Pretzels

Pretzels are a tasty snack made from dough. They are often twisted into a knot shape. Pretzels can be soft and chewy or hard and crunchy. Most are sprinkled with salt on top. They have been made in Europe for hundreds of years.

How They Are Made

Bakers start by making a simple dough with flour, water, and yeast. They roll the dough into long ropes and twist them into shapes. Before baking, the dough is dipped in special water. This helps make the outside shiny and brown. Then the pretzels are baked until golden.

An old painting that may show the very first pretzel.
An old painting that may show the very first pretzel. (Herrad of Landsberg / Wikimedia Commons)

The Pretzel Shape

The famous twisted shape has a long story. Some people say a monk in Italy made the first pretzels long ago. He gave them to kids who learned their prayers. The twists are said to look like arms crossed in prayer. That is why pretzels got their special shape.

Fun Facts

  • April 26 is National Pretzel Day in the United States.
  • Germany has a pretzel festival with giant pretzels.
  • The town of Freeport, Illinois is called 'Pretzel City USA.'

Did You Know?

In the 1600s, pretzels were thought to bring good luck. People even hung them on Christmas trees.