Name: Hand-Twisted Soft Pretzels
Prep time: 75 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1¾ cups lukewarm water; ¼ cup coconut sugar; 1 Tbsp active dry yeast; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups white whole-wheat flour or regular whole-wheat flour; 1½ tsp sea salt; ¼ cup everything bagel seasoning, store-bought or homemade; Mustard, marinara sauce, or plant-based nacho sauce, for serving; 7 cups water; ¼ cup baking soda

Recipes » Appetizers » Hand-Twisted Soft Pretzels

By Kim Campbell

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Soft pretzels are fun to create—and irresistible to eat. The baking soda bath and toppings give these pretzels their traditional flavor, making them a hit in our house. They’re soft and chewy on the inside and golden brown on the outside. Kids and adults love to roll the dough and form their own pretzels or unique shapes. Top them with anything you love for a great snack or appetizer.

Prep: 1 hr 15 mins Cook: 15 mins Yield: 10 pretzels

Nut Free Soy Free

Reprinted from PlantPure Comfort Food (BenBella Books, 2022).

Ingredients

Dough

1¾ cups lukewarm water
¼ cup coconut sugar
1 Tbsp active dry yeast
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white whole-wheat flour or regular whole-wheat flour
1½ tsp sea salt
¼ cup everything bagel seasoning, store-bought or homemade
Mustard, marinara sauce, or plant-based nacho sauce, for serving

Baking Soda Bath

7 cups water
¼ cup baking soda

Whole Food, Plant-Based Living: Getting Started

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, coconut sugar, and yeast. Let stand until frothy.
2. Add both flours and the salt and stir until a soft dough begins to form. Knead for 6–8 minutes, until smooth. Place the dough in a clean bowl and cover with a damp towel. Set aside in a warm place until the dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
4. To make the baking soda bath, add the water to a large saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the baking soda and allow it to foam.
5. Punch down the dough and remove it from the bowl. Cut into 10 even pieces. Roll each dough piece into a 22–24-inch rope. Bend the rope into a U shape, then twist and bring the ends down to create the classic pretzel shape. Press lightly to seal the ends. (Or get creative and make your own shapes.)
6. Drop one pretzel at a time into the baking soda bath and boil for 30 seconds. Remove the pretzel using a slotted spoon and transfer to the lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with the everything bagel seasoning.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.