Are you craving that warm, soft pretzel with a perfectly salted crust? Forget the pricey mall pretzels! This recipe will guide you through making your own delicious, homemade Dot's-style pretzels, right in your kitchen. These soft pretzels are surprisingly easy to make and infinitely more satisfying than anything you can buy. Get ready for a fun and rewarding baking experience, perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in. This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Baking soda
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
- Optional: Your favorite dipping sauce (mustard, cheese sauce etc.)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and will help your pretzels rise beautifully.
Making the Dough:
- Add the salt and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough comes together.
Kneading and First Rise:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Pretzels:
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope. Form each rope into a pretzel shape: make a U-shape, then cross the ends over the top of the U and press them onto the bottom.
Boiling and Baking:
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water. Gently drop each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, flipping halfway through. This gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture.
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Remove the pretzels from the water with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pretzel with melted butter. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serving:
- Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips for Perfect Pretzels:
- Don't skip the baking soda bath! This is crucial for that signature pretzel flavor and texture.
- Use coarse sea salt for the best flavor and visual appeal.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable.
- For extra flavor, add some herbs or spices to the dough, like garlic powder, onion powder, or rosemary.
Variations:
- Sweet Pretzels: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter.
- Everything Bagel Pretzels: Use everything bagel seasoning instead of or in addition to sea salt.
- Cheese Pretzels: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pretzels before baking.
Nutritional Information (per pretzel, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
These homemade Dot's pretzels are a delicious and rewarding baking project. Perfect for sharing, they're a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!