Homemade soft pretzels

Warm, golden-brown pretzels with a soft, chewy interior and classic salty crust perfect for snacking or sharing.

I always enjoy making these pretzels because they bring the bakery experience right into my home kitchen.

Ingredients

• Dough: 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C), 2 ¼ tsp (7 g, 1 packet) active dry yeast, 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar, 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp (6 g) fine sea salt, 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter melted
• Boiling & Topping: 10 cups (2.4 L) water, ⅔ cup (90 g) baking soda, 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water, coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Bake charming cakes, quick breads, and molded desserts that release cleanly for effortless decorating.

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Step 1:

In a large bowl combine warm water yeast and sugar Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy

Step 2:

Add flour salt and melted butter Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms

Step 3:

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic

Step 4:

Place dough in a greased bowl cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size

Step 5:

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper

Step 6:

In a large pot bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil

Step 7:

Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces Roll each into a 20-inch (50 cm) rope

Step 8:

Shape each rope into a pretzel form a U twist the ends twice then press onto the bottom of the U

Step 9:

Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds use a slotted spatula to transfer to prepared baking sheets

Step 10:

Brush pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt

Step 11:

Bake for 12–15 minutes until deep golden-brown

Step 12:

Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving

Bake charming cakes, quick breads, and molded desserts that release cleanly for effortless decorating.

Check price on Amazon

Bake charming cakes, quick breads, and molded desserts that release cleanly for effortless decorating.

Check price on Amazon

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My family loves gathering around the kitchen while the pretzels bake filling the house with a delightful aroma.

Notes

Serve with mustard cheese dip or enjoy plain for a simple snack

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl measuring cups and spoons wooden spoon stand mixer with dough hook (optional) large pot slotted spatula baking sheets parchment paper pastry brush

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) Eggs Milk (butter) May contain traces of nuts or soy if ingredients are processed in shared facilities Always double-check labels for allergens

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Melt chocolate or cheese smoothly for dipping fruits, pretzels, and snacks during desserts and parties.

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Enjoy these soft pretzels fresh out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives these pretzels their distinctive crust?

Dipping the shaped dough into a boiling baking soda solution before baking creates the signature chewy crust and golden color.

→ How do I achieve a soft interior in the pretzels?

Proper kneading, rising of the dough for about an hour, and baking at a high temperature helps develop a soft and chewy center.

→ Can these be customized with different toppings?

Yes, you can skip the salt after baking and brush with melted butter plus cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist or serve with mustard and cheese dips for savory flavors.

→ Is freezing pretzels possible without losing quality?

Yes, fully baked pretzels freeze well. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to regain freshness and warmth.

→ What allergens should be considered when making these pretzels?

The dough contains wheat, eggs, and butter (milk). Be cautious of possible traces of nuts or soy due to shared processing equipment.