Ingredients
Dough
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 4 cups flour
For the Pretzel Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt for sprinkling (kosher salt preferred, sea salt acceptable)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Mix Ingredients: Combine the instant yeast, warm water, honey, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir in the flour and mix using the dough hook until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl, about 1-2 minutes. The dough should be smooth and initially sticky but will become less so as you handle it.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is mixing, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Shape the Pretzels: Pull off pieces of dough or pat the dough out and cut it into pieces for even sizing. Shape the pieces into pretzels or fun shapes like letters, hearts, or animals. Place the shaped dough on greased or parchment-lined cookie sheets. Fill one sheet at a time, as the first batch will bake before the second is fully shaped.
- Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Beat the egg with a little water to create an egg wash. Brush it generously over the shaped dough to ensure a shiny, golden crust. Immediately sprinkle with kosher or sea salt for flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes until golden brown on top and bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pretzels cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect soft and chewy bite.
Notes
- Do not skip the egg wash step; it is crucial for that classic pretzel crust since this recipe skips boiling the dough.
- If the dough sticks while shaping, add a small amount of flour to your hands or surface but avoid adding too much flour to keep pretzels soft.
- Use kosher salt for the best texture and flavor on top of the pretzels, but sea salt is a suitable alternative.
- Shape the pretzels creatively — letters, hearts, and animals are fun for kids and parties.
- Cook one baking sheet at a time to ensure even baking and browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American