Make Your Own Pretzels With this Family Friendly Recipe

Pretzels are a salty, savory treat that tend to be a family snack staple. They're also a fantastic way to bake up some kitchen fun with your children. You can definitely make your own batch of twisted pretzels that'll rival any snack you've picked up at the mall (at a much better bargain, to boot!).

Traditional pretzels require a bread dough that's best prepared in a stand mixer or bread machine. However, you can take a shortcut by using frozen bread dough. Thaw according to package directions and then follow the directions here for shaping and baking.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 packet dry yeast
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 1/4 tsp. salt
• 8 cups water
• 2 Tbsp baking soda
• Egg wash: 1 egg white, beaten with 1 Tbsp. water
• 2 Tbsp. coarse salt

Directions

Make bread (using a stand mixer):

1. In medium saucepot, combine water, milk and brown sugar. Heat until temperature reaches 110 to 115 F.
2. Pour into mixer bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and allow to sit for several minutes. Mixture should start to foam.
3. Add flour and salt. Mix on low speed until well combined.
4. Knead dough at medium speed until a smooth dough forms that starts to pull away from sides of bowl, about five minutes.
5. Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning dough ball to coat. Cover with a tea towel and place in a warm place. Allow dough to rise until doubled in bulk, about an hour.

Make bread (using a bread machine):

1. Place water, milk, brown sugar, yeast, flour and salt in bread pan in the order recommended by the machine manufacturer.
2. Set machine for dough cycle and start the machine.

Shape and bake pretzels:

1. Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone baking mats. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. On a lightly oiled work surface, divide dough into 12 equal pieces. With your palms, roll each piece into a long rope, about 20 inches.
3. Shape into pretzel shape by curving each end toward the center and overlapping them. Secure each end by pressing firmly.
4. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan or roasting pan. Stir in baking soda. Place each pretzel, one at a time, in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove with a large flat spatula and place on baking sheet.
5. Brush each one with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.