Pretzel Dough

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Soft, chewy pretzel dough with a slightly salty crust, perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings, appealing to bread lovers and those craving warm, savory treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Measure water into a large bowl.
  2. Sprinkle yeast on water and stir until dissolved and soft.
  3. Add salt, sugar, and flour to the mixture.
  4. Mix and knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
  5. Roll and twist the dough into desired pretzel shapes.
  6. Place on a greased cookie sheet.
  7. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of baking soda to the boiling water before baking the pretzels. If you're out of yeast, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder for every package of yeast, but the texture will differ. To enhance the taste, try incorporating garlic powder or cheese into the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These pretzels are perfect as a snack or appetizer and pair beautifully with mustard or cheese dip. Serve alongside Swiss Beans for a delightful meal or enjoy them with a glass of Good Rich Punch for a refreshing drink. They also make a great addition to a game-day spread.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftover pretzels, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pretzel Dough contains roughly 179 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and potassium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1453mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).

179 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.4g 13% DV
Total Fat 1.9g 2% DV
Carbs 35.8g 13% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1453.4mg 63% DV
Potassium 563.3mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 64.5mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 16.4mg 18% DV
Calcium 78.7mg 6% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour in this recipe. It will give the pretzels a nuttier flavor and denser texture. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the water amount slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

How can I make the pretzels taste sweeter?

To add sweetness, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons or incorporate a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on top before baking. This will give your pretzels a delightful sweet and savory flavor, making them a great treat alongside snacks like Cookies Made With M&M'S.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your pretzel dough is too sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. Be cautious not to add too much flour at once, as this can lead to tough pretzels. A well-kneaded dough should be slightly tacky but manageable.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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