Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade soft pretzels are not only fun to make but also incredibly satisfying to eat. The dough is easy to prepare, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the chewy texture and golden-brown exterior of a freshly baked pretzel right from your oven. With their crisp, salty crust and soft interior, they pair perfectly with mustard, cheese sauce, or just as they are. They’re perfect for movie nights, parties, or any occasion that calls for a comforting, homemade treat.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
2 teaspoons sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse salt for sprinkling

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

Directions

In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour mixture, and stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into a pretzel.
Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with mustard or cheese dip!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 soft pretzels
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: After baking, brush the pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist.
Cheese-stuffed Pretzels: Roll cheese into the dough before shaping it into pretzels for a cheesy surprise inside.
Garlic Parmesan Pretzels: Add garlic powder to the dough and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top after baking for an extra savory flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating: Reheat pretzels in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for about 20 seconds for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze these homemade soft pretzels?

Yes, you can freeze them. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

2. What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure that your yeast is active and the water temperature is between 100°F and 110°F. If it’s too hot or too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly, preventing the dough from rising.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the pretzels may be denser and have a slightly different texture.

4. Can I make pretzel bites instead of full-sized pretzels?

Yes, you can cut the dough into smaller pieces and follow the same boiling and baking instructions to make pretzel bites. Just be sure to reduce the baking time slightly, as they will cook faster.

5. Do I have to boil the pretzels before baking?

Yes, boiling the pretzels before baking is essential for achieving the signature chewy texture and dark, crispy crust. The baking soda in the boiling water helps to create that perfect pretzel finish.

6. How can I tell when the pretzels are done baking?

Pretzels are done when they are golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. They should have a crisp exterior and a soft interior.

7. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. The process is the same, but you don’t need to proof instant yeast in water before using it.

8. How do I keep my pretzels from being too salty?

To control the saltiness, you can adjust the amount of coarse salt you sprinkle on top. If you’re using a salted dip, you can even skip the salt on the pretzels entirely.

9. Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook is a great option for kneading. Mix the dough on low speed until it forms a ball, then increase the speed to medium to knead it for about 5 minutes.

10. What should I serve with homemade pretzels?

Homemade pretzels are delicious on their own or paired with dips like mustard, cheese sauce, or even chocolate for a sweet option.

Conclusion

Homemade soft pretzels are a fun and rewarding treat to make from scratch. With their chewy, golden crust and soft interior, they make a perfect snack or party food. Whether you enjoy them as is or with your favorite dipping sauce, these pretzels are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of freshly baked, homemade soft pretzels right from your kitchen!