These classic homemade pretzels are soft chewy and perfectly golden. Made with a simple yeast dough and finished with a traditional water bath they deliver that authentic pretzel flavour and texture.
Ingredients
Dough
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5 cups plus 2 tablespoons bread flour
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1½ cups minus ½ tablespoon water
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2 teaspoons salt
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1¼ teaspoons instant yeast
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2 tablespoons soft butter
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¼ teaspoon diastatic malt powder
Water Bath (choose one)
Baking Soda Bath
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6 cups water
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2 tablespoons baking soda
OR Lye Bath
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20 g food grade lye
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500 g cold water
Topping
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Coarse sea salt kosher salt or pretzel salt
Method
Step 1 Make the Dough
Combine all dough ingredients in a bowl or stand mixer. Mix until a smooth elastic dough forms.
If using a stand mixer mix on low for 3 minutes then medium for about 5 minutes.
Step 2 First Rise
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 45 minutes.
Step 3 Fold the Dough
Uncover and fold the dough over itself four times turning the bowl after each fold.
Cover again and let rise for another 45 minutes.
Step 4 Divide
Gently deflate the dough and divide into 10 equal pieces about 100 g each.
Shape into rough logs cover and rest for 20 minutes.
Step 5 Shape
Roll each piece into an 18 to 22 inch rope and twist into a pretzel shape.
Place on lined or lightly greased baking sheets.
Step 6 Chill
Cover the pretzels. Let rest for 30 minutes then refrigerate until fully chilled about 60 minutes total.
Step 7 Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 450°F or 230°C.
Step 8 Water Bath
Baking Soda Method
Boil water and baking soda. Add 3 to 4 pretzels at a time and boil for 1 minute.
Remove slash the base and return to baking sheet.
Lye Method
Wearing gloves and eye protection dissolve lye in cold water.
Dip each pretzel for 10 to 15 seconds then place on rack to drain.
Transfer to lined baking sheet slash salt and bake.
Step 9 Salt
Sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt if desired.
Step 10 Bake
Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until deep golden brown.
Cool on a rack before serving.
FAQs
Which water bath is better
Lye gives the most authentic pretzel flavour baking soda is safer and still delicious.
Can I skip the chilling step
Chilling helps the pretzels keep their shape and improves texture.
How do I store pretzels
Keep wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make them plain or flavored
Yes you can skip salt or add cheese herbs or cinnamon sugar after baking.
