Classic German Pretzels

Traditional German baked goods made from affordable ingredients! The classic pretzel is considered an unofficial symbol of Germany. It can be salty or sweet, with or without various toppings. One thing is for sure — the pretzel will not leave anyone indifferent!
cook time: 2h 50 min
Ethan Rowley
Classic German Pretzels

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

265
Calories
6g
Fat
40g
Carbs
8g
Protein

Ingredients (10 portions)

Basic:

Salt (1/2 tsp. fine table salt in the dough, 1/2 tsp. coarse salt for sprinkling pretzels) 1 tsp
Sugar 0.5 tsp
Wheat flour 300 g
Butter 20 g
Water (warm boiled (+ glass of water for soda) 130 ml
Egg yolks 1 pc
Vegetable oil 1 tsp
Soda 1 tbsp
Dry yeast 1 tsp

Recipe instructions

Step 1

Step 1
How to make a classic pretzel? Prepare all ingredients. Remove the butter from the refrigerator in advance; it should be softened. Or keep it in the microwave for a short time at low power. The oil should not be hot.

Step 2

Step 2
Pour sugar, salt and yeast into a container with warm boiled water, stir, put in a warm place for 15 minutes to activate the yeast. A foam should appear on the surface. This indicates that the yeast is active. If foam does not appear, then the yeast is spoiled and needs to be replaced.

Step 3

Step 3
Pour the yeast mixture into a deep bowl, add flour sifted through a sieve or using a special mug and add softened butter.

Step 4

Step 4
Knead the elastic soft dough; it should not stick to your hands. Be prepared for the fact that you may need less or more flour. Leave the dough in a warm place, covered with a towel for about 1.5-2 hours. During this time, the dough should double in size.

Step 5

Step 5
Punch down the risen dough. On a surface dusted with flour, roll it out into a not very thin layer.

Step 6

Step 6
Cut the layer into narrow strips, approximately 1.5 cm wide.

Step 7

Step 7
Roll each strip into a rope and fold it into a “U” shape.

Step 8

Step 8
Twist the ends of the flagellum and fasten it together to make a pretzel.

Step 9

Step 9
Bring a glass of water and baking soda to a boil and dip each pretzel in the mixture for 30 seconds. This is necessary so that the pretzel acquires a beautiful golden brown color during baking. There will be no soda taste left in the finished product.

Step 10

Step 10
If you want the pretzels to be even more golden, brush them with beaten egg yolk. Place the pretzels on a lightly greased baking sheet, or line it with parchment or Teflon baking sheet.

Step 11

Step 11
Sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt. To make them soft, bake them at 230 degrees, and for crispy pretzels, bake them at 180 degrees.

Step 12

Step 12
Preheat the oven in advance (10-20 minutes) to 230 degrees. Place the pretzels in the oven and bake until golden brown (about 20 minutes). Time and temperature are approximate, use your oven as a guide. All is ready!

Step 13

Step 13
Enjoy your tea or light snack!

Additional rubrics

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