How Are Pretzels Made

How Are Pretzels Made?

The Dough

Recipes for dough differ depending upon the manufacturer, but for a basic pretzel recipe, mix together:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup water

2 tablespoons butter, room temperature

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

When the yeast begins to bubble, stir in 1-3/4 cups additional all-purpose flour until a stiff dough forms. Knead until the dough is a smooth, elastic ball and let rest for 1 hour until doubled in bulk.

Roll and Twist

Punch down the dough and roll out on a floured board. With a sharp knife, cut it into strips. Using your hands, roll each strip of dough into a rope 15- to 24-inches long, and shape into a pretzel twist.

Boiling

Boil the pretzels in a water bath to give them a firm crust. In a 2-quart non-reactive saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to boil. Add 5 teaspoons of baking soda. Gently place two raw pretzels at a time into the water. Boil for 1 minute. Using tongs, flip the pretzels and boil for another minute. Briefly drain on a rack, then transfer to a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper.

Top and Bake

Once on the baking sheet, top pretzels with coarse salt or other seasonings, and bake at 475 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden.

Tags: all-purpose flour, baking sheet, Pretzels Made