How Are Soft Pretzels Made?

December 10, 2015

Ice Scream Social serves soft pretzels from push carts at events in Boston and the surrounding area. These treats are a favorite of both children and adults.
 
Pretzel dough is made by combining water, yeast, flour, sugar, and salt. The dough is kneaded and allowed to rest and rise. It is then rolled out and twisted to form a traditional pretzel shape.
 
One of the most important steps in making pretzels is boiling them. Pretzels need to be put in an alkaline bath before they are baked. This gelatinizes the outside of the pretzels and gives them their characteristic chewy crust when baked, as well as the unique flavor that people love.
 
The alkaline bath was traditionally made by adding food-grade lye to water. However, lye is not used as much anymore because it can be hazardous to handle and special precautions need to be taken. Many people who make pretzels use baking soda instead of lye. It does not produce quite the same color and flavor, but it is still a good substitute and safer to use.
 
The pretzels are boiled for about 30 seconds per side until they puff up. Then they are removed from the water, brushed with egg, sprinkled with salt, and baked for that delicious taste and chewy texture.

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