She Strengthens

Unravel the Magic of Homemade Soft Pretzels

Are you ready to indulge in the soft, salty goodness of Germany’s famous festival treats? Look no further! With these simple steps, you can create mouthwatering soft pretzels in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a culinary newbie, this guide will walk you through the process of making these delicious treats with ease.

Tips for Baking with Kids

Baking with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires some planning and patience. Here are some tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable baking adventure with your mini-chefs:

• Prepare ahead: Gather all the ingredients and equipment before calling in the kids. This will save you time and reduce frustration.
• Keep it fun: Remember, baking with kids is about having fun together, not about achieving perfection.
• Assign tasks: Give each child a job to do, such as measuring ingredients, mixing, or shaping the pretzels. This will keep them engaged and excited about the process.

The Art of Serving Soft Pretzels

While soft pretzels are delicious on their own, they can be elevated to a whole new level with the right dipping sauce. Try pairing them with:

• Hazelnut spread: A sweet and nutty combination
• Cheese sauce: A creamy and indulgent option
• Mustard: A classic pairing that’s sure to please
• Peanut butter or jam: A sweet and satisfying combination
• Ranch dressing: A tangy and savory option

Or, if you prefer, you can dust your pretzels with cinnamon-sugar, everything bagel seasoning, or poppy seeds for added flavor and texture.

Equipment Essentials

Before you begin, make sure you have the following equipment:

• Half-sheet pans or cookie trays: For baking the pretzels
• Silpat sheets or parchment paper: For lining the pans
• Stand mixer with dough hook: For mixing and kneading the dough
• 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan: For boiling the pretzels
• Slotted spoon: For removing the pretzels from the water

Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe

Get ready to transport your taste buds to Oktoberfest with this classic soft pretzel recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 22 ounces all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
• Vegetable oil or cooking spray
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Pretzel salt, for topping

Instructions

1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a stand mixer bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam.
2. Add flour, salt, and butter to the bowl. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Remove the dough, wipe out the bowl, and oil it with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit in a warm place for 50 to 55 minutes or until it doubles in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two half-sheet pans with parchment paper or Silpat sheets and lightly brush with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
5. Bring the water and baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.
6. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll out each piece into a rope about 24 inches long. Shape into a pretzel and place on the prepared half-sheet pan.
7. Lower the pretzels into the boiling water for 30 seconds each, turning over halfway through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain off excess water.
8. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until dark golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Now, go ahead and indulge in the soft, salty goodness of your homemade soft pretzels!