Soft Pretzel

Chef Chocoholic's Note:

This is by far the best pretzel recipe I have done. It has to rise only 1 time, and you don't have to boil them. Each time they come out of the oven PERFECT. Taken from Readers Digest book "Homemade". You must try this recipe. It's the best!!

• Total Time: 16 mins
• Prep Time: 1 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 6.0 Pretzels

• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water (110 F-115 F)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• coarse salt

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast and warm water, and stir to dissolve the yeast. Stir in the sugar and salt. Add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a soft dough.
2. On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and knead until the dough is soft and elastic, about 5 minutes (the dough will be slightly sticky). Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat the top of the dough ball with oil. Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm (70°F-80°F) place until it is doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°F Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll 1 dough portion into a 14" long rope; twist the rope into a pretzel shape---an oval with overlapping ends in the middle. Place the pretzel on a lightly greased baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough portions. Brush each pretzel with the melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake the pretzels until they are golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the pretzels to wire racks to cool slightly.
5. Variation: Whole wheat pretzels: Substitute 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour for the flour.

Reviews

[Sydney Mike]

After reading jo-mama's review, I was tempted to boil the pretzels as well, but then decided to just go with what you're posted & I wasn't disappointed in the least! Although another time I might just try the whole wheat four, we were very pleased with these pretzels as given here! Thanks for sharing this simple recipe! [Made & reviewed for one of my adopted chefs in this Spring's Pick A Chef]

[jo_mama]

I needed to add a little more water to get my dough to come together. Once it did, though, it was fine. Before baking, I tested boiling the pretzels--I boiled three and left three un-boiled and then baked them. I think I prefer the boiled pretzels. They had the traditional pretzel look and texture. The unboiled pretzels raised more in the oven while baking, and were not as moist. Thanks for sharing!

[Mindelicious]

So super easy!!!! I could not believe I actually made these & they turned out just like Super Pretzels!! The directions were clear & I loved skipping the boiling! I used half whole wheat and they still turned out fine!! Thanks for a keeper!!