Print

Soft Homemade Pretzels

Soft Homemade Pretzels
Print Recipe

Soft Homemade Pretzels recipe delivers the perfect chewy interior with a golden, lightly crisp crust using simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps. Ideal for snacks or entertaining, these pretzels can be customized with various toppings and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted

Baking Soda Bath

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Toppings

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by activating the yeast in warm water combined with sugar until bubbly and frothy. Mix in the flour, salt, and melted butter, stirring until dough begins to form. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  3. Shape the Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide into equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope and twist into classic pretzel shapes.
  4. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully add baking soda. Boil each pretzel for approximately 30 seconds, flipping once to fully submerge both sides.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer boiled pretzels to parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush with beaten egg for shine and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 12-15 minutes until deeply golden brown.

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast and check expiration for proper rise.
  • Water must be warm, not hot, to activate yeast.
  • Do not skip or shorten the baking soda bath; it’s essential for the crust and texture.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan for even baking and a perfect crust.
  • Egg wash provides a shiny, attractive finish.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.
  • Freeze wrapped pretzels up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
  • Reheat pretzels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, easy pretzel recipe, chewy pretzels, baking, snacks, appetizer

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/soft-homemade-pretzels/