Homemade Soft Pretzel

Why You’ll Love Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe

This homemade soft pretzel recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It requires only pantry staples, comes together quickly, and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re preparing snacks for game day, hosting friends, or simply craving a savory treat, these pretzels hit the mark. They’re also fun to shape, making it a great baking project to enjoy with kids or family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Warm water

• Active dry yeast

• Brown sugar

• Salt

• All-purpose flour

• Baking soda

• Egg (for egg wash)

• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

2. Stir in salt and gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope and twist into the traditional pretzel shape.

6. In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling solution for 30 seconds, then place on prepared baking sheets.

7. Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.

8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 large soft pretzels.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: Skip the salt topping. After baking, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture.

• Cheddar Pretzels: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pretzels before baking for a cheesy twist.

• Pretzel Bites: Cut the dough into bite-sized pieces before boiling and baking.

• Stuffed Pretzels: Fill the ropes with cheese or cooked sausage before shaping for a hearty snack.

• Garlic Butter Pretzels: Brush with garlic-infused melted butter right after baking for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soft pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, wrap the pretzel in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. For a crispier texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

How do I get that chewy texture in soft pretzels?

The key is boiling the pretzels in a baking soda solution before baking. This gives the pretzels their signature chew and deep color.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Why did my pretzels come out too soft or doughy?

This could be due to underbaking or not boiling them long enough in the baking soda bath. Ensure you bake until golden brown.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.

What if I don’t have coarse sea salt?

You can use kosher salt as a substitute, but avoid using fine table salt as it may melt and disappear during baking.

How do I make mini pretzels?

Divide the dough into smaller portions and shape into mini pretzels. Reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overbaking.

Can I freeze the pretzels before baking?

Yes, shape the pretzels and freeze them before the baking soda bath. When ready to bake, boil and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Can I make these pretzels sweet instead of salty?

Absolutely. Skip the coarse salt and top with cinnamon sugar or dip in chocolate after baking for a sweet version.

What dipping sauces go well with soft pretzels?

Cheese sauce, mustard, honey mustard, or even chocolate or caramel sauce for sweet versions are excellent options.

Are these pretzels vegan?

They can be made vegan by skipping the egg wash and using a plant-based butter alternative for brushing, if desired.

Conclusion

Homemade soft pretzels are a satisfying and versatile treat that you can easily bake in your own kitchen. Whether you keep them classic with salt or experiment with sweet or savory variations, these pretzels are sure to become a favorite go-to snack. Warm, chewy, and utterly delicious—they’re everything a soft pretzel should be.

Homemade Soft Pretzel

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Warm, chewy homemade soft pretzels with a golden-brown crust. Perfect for snacking, entertaining, or enjoying fresh from the oven. Easy to make and customizable with sweet or savory variations.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 large pretzels
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in salt and gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope and shape into a pretzel.
7. In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Dip each pretzel into the boiling solution for 30 seconds and place on prepared baking sheets.
8. Brush each pretzel with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For cinnamon sugar pretzels, skip salt and brush with melted butter after baking, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• To make vegan, skip egg wash and use plant-based butter if desired.
• Can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast—no need to proof, just mix with flour.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pretzel
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg