Homemade Pretzels

We had a playdate on Tuesday and we made yummy soft pretzels with the kids.  I had to dust off the archives to find this one, since I haven't made them since the good 'ol Home Ec days.  I would call them easy, but with a lot of steps. It sure was a crowd pleaser!

Homemade Soft Pretzels
1 package dry yeast
1-1/3 cup warm water plus an extra 2 Tablespoons
1/3 cup brown sugar
5 cups flour
1/2 baking soda
water for boiling
sea or kosher salt for sprinkling
3 T. melted butter

Optional: Cinnamon sugar, mustard, nacho cheese, or pizza sauce are all nice toppings.


Dissolve the yeast in the 2 tablespoons of warm water.  Add remaining 1-1/3 water and brown sugar. Stir to dissolve. Gradually add 5 cups of flour. and mix in a mixer with a dough hook attachment. Mix until dough forms into a ball.

Meanwhile, boil 2-3 quarts of water with the  baking soda and preheat the oven to 475 degrees.

Continue to knead ball until smooth.  Pinch off dough into golf ball sized chunks.  Roll the dough into a long snake.  Twist into a pretzel shape.

Lower the pretzel into the soda water and allow to boil for 30/60 seconds (or until it floats.) Remove from water and place on a greased cookie sheet. Spread with melted butter and top with salt, if desired.

Bake for 10 minutes in a 475 degree oven until golden.  Brush with butter again, Serve or roll in cinnamon sugar for a sweet version.