As the crisp autumn air settles over Connecticut and the leaves begin their spectacular transformation, there's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pretzels filling your kitchen. September marks that perfect transition from summer's end to fall's embrace, and these golden, buttery soft pretzels are exactly what your home needs to celebrate the season.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly cozy weekend when the first hints of fall weather had me craving something warm and satisfying. What started as a simple baking experiment quickly became a household obsession – and for good reason. These pretzels strike that perfect balance between chewy and tender, with a gorgeous golden exterior that practically begs you to tear into them while they're still warm.
Why These Pretzels Are September Perfect
There's something magical about baking during the early days of fall. The house feels warmer, more welcoming, and the anticipation of cozy months ahead makes every homemade treat feel extra special. These pretzels capture that feeling perfectly. They're substantial enough to satisfy those heartier autumn appetites, yet simple enough to make on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you're not quite ready to dive into heavy holiday baking.
The secret to their irresistible texture lies in the traditional baking soda bath – that brief dip that gives each pretzel its characteristic chewy crust and deep golden color. The addition of molasses adds a subtle depth that pairs beautifully with the honey in the dough, creating layers of flavor that make each bite more satisfying than the last.
Tips for Pretzel Perfection
After making these countless times (seriously, my neighbors probably think I've opened a pretzel shop), I've learned a few tricks that make all the difference. First, don't rush the rising time – that hour gives the dough the structure it needs for the perfect chew. Second, the water temperature matters for both the yeast and the baking soda bath; too hot and you'll kill the yeast, too cool and the bath won't work its magic.
The pretzel shaping might seem intimidating at first, but embrace the imperfection. Some of my most beloved batches have had wonderfully wonky shapes that somehow taste even better than the perfect ones. There's joy in the process, especially if you rope family members or friends into helping – it becomes less about precision and more about the shared experience of creating something delicious together.
Serving Suggestions for September
While these pretzels are absolutely perfect on their own, September offers so many wonderful pairing opportunities. Serve them alongside a warm bowl of butternut squash soup for the ultimate comfort meal, or pair them with sharp cheddar and crisp apple slices for an elevated snack that celebrates the season's best flavors. They're also fantastic with a robust mustard or that cheese dip mentioned in the recipe – perfect for football viewing parties or casual gatherings with friends.
For a truly indulgent treat, try serving them warm with a side of salted caramel dip or even a rich beer cheese sauce. The combination of the slightly sweet, chewy pretzel with these rich accompaniments is pure autumn bliss.
Making Memories, One Pretzel at a Time
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms an ordinary day into something special. The process itself is meditative – the kneading, the patient waiting for the rise, the careful shaping, and finally, that moment when you pull golden, perfectly baked pretzels from the oven. It's the kind of baking that fills not just your stomach, but your soul.
These pretzels have become my go-to for everything from weekend family breakfasts to impromptu gatherings with friends. They're conversation starters, comfort providers, and proof that some of the best things in life really are the simplest.
So as September settles in around us here in Connecticut, I encourage you to give these a try. Let the warm, yeasty aroma fill your home, gather your loved ones around the kitchen counter, and create your own delicious memories with these irresistibly easy golden baked soft pretzels.
Golden Baked Soft Pretzels – Buttery, Chewy, and Irresistibly Easy
Too delicious not to make!
Ingredients:Directions:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp Himalayan salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing after baking)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in salt and honey. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
- Knead dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water, molasses, and baking soda to a boil.
- Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape.
- Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 20–30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
- Optional: Brush warm buns or pretzels with melted butter for an extra rich flavor. Serve warm – slice the buns for amazing sandwiches, or enjoy the pretzels with mustard or cheese dip!
Perfect for autumn sandwiches, or twist into traditional pretzels for snacking!
