Soft Pretzels are warm, soft, and wonderfully chewy, with a golden-brown outside and a tender center. Brushed with butter and sprinkled with coarse salt, they have that classic savory flavor that makes them hard to resist. Made with simple ingredients, homemade pretzels are easier to prepare than you might think and taste especially delicious when served fresh from the oven.
These pretzels are perfect for snacks, parties, game days, family gatherings, or a fun weekend baking project. Serve them warm with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip for a delicious treat. They’re also great alongside soups or sandwiches when you want something soft, buttery, and satisfying.
Table of Contents
Soft Pretzels Ingredients
For the Pretzel Dough
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus a little extra if needed
For the Baking Soda Bath
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
For Topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Coarse pretzel salt or coarse sea salt
- 1–2 tablespoons melted butter, optional
How to Make Soft Pretzels
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and brown sugar, then let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes slightly foamy. Add the melted butter and salt, then gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has nearly doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Pretzels
Once the dough has risen, gently press it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then shape it into the classic pretzel shape by making a U, crossing the ends, and bringing them down toward the bottom. Gently press the ends into the dough so they stay in place while baking.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring the water to a gentle boil in a large pot, carefully add the baking soda, and stir until dissolved. Dip each shaped pretzel into the baking soda water for about 20–30 seconds, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Pretzels
Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and lightly brush each pretzel with the egg wash. Sprinkle coarse salt over the top, then bake for about 10–14 minutes, or until the pretzels are puffed and golden brown. Remove them from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, and brush with melted butter if desired before serving warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy: Each pretzel has a soft center with a deliciously chewy outside.
- Easy Ingredients: You only need simple ingredients that are easy to find.
- Fun to Make: Shaping the dough into pretzels is simple and enjoyable.
- Fresh from the Oven: Homemade pretzels taste especially good when they are warm and fresh.
Tips and Shortcuts
- Do Not Add Too Much Flour: Add flour slowly until the dough is soft and slightly tacky.
- Give the Dough Time to Rise: Let the dough rise until it is almost doubled in size for soft and fluffy pretzels.
- Let the Dough Rest: If the dough keeps shrinking while you roll it, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before shaping.
- Do Not Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step gives the pretzels their classic chewy outside and beautiful golden color.
What to Serve with Soft Pretzels
These soft pretzels are warm, chewy, and perfect for a cozy snack or casual gathering. I like serving them with cheese dip, mustard, or a creamy yogurt sauce, and they pair wonderfully with lemonade, or Smoothie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to use a baking soda bath ?
The baking soda bath helps create the classic golden-brown color, chewy outside, and slightly crisp crust of a soft pretzel.
Can I make pretzel sticks instead ?
Yes! Simply roll the dough into shorter ropes and leave them straight instead of shaping them into traditional pretzels.
Can I make Soft Pretzels without a stand mixer ?
Yes! You can easily mix and knead the dough by hand. Knead it for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy.
Can I use instant yeast ?
Yes, instant yeast works well in this recipe. You can mix it directly with the other ingredients without needing to activate it first.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled Soft Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Freezer Storage
Place cooled pretzels in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven until warm and soft.
Soft Pretzels
Course: Snacks, AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings20
minutes12
minutes290
kcal1
hour40
minutesThese homemade Soft Pretzels are golden, chewy on the outside, and soft inside. They are easy to make with simple ingredients and taste delicious with coarse salt, melted butter, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups warm water
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus a little extra if needed
8 cups water
½ cup baking soda
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Coarse pretzel salt or coarse sea salt
1–2 tablespoons melted butter, optional
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough ,In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and brown sugar, then let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes slightly foamy. Add the melted butter and salt, then gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has nearly doubled in size.
- Step 2: Shape the Pretzels ,Once the dough has risen, gently press it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then shape it into the classic pretzel shape by making a U, crossing the ends, and bringing them down toward the bottom. Gently press the ends into the dough so they stay in place while baking.
- Step 3: Prepare for Baking ,Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring the water to a gentle boil in a large pot, carefully add the baking soda, and stir until dissolved. Dip each shaped pretzel into the baking soda water for about 20–30 seconds, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake the Pretzels ,Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and lightly brush each pretzel with the egg wash. Sprinkle coarse salt over the top, then bake for about 10–14 minutes, or until the pretzels are puffed and golden brown. Remove them from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, and brush with melted butter if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- Do not add too much flour.
- Let the dough rise until almost doubled.
- Do not skip the baking soda bath.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
Save this recipe for later on Pinterest
