Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for extra flavor
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and melted butter. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
- Let it rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the pretzels: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a long 10-inch stick.
- Prepare baking soda bath: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add baking soda. Carefully drop pretzel sticks into boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Bake the pretzels: Place pretzels on a greased baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse sea salt or seeds. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish: Cool on wire rack. Optional: brush with butter and sprinkle additional salt or toppings.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds before baking.
- To make healthier, substitute whole wheat flour or reduce salt.
- Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel stick
- Calories: 120 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg