3 Friends and Our Food

Soft Pretzels

This is a fun and yummy recipe to make with your kids!

1 (.25 oz.) package active dry yeast
2 T. brown sugar
1 t. salt
1 ½ c. warm water (110˚F)
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. bread flour
2 c. warm water
2 T. baking soda
2-3 T. butter, melted
Kosher salt and/or cinnamon and sugar to top the pretzels

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 ½ cups warm water. Stir in flour and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes (I usually do this in my stand mixer for 4 to 5 minutes with a dough hook). Place in a greased bowl and turn to coat the surface. Cover, and let rise for one hour.

Combine 2 cups warm water and baking soda in a 9x9 square pan.

After dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 12” rope, approximately. Twist into desired shape (i.e. letter, heart, knot, etc.) and dip into the baking soda solution. Place six pretzels at a time onto parchment covered cookie sheets (I use my Silpat) and let rise 15 to 20 minutes (I usually just put mine right into the oven).

Bake at 450˚F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt, garlic salt or cinnamon and sugar.

Sarah R.