Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Introduction

Soft pretzels are a classic snack loved by many for their chewy texture and salty crust. This easy homemade recipe lets you create freshly baked pretzels with just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for a cozy day treat or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• ¾ cup baking soda (for boiling)
• Coarse salt (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until the mixture becomes foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Gradually add flour and a pinch of salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Divide the risen dough into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch long rope and twist into a pretzel shape.
6. Step 6: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon.
7. Step 7: Place the boiled pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
8. Step 8: Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, brush the pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking.
• Try adding cinnamon sugar in place of coarse salt for a sweet variation.
• If you prefer softer pretzels, reduce the baking time slightly.
• Use a kitchen scale to divide dough pieces evenly for uniform pretzels.

Storage

Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, bread flour can be used and may give the pretzels a chewier texture thanks to its higher protein content.

Why do we boil pretzels in baking soda water?

Boiling pretzels in baking soda water helps create their characteristic chewy crust and deep brown color by triggering a Maillard reaction during baking.

Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

These easy homemade soft pretzels are a perfect snack or appetizer, featuring a chewy texture and a golden, slightly crispy crust. Made from simple ingredients, the dough is boiled in baking soda water before baking, giving the pretzels their distinctive crust and flavor. This recipe is ideal for beginners looking to enjoy fresh, warm pretzels straight from the oven.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 medium-sized pretzels 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional, for dough seasoning)

Boiling Solution

• ¾ cup baking soda
• 8 cups water (for boiling)

Topping

• Coarse salt (for sprinkling on pretzels)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt into the yeast mixture until a dough forms. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands for mixing.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic, which ensures good gluten development.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Pretzels: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 24-inch long rope, then twist into the classic pretzel shape.
6. Prepare Boiling Solution: In a large pot, bring about 8 cups of water to a boil and add the ¾ cup baking soda. The solution will foam a bit, which is normal.
7. Boil Pretzels: Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. This step helps create the pretzel’s signature chewy crust.
8. Prepare for Baking: Remove the boiled pretzels with a slotted spoon and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle each pretzel generously with coarse salt.
9. Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the pretzels cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving to enjoy their perfect soft and chewy texture.

Notes

• For extra flavor, brush the pretzels with melted butter immediately after baking.
• You can experiment by adding toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or cinnamon sugar instead of coarse salt.
• Make sure your water is warm (around 110°F/43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Do not skip the baking soda boil as it creates the signature pretzel crust.
• Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, snack recipe, easy pretzels, baking pretzels