My husband and Auntie Annie have always had a special bond. One I’d long ago accepted that I couldn’t come between. There’s something sacred in her delicious doughy confections that he finds… irresistible. This cheap and easy homemade pretzel recipe did something I had long-thought impossible. It put the kibosh on their long-time love affair. One taste that’s all it took, and it was love at first bite. Move on over, Annie. There’s a new pretzel in town.

If you thought, like I did for so long, that delicious, homemade pretzels were only for the over-achievers, think again. This recipe couldn’t be any easier or more simple. These cater to all ages, genders, occupations, and availability. For those of you with pretzel lovers of your own, I challenge them to try these. I assure you that even the most loyal brand supporter won’t want to buy or pay for their pretzels anymore.

30 Minute Homemade Soft Pretzels

recipe adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction

• 1 and 1/2 cups luke warm water
• 1 packet active yeast (2 and 1/4 tsp)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4-4.25 cups all purpose flour, and more for flouring the counter surface and hands (for whole wheat, use 2.5 cups wheat flour & 1.75 cups white)
• 1 large egg
• salt for sprinkling, optional
• cinnamon & sugar for sprinkling, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Dissolve yeast in water. Stir with a spoon to combine. Add salt and sugar, stirring to combine.
3. Slowly add flour, one cup at a time. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough is thick. Continue to add flour, one cup at a time, until dough is no longer sticky.
4. Poke dough with a finger. If it ‘bounces back’ it is ready to knead.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes and shape into a ball.
6. With a sharp knife, cut the dough ball into 1/3 cup sections. This measurement doesn’t have to be exact.
7. Roll the dough into a rope about 20 inches long.
8. Once you have your long rope, take the ends and bring them together until your form a circle. Twist the ends then bring the down towards yourself and press them down into a pretzel shape.
9. In a small bowl, beat the egg. Dip the shaped pretzel into the egg wash, evenly coating both sides.
10. Place on baking sheet and sprinkle with salt or sugar depending on your personal preference.
11. Bake for 10 minutes at 425. Turn the broiler on and bake for 5 more minutes to brown the tops. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
12. Allow pretzels to cool, and serve.