Blog. This article can not be reproduced without my permission.