Find a Soft Pretzel Recipe below. Philadelphia pretzels come in soft, chewy, or hard. They have become a favorite at malls, flea markets, baseball stadiums, out of concession trailers at fairs, festivals, & other events. There are many variations, some served dipped in butter, others with dipping sauces or cinnamon sugar. Other favorites are hot dogs encased in the pretzel, pretzels filled with deli meats and cheeses, and even pizza pretzels.
Watch This Video - Wacky Super Pretzel Commercial - Running Time :30
History of Soft Pretzels
Ever question why some pretzels are soft and some are hard? It is thought by some that all pretzels were soft pretzels until a baker fell asleep one night while the pretzels were in the oven. The pretzels were cooked too long and the moisture in the pretzel dissipated, thus a hard pretzel was born. For good luck, German kids are said to wear pretzels around their neck on New Years Eve. At one time there was a Pretzel Museum in Philadelphia and tours were conducted which told the history of the pretzel, but unfortunately it has closed. A favorite spot to get a soft pretzel in many varieties is Auntie Anne’s. However, if you’re craving a snack at home, there’s nothing better than a hot philly soft pretzel out of your oven!
Philadelphia Soft Pretzel Recipe
1 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
1/2 tsp. brown sugar
1 salt dash
1 1/2 cups 100 degree water
4 cups bread flour
1 Tbls. baking soda
1/4 cup of warm water
1 cup melted butter
*Mix together first four ingredients; let sit for 5 minutes.
*mix flour to mixture and knead for five minutes.
*Put dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp towel; allow to rise in a warm place for one hour.
*Divide dough into 8 equally sized pieces; roll each piece into a rope; then shape each rope into a pretzel.
*In a small dish, stir baking soda into warm water; dip pretzels into mixture (or brush mixture over pretzels)
*Place coated pretzel on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
*Bake in a 550 degree oven for 8-9 minutes, or until browned.
*Brush melted butter over hot pretzels when done.
