This recipe for pretzel dough made in a bread machine simplifies the process of creating soft, chewy pretzels at home. Using a bread machine allows for easy mixing and kneading, ensuring perfect dough consistency every time.
With just a few ingredients, you can prepare delicious pretzel dough that can be shaped into traditional pretzels or used for other baked goods.
Creating the Perfect Pretzel Dough
Making pretzel dough at home can be a delightful experience, especially when using a bread machine. This method simplifies the mixing and kneading process, ensuring a consistent dough that is soft and pliable.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of dough that is ideal for shaping into traditional pretzels. The entire process takes about two hours, including the necessary rising time, which allows the dough to develop its texture and flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Pretzels
The key to achieving the perfect pretzel lies in the ingredients. You will need warm water, sugar, salt, active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, and unsalted butter. These staples come together to form a rich dough.
For that authentic pretzel taste and texture, a baking soda bath is essential before baking. This step not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the pretzels’ signature golden-brown crust. Finally, a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top adds the finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Dough Preparation
Begin by adding warm water to the bread machine pan, followed by sugar and salt. After letting the mixture sit for a few minutes to activate the yeast, you can incorporate the flour and softened butter.
Select the dough cycle on your bread machine and let it work its magic. Once the cycle is complete, you’ll have a beautifully risen dough ready for shaping.
Shaping and Boiling the Pretzels
After turning the dough out onto a floured surface, divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and twist it into the classic pretzel shape. This is where the fun begins, as you can get creative with your twists!
Next, prepare a boiling solution with water and baking soda. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, which helps achieve that chewy texture. Once boiled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the pretzels cool slightly after boiling. This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown finish.
Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few moments before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment
These homemade pretzels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them on a rustic wooden board for a charming presentation, accompanied by a small bowl of mustard for dipping.
The cozy kitchen setting enhances the homemade feel, making it a perfect snack for gatherings or a cozy night in. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with friends, these pretzels are sure to be a hit!
Easy Bread Machine Pretzel Dough Recipe
This pretzel dough recipe yields a soft and pliable dough, perfect for shaping into pretzels. The process takes about 2 hours, including rising time, and makes enough dough for approximately 12 pretzels.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Bread Machine: Pour the warm water into the bread machine pan. Add the sugar and salt, followed by the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add Flour and Butter: Add the flour and softened butter to the yeast mixture in the bread machine pan.
- Select Dough Cycle: Close the lid and select the dough cycle on the bread machine. Start the machine and let it knead and rise the dough according to the machine’s instructions.
- Preheat Oven: Once the dough cycle is complete, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Shape the Pretzels: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape it into a pretzel.
- Boil the Pretzels: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda carefully. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, then remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with Salt: After boiling, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of each pretzel.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 pretzels
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g