How do I make soft and chewy pretzels?

Get your dough on and whip up soft and chewy handmade pretzels that will make your taste buds dance with joy! It's pretzel perfection!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I make soft and chewy pretzels. Items include: Warm water Sugar Salt Active dry yeast All-purpose flour Baking soda Melted butter

Warm water 2 cups
Sugar 1 tablespoon
Salt 2 teaspoons
Active dry yeast 2 and 1/4 teaspoons
All-purpose flour 5 cups
Baking soda 1/4 cup
Melted butter 1/4 cup

Take note
Be careful when working with boiling water and hot ovens. Keep a safe distance and use oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands from burns.

1

Gather the Ingredients

To start your pretzel adventure, gather the following ingredients: 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup of melted butter.

2

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, and stir until the dough forms a ball. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3

Let it Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to catch up on your favorite TV show or practice your dance moves!

4

Shape and Boil

Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Punch down the dough and divide it into equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape it into a pretzel by making a loop with the ends, crossing them over, and pressing them onto the bottom of the loop. Boil each pretzel in the water with the baking soda for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to a greased baking sheet.

5

Bake and Brush

Brush the pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle them with coarse salt or your favorite seasonings. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop a lovely aroma. Keep an eye on them, because you don't want to risk over-baking!

6

Enjoy the Pretzel Perfection

Once the pretzels are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before diving in. Serve them warm and dip them in mustard, cheese sauce, or any other condiment that tickles your taste buds. You've just unlocked the ultimate pretzel experience!