Pretzel Twists Recipe
These classic Pretzel Twists are soft, chewy, and golden-brown on the outside with a tender interior, made from scratch using a simple yeast dough. Boiled briefly in a baking soda bath for authentic texture, then brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with coarse salt, they provide a perfect snack or appetizer with a traditional German twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pretzels 1x
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4.5 cups (567 g) all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups (355 ml) warm water
- 1 packet (7 g / 0.25 oz) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsps (25 g) sugar
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2 tsps table salt
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter, melted
Boiling Bath
- ¾ cup (170 g) baking soda
- 12 cups (2.8 l) water
Topping
- Coarse salt, for topping
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a spacious mixing bowl, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic for 3-4 minutes.
- Dough Preparation: Gradually fold flour into the yeast mixture, blending until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Incorporate melted butter and salt, kneading thoroughly until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased container, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment until its volume doubles, about one hour.
- Shaping: Gently deflate the risen dough onto a flour-dusted surface. Divide into 12 uniform segments, rolling each into 14-inch elongated strips. Fold and twist each piece, pinching ends to create distinctive pretzel shapes.
- Boiling Bath: Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a vigorous boil. Submerge each pretzel for 30-40 seconds, ensuring complete coverage, then extract with a slotted utensil and arrange on a prepared baking sheet.
- Finishing Touches: Whisk eggs and brush generously over each pretzel surface. Sprinkle with coarse salt for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Baking: Place pretzels in a preheated 450°F oven, baking until they transform into a rich, golden-brown color, approximately 12-15 minutes. Remove and allow to cool slightly before serving, savoring their crisp exterior and soft interior.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to perfectly activate yeast without killing it.
- Dough Rising Hack: Choose a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or in a turned-off oven with the light on for optimal rising.
- Boiling Technique: Keep water at a rolling boil and limit each pretzel’s bath to 30-40 seconds for that signature chewy exterior and glossy finish.
- Salt Selection: Use coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for authentic texture and flavor burst – table salt won’t deliver the same crisp, bold results.
Keywords: pretzels, pretzel twists, soft pretzels, baking soda bath, German snacks, homemade pretzels, yeast dough pretzels
Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/pretzel-twists-recipe/
