Soft Pretzels
- Level: Intermediate
- Yield: 28 small pretzels
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 28 servings
- Calories
- 90
- Total Fat
- 1
- Saturated Fat
- 0
- Carbohydrates
- 18
- Dietary Fiber
- 2
- Sugar
- 1
- Protein
- 3
- Cholesterol
- 13
- Sodium
- 65
- Total: 2 hr 15 min
- Prep: 2 hr
- Cook: 15 min
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons dry active yeast
1 tablespoon agave nectar
2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 large eggs
Assorted fillings, optional
Coarse salt or other toppings
Directions
- Mix 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F), the yeast and agave in a bowl. Set aside 5 minutes.
- In a food processor fitted with the dough blade, pulse the whole-wheat flour, 2 cups all-purpose flour and the sea salt. Add 1 egg and the yeast mixture and pulse in 10-second intervals until the dough comes together, about 3 pulses. Turn out onto a floured board. Knead 10 to 12 times, adding up to 3/4 cup more flour if the dough is too sticky. Cut the dough into 4 equal portions; cover with a clean towel.
- On a floured board, roll out one piece of dough into a 14-by-11-inch rectangle, 1/4 inch thick, with a shorter side facing you.
- To make plain pretzels, cut the dough rectangle into seven 11-by-2-inch strips. For stuffed pretzels, follow the filling instructions, then cut into strips.
- One at a time, pinch the cut long edges of each strip together and roll into a 12-inch rope with your hands. Transfer the rope to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Grab the ends and bring them toward each other, forming a U shape, then cross the left end over the right end to make a pretzel shape. Cross the left end over the right again to make a twist in the middle. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the pretzels 3 inches apart. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes; preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
- Beat the remaining egg in a bowl. Brush the pretzels with the egg; sprinkle with salt or other toppings. Bake until browned, 16 to 18 minutes.
Cook’s Note
These soft pretzels are a more artisanal departure from the pretzels we are used to getting at ballparks and from street vendors. Guy uses whole wheat flour which gives these pretzels a more dense and chewy texture, so if you're looking for a less dense pretzel, try substituting the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour. When it comes time to rest and proof your pretzels don't be afraid to let them sit a little longer so they are puffier; depending on the time of year, the temperature in your kitchen may vary.