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Soft Pretzel Twists

Soft Pretzel Twists
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Easy Soft Pretzel Twists are a delightful homemade snack featuring a perfectly soft and chewy interior with a golden, salty crust. Ideal for sharing or serving at any gathering, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and includes customizable options to suit various tastes and dietary needs, including gluten-free adaptations.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free yeast flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 2 teaspoons instant yeast)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 4 cups water (for boiling)
  • 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling water bath)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for dough)
  • Coarse salt, for sprinkling on top
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, melted butter, and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  3. Shape the Twists: Punch down the dough and divide into equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch rope, fold in half, and twist the strands together to form pretzel twists.
  4. Boil in Baking Soda Solution: Bring 4 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully immerse each pretzel twist for 30 seconds, flipping halfway through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Add Salt and Bake: Sprinkle coarse salt over the pretzel twists. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crusty.

Notes

  • Use warm water around 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Knead dough thoroughly for better gluten development and chewiness.
  • Don’t skip the baking soda bath; it creates the trademark pretzel crust and color.
  • Use coarse salt for an authentic texture and appealing appearance.
  • Watch baking time to avoid overbaking and keep pretzels soft inside.
  • For softer pretzels, brush with melted butter after baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; avoid refrigeration.
  • Freeze cooled pretzels up to 2 months and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzel twists, homemade pretzels, easy snack, gluten-free pretzels, baking pretzels, pretzel recipe, twist pretzels

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/soft-pretzel-twists/