Today, I will be sharing one of my most favorite foods to make. Alex, my husband, asks for these almost weekly, and I cannot resist. We have homemade pretzels quite often, and I don't even feel bad.
These pretzels are INCREDIBLY easy, and only take 5 ingredients.... you read that right. FIVE! And the best part is, I bet you $5, you already have all the ingredients in your pantry right now! Score!
I adapted my recipe from Sallys Baking Addiction. She just uses whole wheat flour, and brushes them with an egg... And I don't. haha. But I'm so glad I found her blog, because this recipe changed my life. http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2012/12/25/30-minute-whole-wheat-pretzels/
Here are what the delicious little morsels look like straight out of the oven!
Now, tell me you aren't drooling and ready to find out how to make these bad boys!!
First, you are going to take your packet (Or 2 and 1/4 tsp) of yeast (I like to use the instant rise kind) and stir it into a a bowl with 1.5 cups of warm water. I don't worry too much about the temperature, you just don't want it to be tap cold, and not boiling hot. When I first started baking, I was so afraid of yeast. But after using it lots and lots, it really is a friendly ingredient. Don't be scared! Start using it now, and you can thank me later! Now, once the yeast and water have been mixed up real nice, it should be kinda bubbly! And thats a good good sign. It means that your yeast is active! YAY! So once we've got that going for us, add 1 Tbsp of sugar and 1 tsp of salt to the mix and stir!
Wanna hear another amazing reason why you just HAVE to make these pretzels? There is no need for a mixer!! You can mix it totally by hand. Now you have no excuses!
After the water, yeast, sugar and salt are all combined nicely, you are slowly going to start adding your flour. I add 3 cups, 1 cup at a time. Mix in your electric mixer, or with a wooden spoon until combined and the dough is no longer sticky. You may have to add more flour, and I usually add 1/4 cup at a time and mix well so that it doesn't get too dry. Poke the dough with your hand and if the dough doesn't stick, but bounces back, then you are ready to knead!
If using a mixer, I just put on the dough hook at let it for about 2-3 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead on a well floured surface for 3-5 minutes. Once the dough is kneaded, start breaking off sections and rolling them out like little snakes like you did in elementary school when playing with play-doh! So easy. This is a great time to involve your little ones! Who doesn't love playing with dough and making snakes!! Once you have a long snake/rope, make your pretzel shape. You can go traditional, just twist them, or even just leave them as long sticks! I've even made heart shapes and letters with these pretzels! HAVE FUN!
Once all your dough has been formed how you want it, bake for 10 minutes at 425F degrees. Then turn the oven to broil and bake for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them while broiling, you do not want these babies to burn! Allow them to cool and brush with melted butter if you want to add cinnamon and sugar or salt. Serve immediately, or store in an air tight container and enjoy later (Although I doubt you will be able to resist). When I store them, I reheat them in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel, it helps restore the moisture. You may also freeze them!
Okay, so how easy was that!!! Please make these and let me know what you think!!
