Homemade Mall Style Pretzels
The ultimate comfort food for any occasion! These Homemade Mall Style Pretzels are soft, chewy, and perfectly salted for that irresistible snack. Make them tonight for a fun family treat or a delicious party appetizer!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 package Active Dry Yeast
- 3 tablespoons Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 2.25 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 10 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 teaspoon Fine Salt
- 0.33 cup Baking Soda
- 2 tablespoons Coarse Salt
- 0.5 cup Asiago Cheese Optional
- 0.5 cup Jalapenos Optional
Instructions
- Begin by heating milk in a small saucepan until it reaches about 110 degrees. This warm temperature is crucial for activating the yeast. Be careful not to overheat!
- Once the milk is warm, pour it into a medium bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast over it. Allow it to sit for about 2 minutes to soften.
- Stir in brown sugar and 1 cup of flour using a wooden spoon. This creates the initial mixture that will become your dough.
- Next, take 2 tablespoons of butter, dice it, and let it soften before adding it to the mixture. This will contribute to the wonderful flavor.
- Gradually incorporate the remaining 1 1/4 cups of flour along with fine salt until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. You want it to be smooth but still slightly tacky. Add more flour as needed.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to deflate it and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 30-inch rope. Use your palms to stretch the dough, and don’t be afraid to slap the middle of the rope on the counter to help it along.
- Form each rope into a classic pretzel shape. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; each one will have its unique charm.
- Prepare a large bowl with warm water and dissolve the baking soda in it. This solution is what will give your pretzels that gorgeous brown color.
- Carefully dip each pretzel into the soda solution, then place them on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt for that iconic pretzel flavor.
- Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying.
Notes
- Storage: Keep any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven for that fresh taste!
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked pretzel shapes. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, boil and bake from frozen!
- Pairing: Serve with a variety of dips like mustard, cheese sauce, or even a spicy salsa to complement the pretzels.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different seasonings or toppings to your pretzels for a unique twist. Try garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning!
- Personal Touch: Make it a family activity! Get everyone involved in shaping and decorating the pretzels; it’s a fun way to spend time together.