Homemade Soft Pretzels

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

This recipe has become a family favorite for gatherings and cozy nights in.

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

Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.

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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.

Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.

Check price on Amazon

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Making these pretzels has become a cherished tradition with my family, creating joyful moments every time.

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 220 total fat 3 g carbohydrates 42 g protein 6 g per pretzel

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Deep clean greasy stovetops, countertops, sinks, and tiles using powerful steam after everyday cooking.

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Enjoy these homemade soft pretzels fresh out of the oven or as a convenient snack anytime.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve the soft interior texture?

Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic, then allow it to rise fully to develop a light, chewy crumb.

→ Why boil pretzels in baking soda solution?

The baking soda bath creates the classic chewy crust and deep golden color during baking.

→ Can I customize the topping on these pretzels?

Yes, replacing coarse salt with cinnamon sugar after baking offers a sweet alternative, or enjoy them salted as is.

→ How long can I store leftover pretzels?

They can be frozen and reheated in the oven for 5–7 minutes to restore freshness.

→ What dips pair well with these pretzels?

Mustard, cheese dips, or buttery spreads complement the soft, salty pretzels nicely.