Few things are more comforting than the smell of freshly baked soft pretzels wafting through your kitchen. Golden on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, these classic snacks are easier to make at home than you might think! Whether you’re prepping for game day, a family movie night, or just craving a warm, salty treat — these Homemade Soft Pretzels hit the spot.
With simple ingredients and a few key steps, you can create bakery-style pretzels right from your own oven. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to twist, bake, and enjoy this timeless snack!
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large pot for boiling water
- Slotted spoon or spatula
- Pastry brush (for butter wash)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F–115°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Baking Soda Bath:
- â…” cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
For Topping:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt
- Optional: melted butter for brushing
Preparation
- Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add salt, melted butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Let It Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Pretzels: Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20–22-inch rope and twist into a pretzel shape.
- Boil the Pretzels: Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop pretzels in for 30 seconds, one or two at a time. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Brush and Bake: Place boiled pretzels on baking sheets. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until deep golden brown.
- Optional: Brush with melted butter right after baking for a rich, glossy finish.
Tips for Success
- Use warm, not hot, water for yeast — about 110°F is ideal.
- Knead until smooth for the best dough texture.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath! It gives pretzels their signature chew and color.
- Coat while hot — brushing with melted butter right after baking enhances flavor and softness.
- Practice makes perfect: The pretzel twist may take a try or two, but it’s fun to master.
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Pretzels: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking.
- Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels: After baking, brush with butter and toss in cinnamon-sugar.
- Garlic Butter Pretzels: Add garlic powder to your melted butter for brushing.
- Stuffed Pretzels: Wrap dough around a piece of cheese or sausage before baking.
Make It Fit Your Diet
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and skip the egg wash — use olive oil or non-dairy milk instead.
- Whole Wheat: Replace up to half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (note: texture will differ slightly).
- Low Sodium: Reduce or omit the salt topping and use unsalted butter.
Conclusion
Homemade Soft Pretzels are a rewarding, cozy treat that brings joy to any occasion. With just a few pantry staples and some hands-on fun, you’ll have golden, chewy pretzels that rival any mall or bakery. Whether enjoyed plain, buttered, or dipped in mustard or cheese sauce — one thing’s for sure: they won’t last long!
Ready to twist up some deliciousness? Try this recipe today and let the warm, soft magic of fresh pretzels transform your snack game.