Nothing beats the warm, soft, salty goodness of a freshly baked soft pretzel. The golden-brown exterior with that irresistible crispy bite, followed by a tender, fluffy inside—it’s a snack that just feels like a hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re making them for movie night, a game day gathering, or simply to indulge in a comforting homemade treat, these soft pretzels are a game-changer. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and totally worth the little bit of extra effort. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought pretzels again!
Let’s get baking and turn your kitchen into a soft pretzel paradise!
Why You’ll Love Soft Pretzels
Here’s why you need to try these soft pretzels:
Versatile: You can enjoy them on their own with a little mustard, or pair them with cheese, or even dip them in chocolate for a sweet twist. The possibilities are endless!
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry. Making pretzels at home is an affordable way to indulge in a classic treat.
Quick and Easy: With a little bit of rising time, these pretzels come together surprisingly fast. Plus, the dough is so easy to work with!
Customizable: While classic pretzels are amazing on their own, you can get creative! Add cinnamon sugar for a sweet version or sprinkle some garlic and parmesan for a savory twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Soft pretzels are always a hit with both kids and adults. Perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings, everyone will love these homemade soft pretzels.
Ingredients in Soft Pretzels
This recipe requires just a few basic ingredients, but it’s the magic of the dough and the baking process that makes it so special. Here’s what you need:
All-Purpose Flour
This is the base for your dough. It provides the perfect structure, resulting in soft and chewy pretzels.
Active Dry Yeast
The yeast is what makes the dough rise and gives the pretzels that light, airy texture on the inside.
Warm Water
It activates the yeast and helps the dough come together smoothly.
Sugar
A little sugar helps feed the yeast and gives the pretzels that slightly sweet flavor that balances out the salt.
Salt
Essential for both the dough and the finishing touch. It brings all the flavors together, giving the pretzels that irresistible savory taste.
Baking Soda
This is what creates the signature chewy, golden crust. The baking soda bath before baking is the secret to that perfect pretzel texture.
Butter
Melted butter brushed on top adds flavor and gives your pretzels that beautiful, golden shine.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to dive into the magic of homemade pretzels? Let’s get started!
Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Make the Dough: Add salt and flour to the yeast mixture, one cup at a time. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. Patience is key here—the dough needs time to grow!
Preheat Your Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your pretzels bake to a golden perfection.
Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add 2/3 cup of baking soda to the water. This step is what gives your pretzels that classic chewy, golden crust. Be careful, as the water will bubble up when you add the baking soda!
Shape the Pretzels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope (about 18 inches long). Form the rope into a U shape, twist the ends together, and fold them down to form a pretzel shape.
Boil the Pretzels: Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. This will help develop that chewy texture. After boiling, place the pretzels on a greased baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the pretzels in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and beautiful.
Finish with Butter and Salt: Once the pretzels are out of the oven, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. Now they’re ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: ~250
(Note: Approximate values)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)
How to Serve Soft Pretzels
These soft pretzels are perfect for any occasion! Here are some fun ideas for how to serve them:
– Pair them with your favorite mustard or cheese dip for a savory treat.
– Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—pizza pretzels, anyone?
– Try a sweet version by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and serving them with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your soft pretzels even better:
– If you want extra flavor, you can brush the pretzels with garlic butter instead of regular butter after baking.
– For a fun twist, try adding toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even everything bagel seasoning before baking.
– Make sure the water for activating the yeast is warm, not hot, as hot water can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly.
– If you don’t have time for the dough to rise, you can let it rise in a warm oven. Just preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the bowl of dough inside to rise.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Simply shape the pretzels, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag and bake them straight from the freezer. You may need to add an extra minute or two of baking time.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can! If you’re using instant yeast, there’s no need to proof it in warm water—just mix it directly with the flour and sugar.
3. Can I make smaller pretzels?
Absolutely! If you want mini pretzels, simply divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time accordingly.
4. How do I store leftover pretzels?
Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their crispy texture.
5. Can I make these pretzels without the baking soda bath?
The baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their signature chewy texture, so it’s highly recommended for the best results.
6. Can I make these pretzels without butter?
Yes, you can brush them with olive oil or use a dairy-free butter alternative for a lighter version.
7. Can I make these pretzels sweeter?
Absolutely! To make them sweet, sprinkle sugar on top before baking or add cinnamon sugar after baking.
8. How can I make these pretzels more savory?
Add garlic powder, onion powder, or even grated cheese to the dough before shaping the pretzels for a savory twist.
9. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, nuttier flavor, but you may need to adjust the amount of water slightly.
10. What’s the best way to serve soft pretzels at a party?
Cut the pretzels into smaller pieces and serve with a variety of dips like cheese, mustard, or even chocolate for a fun snack platter!
CONCLUSION
These homemade soft pretzels are the perfect treat for any occasion—warm, chewy, and just bursting with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them with a dip or straight from the oven, they’ll always be a hit. Plus, making them from scratch is easier than you think! So get those pretzel cravings under control and treat yourself to a batch of golden-brown goodness. Happy baking!
Print
Soft Pretzels
- Prep Time: 1hr 30min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Total Time: 1hr 45min
- Yield: 8 pretzels
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking/Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Soft pretzels are a classic, delicious snack with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, chewy interior. They’re perfect for dipping in mustard, cheese, or even chocolate for a sweet twist.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
– 1 tbsp granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 10 cups water (for boiling)
– 1/2 cup baking soda
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Coarse salt (for topping)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda.
7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 18 inches long.
8. Shape each rope into a pretzel by making a U-shape, crossing the ends over each other, and folding them down to form a knot.
9. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
– If you want a softer pretzel, reduce the baking time slightly.
– You can top the pretzels with cinnamon sugar for a sweet variation.
– Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg