Homemade Soft Pretzels

I found this recipe in a teen magazine long ago.  It has been a favorite with everyone I have made it for.  I am going to walk you through this step by step.  You can do this!  And the results are sooo good.

2 c. milk
1/2 c. lukewarm water
1 pkg. yeast
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 t. vegetable oil
1 1/2 t. salt

Step one:
Scald milk, pour into a bowl and cool to lukewarm.  Then mix in the water and yeast.  Using a whisk, mix together until yeast is dissolved.  Then whisk in remaining ingredients.

Step two:
3 c. flour
Whisk the flour into the yeast liquid.  Cover and put in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes.

Step three:
3 c. flour
3/4 t. baking powder
Stir batter, then add in flour and baking powder.  It should be a stiff dough.  Flour a surface and turn the dough out onto the flour.  Knead 5 minutes.

 Step four:
Roll out into a 10" x 16" rectangle.   With a sharp knife cut into 16 strips about 1" wide, lengthwise.

Step five:
With the palms of your hand, roll a strip back and forth.  It will stretch in length.


Form into a U shape.

Cross the ends then twist around each other.

Tuck ends under outside edge of the pretzel.

Let rise uncovered for 30 minutes in a warm place.

Step six: Heat 8 cups of water and 3 T. salt to boiling in a large pan.  Using a slotted spatula drop one of the pretzel into the water for 3 seconds.  Lift out and tilt to drain off excess water.  Place on a well greased baking pan.

Step seven:  Beat one egg with one T. water.  Brush on top of egg and sprinkle with salt--the coarse type of salt is the best...like kosher.  Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.