Pretzels (soft)
So easy, quick and delicious. 35 minutes from bowl to mouth!
Our grandkids love to make and eat these. Just like playing with play dough!
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 c. warm water (not hot)
- 1 Tbls. rapid rise or fast acting yeast
- 1 Tbls. white sugar
- 4 c. all-purpose white flour
- 1 egg with a little bit of water
- coarse kosher or sea salt for sprinkling
- Pizza sauce (for pretzels sprinkled with Italian seasoning)
Instructions
In the large bowl of a Kitchen-aid stand mixer with dough hook, combine flour, sugar, yeast and stir to combine with a wire whisk. Gradually add the warm water and mix on low until a nice dough forms. If dough doesn't look like it is coming together when mixing just add another tablespoon of warm water.
Divide dough into 8 balls depending. On a smooth surface (don't need flour), using your hands, roll into long strips. Form into traditional pretzel shapes, twists or whatever shape you like (i.e. letters).
Place pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg mixture and sprinkle with kosher salt to your liking.
Bake about 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees, or until deep golden brown. Awesome served warm right out of the oven.
Wrap each leftover pretzel in Saran Wrap and place in a ziplock bag. Leftover pretzels are good eaten at room temp or warm a bit in microwave, if desired.
You can also assemble ahead and freeze. Just thaw in refrigerate and bake when ready to eat.
VARIATIONS:
Pizza Pretzels: Add ½ cup low-fat sharp cheddar cheese and 3 oz. chopped pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni for less fat) when mixing the dough. After brushing with egg wash, top with kosher salt and any other seasonings you like such as: course black pepper, a few red pepper flakes, oregano, Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm dipped in pizza sauce if you like.
Seasoned Pretzels: In a small bowl, add 1 t. each of coarse black pepper, coarse sea salt (or 1/2 t. kosher salt), crushed dry rosemary and ½ t. onion powder. Sprinkle on pretzels after the egg wash.
Everything Seasoning: Use this quick link to access my Everything Seasoning recipe.
Cinnamon and Sugar: Mix a little cinnamon and sugar together. Sprinkle on pretzels after egg wash. Kids especially like them this way.
Smoked Sea Salt or Kosher Salt:: Sprinkle either salt on pretzels to your liking.