Best 2 Chewy Soft Pretzels Recipes

Indulge in the delightful world of pretzels, where crispy exteriors meet soft and chewy interiors. These twisted treats, often coated in salt or sugar, have captivated taste buds for centuries. From classic lye pretzels to modern variations infused with unique flavors and fillings, this article presents a tantalizing journey into the realm of pretzel-making. Discover the secrets behind achieving that perfect golden-brown crust and explore a diverse collection of recipes that cater to every palate and occasion. Whether you prefer traditional Bavarian pretzels or are eager to experiment with sweet and savory twists, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to create irresistible pretzels that will leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHEWY SOFT PRETZELS

Chewy Soft Pretzels image

These homemade pretzels never last long around our house. My kids love to make them...and eat them! I serve them to company with a variety of dips, such as pizza sauce, ranch dressing, spinach dip or hot mustard. -Elvira Martens, Aldergrove, British Columbia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Snacks

Time 1h15m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
4 to 4-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
8 cups water
1/2 cup baking soda
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Optional toppings: Kosher salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine sugar, salt, yeast mixture and 2 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough. , Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch down dough; divide and shape into 12 balls. Roll each into a 22-in. rope; shape into a pretzel., Preheat oven to 425°. Place water and baking soda in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Place pretzels, 1 at a time, in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove; drain on paper towels that have been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. , Place on greased baking sheets. Brush with egg; top as desired. Bake until golden brown, 12-14 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks; serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 164 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 400mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

CHEWY PHILADELPHIA-STYLE SOFT PRETZELS

Chewy Philadelphia-Style Soft Pretzels image

Found this on another recipe site (sorry for cheating on the 'zaar) I though I'd add to the Philly recipes. I haven't tried it yet... So we'll see if this is REAL Philly Soft Pretzels...

Provided by CHRISSYG

Categories Yeast Breads

Time 2h20m

Yield 20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 cups milk
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
6 cups all-purpose flour or 6 cups bread flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water

Steps:

In a saucepan, heat milk just until bubbles form around the edge; remove from the heat and stir in brown sugar. Stir until dissolved then set aside. Meanwhile, combine warm water and yeast. Let stand for 3 minutes then add the cooled milk mixture. Beat in flour until smooth. Cover and set aside for 45 minutes to rise.
Stir down the dough then gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Place on a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Roll into a 16' x 10-inch rectangle then cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. Roll each strip into a rope and twist into large pretzels. Let rise about 30 minutes.
Bring a large kettle of salted water to a boil. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lower the pretzels gently into the boiling water for about 5 seconds then remove and place 2-inches apart on a greased baking sheet.
Beat egg and water and lightly brush the pretzel tops. Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake at 400 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips:

Activate the yeast properly: Ensure the water is between 105-115°F (40-46°C) to activate the yeast effectively.
Knead the dough thoroughly: Kneading the dough for at least 8 minutes will develop the gluten and result in a chewy texture.
Let the dough rise in a warm place: Find a draft-free, warm spot for the dough to rise, such as a turned-off oven with a bowl of hot water. This will help the dough rise properly.
Shape the dough correctly: Roll the dough into long ropes and shape them into pretzels before boiling them. This will give them their distinctive shape.
Boil the pretzels briefly: Boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution for a short time will give them a chewy interior and a crispy crust.
Bake the pretzels at a high temperature: Bake the pretzels at 450°F (230°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. This will give them a delicious crispy crust.
Serve the pretzels immediately: Freshly baked pretzels are best enjoyed when they're still warm and soft.

Conclusion:

Making homemade pretzels can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips and the step-by-step instructions, you can easily create delicious, chewy soft pretzels that will be a hit with your family and friends. Remember to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your favorite combinations. Enjoy the process of making these tasty treats, and savor the delicious results!