Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe- Mickey Mouse Shaped!

Have you ever made soft pretzels? They are so simple; you probably already have all the ingredients you need in your pantry! You can whip up a batch of soft pretzels in no time flat! If you’re feeling creative, you can even make them into your favorite shape(Mickey Mouse for me!).

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These soft pretzels are very versatile. You can make them into pretzel bites, sticks, or shapes. Sprinkle them with salt, garlic, or cinnamon and sugar. If you’re ambitious, you can whip up a cheese or frosting dipping sauce to go with them! They are always gone at my house before I can get as far as a dipping sauce. These babies are a family favorite!

Alright, let’s talk about soft pretzels. These chewy, salty delights have a history as twisted and fascinating as their shape. Did you know that soft pretzels are believed to have originated in Europe, possibly in Germany or Italy, way back in the Middle Ages? Monks are often credited with their creation, using the dough to teach children prayers in a fun and edible way. Talk about a tasty lesson!

Nowadays, soft pretzels have become an iconic snack worldwide, from bustling city streets to a favorite at Disney theme parks! They’re not just a snack; they’re a cultural institution! And while eating one at Disneyland is one of my favorite pastimes, what about when I’m not in the parks? Thank goodness soft pretzels are so easy to make at home!

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Sure, it might seem daunting at first, but homemade soft pretzels are worth the effort. Not only can you customize them to your heart’s content (extra salt, anyone?), but there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from pulling a batch of warm, golden-brown pretzels out of your own oven.

So, what can you expect from this blog post? We’ll cover everything you need to know to become a pretzel-making pro, from the basic ingredients and equipment you’ll need to the step-by-step process of crafting these tasty treats. Plus, we’ll throw in some tips and tricks for perfecting your pretzel game!

Easy Soft Pretzels Ingredients & Essentials

Let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own batch of homemade soft pretzels:

List of Ingredients For Soft Pretzels

• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Coarse salt for topping (optional)
• 1 whole egg(optional for egg wash)

For the baking soda bath:

• 3 quarts water
• 2/3 cup baking soda

See? You already have all these ingredients sitting in your kitchen! I told you so. It’s a sign that you need to make these delicious soft pretzels. 

Alright, let’s chat about the tools of the trade! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own batch of homemade soft pretzels:

Essential Kitchen Tools Required

• Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine your ingredients and knead your dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial to baking success, so make sure you have measuring cups and spoons on hand.
• Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap: You’ll need something to cover your dough while it rises to keep it cozy and happy.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for baking your pretzels to golden perfection.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: To prevent your pretzels from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Large Pot: You’ll need a large pot to boil your pretzels before baking.
• Slotted Spoon: A slotted spoon or spatula will come in handy for removing your pretzels from the boiling water.
• Pastry Brush: To achieve an irresistible golden finish, brush melted butter onto your pretzels with a pastry brush or you can use an egg wash.

Tips for Making the Process Easier

Now, let’s talk about how to make the pretzel-making process as smooth as possible:

• Prep Ahead: Measure out all your ingredients and set them on the counter before you start. This will help you stay organized and ensure you have everything you need.
• Keep it Warm: Yeast loves warmth, so make sure your water is at the right temperature (around 110°F) to activate the yeast. If your kitchen is chilly, place your dough in a warm spot to help it rise faster.
• Get Hands-On: Kneading the dough by hand is therapeutic and helps develop the gluten, resulting in a chewy texture. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! I like to knead my dough with a dough hook for the first 5 minutes or so and then finish it by hand.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Enlist the help of friends or family members to make the process more fun. Plus, you’ll have extra hands for shaping and twisting those pretzels!
• Don’t Stress About Perfection: Remember, homemade pretzels are supposed to have a rustic charm. Embrace the imperfections and know that each pretzel will be unique and delicious in its own way.

It’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of making homemade soft pretzels! Get ready to roll up your sleeves and have fun in the kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your very own twisted treats.

Easy Soft Pretzel Making Steps

Preparation Steps Before Making the Dough

1. Gather your ingredients and equipment: Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. This includes measuring your flour, melting your butter, and ensuring your water is at the right temperature for activating the yeast.
2. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

1. Combine the water, sugar, yeast and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and let sit for about 5 minutes.
2. Once the yeast is bubbly add the salt and flour and mix on low speed with the dough hook until combined. If the dough appears too wet, add additional flour 1 Tablespoon at at time. Increase the speed to medium and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the side of the bowl. About 3-4 minutes.
3. Once the yeast is bubbly add the salt and flour and mix on low speed with the dough hook until combined. If the dough appears too wet, add additional flour 1 Tablespoon at at time.
4. Increase the speed to medium and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the side of the bowl. About 5-7 minutes.

Let The Dough Rise

​1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. I spray it with cooking spray. Turn the dough over so it’s coated with oil on all sides. 

 2. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise until it has doubled about 1 hour. Your dough will rise quicker if you put it in a warm place.

Shaping the Pretzels

1. Divide the dough into equal pieces, depending on how many pretzels you want to make.
2. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 20-22 inches long.
3. Shape the dough into a pretzel: Form a U-shape, then cross the ends over each other and press them down onto the bottom of the U to create that classic pretzel shape. It’s like tying a delicious doughy knot! I like to make mine into three circles in honor of Mickey Mouse, but if I’m in a hurry, I roll the dough into ropes and then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Soft pretzel bites are delicious and an easy way to serve them.

D. Boiling the Pretzels:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Carefully add baking soda to the boiling water (watch out—it may bubble up!). This is what gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden color.
3. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds on each side, using a slotted spoon to flip them. Then, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.

Baking and Finishing Touches

1. Once all your pretzels are boiled and on a large baking sheet, brush them with melted butter or an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.
2. Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and irresistible.
3. Let them cool for a few minutes before devouring (if you can wait that long)!

And there you have it—your homemade soft pretzels are ready to be enjoyed! Whether you’re snacking on them straight out of the oven or saving them for later, one thing’s for sure: they’ll be absolutely delicious. So grab a pretzel (or two) and savor every twisted bite! 🥨😋

Troubleshooting Common Issues & Tips

Let’s dive into some pro tips to ensure your homemade pretzels turn out absolutely perfect:

1. Dough Too Sticky: If your dough sticks to your hands or the work surface, add a flour sprinkle. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make your pretzels tough.
2. Dough Not Rising: If your dough isn’t rising, it may be due to expired yeast or water that’s too hot or too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your water is around 110°F. You can also try placing the dough in a warmer spot to help it along.
3. Uneven Coloring: If your pretzels are browning unevenly in the oven, try rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning on all sides.

How to Achieve the Perfect Texture

1. Chewy, Not Tough: To achieve the perfect chewy texture, do not over-knead your dough. You want to knead it just until it’s smooth and elastic, which usually takes 5-7 minutes.
2. The Boil Makes a Difference: Boiling the pretzels in a baking soda bath before baking gives them that signature chewy exterior. Make sure the water is gently boiling and that you only boil the pretzels for about 30 seconds on each side.
3. Brush with Butter: As soon as your pretzels come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for an extra touch of flavor and shine. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in the final product.

Flavor Variations and Toppings

1. Sweet or Savory: While classic salted pretzels are always a hit, get creative with your flavors. For a savory twist, experiment with different toppings like cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, or even everything bagel seasoning.
2. Cheese Lovers Unite: Sprinkle shredded cheese on the tops of your pretzels before baking for a gooey, cheesy treat.
3. Dip it Good: For a sweet treat, serve your pretzels with an assortment of dipping sauces, such as mustard, cheese sauce, or chocolate ganache.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

1. Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover pretzels (although they’re sure to disappear quickly!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
2. Reheating: To reheat your pretzels, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick snack—just be sure not to overheat them, or they may become tough.

Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and try this easy soft pretzel recipe for yourself! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a warm, freshly baked pretzel that you made with your own two hands. So don’t be afraid to get in the kitchen and get twisting!

 Once you’ve whipped up a batch of homemade soft pretzels, I’d love to hear how it went! Did you encounter any challenges along the way? Did you experiment with different flavors or toppings? Share your experiences and photos with me—I’d love to see your pretzel creations and hear about your pretzel-making adventures.

And remember, whether you’re baking up a batch of buttery soft pretzels for a party, a cozy night in, or just because you’re missing the Disney parks, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. So go ahead, get baking, and let the delicious aroma of freshly baked pretzels fill your kitchen. Happy baking, my fellow pretzel lovers! 🥨✨

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Easy Soft Pretzels

Soft, chewy pretzels that are simple to make and you probably already have all the ingredients to make them right in your pantry! Dress them up with a little cinnaomn and sugar or just go with traditional salt. Doesn't matter to me, you can't to wrong either way!

5 from 1 vote

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Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 Cups Warm Water
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1 Package Active Dry Yeast or 2 1/4 teaspoons
• 6 Tablespoons Butter Melted
• 2 1/2 teaspoons Salt
• 4 1/2- 5 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 3 Quarts Water
• 2/3 Cup Baking Soda
• 1 Whole Egg Beaten with 1 Tablespoon cold water
• Coarse Salt

Instructions

 

• Combine the water, sugar, yeast and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and let sit for about 5 minutes.
  
• Once the yeast is bubbly add the salt and flour and mix on low speed with the dough hook until combined. If the dough appears too wet, add additional flour 1 Tablespoon at at time. Increase the speed to medium and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the side of the bowl. About 3-4 minutes.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place in oiled bowl. I just spray it with cooking spray. Turn the dough over so it's coated with oil on all sides. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let sit until it has doubled in size. About 1 hour.
  
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees
• Bring the water to a boil in a pot over high heat and add the baking soda.
  
• Remove the dough from the bowl and roll into long ropes. You can then use a pizza cutter to cut them into bites, sticks or feel free to shape them any way you like. The dough is very easy to work with.
• Boil the pretzel dough in the water solution in bathes. Boil for about 30 seconds and remove with a slotted spoon
• Place Pretzels on a greased baking sheet or cover sheet with baking mat or parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching
• Brush the tops with the egg wash solution or melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Omit the salt if you are making cinnamon sugar pretzels.
• Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden brown. Watch them carefully so they don't burn!
  
• For cinnamon and sugar version: When pretzels have cooled a bit, dip the tops in melted butter and then dip in cinnamon sugar

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I'm Melissa, your Disney vacation aficionado and full-time mom to four. Whether it's sipping Diet Dr. Pepper or sharing unbeatable Disney planning tips, I'm all about adding a touch of magic to everyday life. Let me help turn your Disney dreams into reality with insider advice and customized planning strategies. Join me on this magical journey and make every Disney adventure unforgettable! Read more...