Recipe for Theme Park Soft Pretzels

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These soft pretzels came about when my family recently went on a trip. Let’s be honest, one of the best things about going away is having food that you don’t normally have at home!

One of the treats, that we almost never have, are big soft pretzels. Turns out my kids love them!

Since we have gotten home, I have been meaning to try and replicate them. This recipe tastes so similar. It is simple to make and, dare I say, a little fun to twist them up!

How are soft pretzels made?

Soft pretzels are made using a soft yeasted dough. They are traditionally shaped into a half-circle with a twist in the middle. To do this, the portion of dough is rolled into a very long thin rope shape. Holding the two ends, form a horseshoe. Then twist the two ends twice and connect each end to either side of the horseshoe at the bottom.

This is, of course, only one option. You can make many shapes using pretzel dough!

Before baking the soft pretzels, I like to brush them with an egg wash. Egg wash is an egg beaten with a drizzle of water. You then take this and brush it on top of the pretzels, after boiling but before baking. This will give the pretzels a nice shiny outside when they come out of the oven. This is an optional step.

After the egg wash is applied I sprinkled mine with a good amount of soft pretzel salt. This is just a coarsely ground salt.

How are soft pretzels cooked?

Soft pretzels are cooked twice. Similar to bagels, they are first boiled and then baked in the oven.

Can soft pretzels be frozen?

So, you’ve made a big batch of soft pretzels and you want to freeze some for later. Or maybe, you want to stock your freezer and pretzel dough is the list.

Both options are possible! To freeze already made pretzels, for optimum freshness, let the pretzels cool completely. Then, wrap the pretzels, individually, in plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer bag or air-tight container. When you are ready to reheat the pretzels, allow them to come to room temperature. Wrap in foil and then place in a preheated 325 degree F (165 degree C) oven for 3-5 minutes.

Freeze pretzel dough in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use it, remove from the freezer and let it come back to room temperature. Then, twist, rise, boil, and bake the same way you would with fresh dough!

Soft pretzels in the air frier

The air fryer is a great way to reheat soft pretzels. You most likely will not finish all of the pretzels the same day you make them. A great quick way to reheat them is by popping the pretzels in the air fryer for about 3 minutes. They will be nice and hot, just like the day you made them!

We actually sliced our soft pretzels in half and made little soft pretzel pizzas in the the air fryer the next day. Just slice in half, spread on tomato or pizza sauce, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese, and your favourite toppings. Place in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. Pretzel-pizza perfection!

Making soft pretzel dough at home

Stand mixer- This is the machine I use most often to make bread doughs. Place the ingredients, in the order listed in the instructions, and let the machine do the kneading for you!

Bread machine – A lot of people love using a bread machine to make all kinds of breads. Soft pretzel dough can be made in the bread machine. Simply, place the ingredients in the pan, according to your bread machine instructions. Turn it on to the dough cycle, and let it do the work! When it is done you are ready to shape the dough into pretzels!

By hand – You do not need any fancy equipment to make from scratch pretzels. Just a large bowl and a little muscle. You can mix and knead this simple dough in about 8 minutes.

Ingredients

The dough

1 ½ cups warm water

1 tsp sugar

2 ¼ teaspoons dry-active yeast

1 tsp salt

3½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour

Cooking and topping

3 Tablespoons baking soda

3 teaspoons sugar

Coarse salt, to taste

1 egg

Method

1. In a small bowl, place about half of the warm water and 1 tsp of sugar.
2. Sprinkle the yeast on top. It will be foamy in about 5 minutes.
3. To the bowl of the stand mixer, (or a large bowl by hand), add the rest of the water, salt, and half of the flour. Mix to combine.
4. Add the yeast mixture back in to the bowl along with the rest of the flour and mix to combine.
5. Knead for 5 minutes with your stand mixer. (If by hand, tip out onto the counter and knead about 8 minutes.)
6. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
7. Tip the dough out onto the counter and separate into 12 equal pieces.
8. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 16 inches long (40 cm).
9. Shape into a pretzel and place onto a lined, or floured, cookie sheet.
10. Cover and let rise 30 minutes, or until almost doubled.
11. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add in the baking soda and 3 tsp sugar.
12. In batches, boil the pretzels for 30 seconds per side.
13. Remove to a lined baking sheet.
14. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C)
15. In a small bowl, add 1 egg and beat with a drizzle of water. Brush onto the tops of the pretzels.
16. Sprinkle the tops of the pretzels with coarse salt, to taste.
17. Bake for 15 minutes, or until browned.

Looking for more kid friendly food? Try these! Flaky French Bakery Butter Croissants, The Perfect Make at home Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Homemade, Oreo Inspired, Sandwich Cookies