Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Soft Pretzels

Soft Pretzels

  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
  • Diet: Egg-Free

Description

This Soft Pretzels recipe delivers perfectly soft, chewy, and golden-brown homemade pretzels using simple pantry ingredients. Ideal for snacking or sharing, these pretzels feature a signature crust from a baking soda bath and can be customized with various toppings or fillings. Easy to make with step-by-step instructions, these pretzels are a fun baking project suitable for all skill levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (100°F-110°F)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Baking Soda Bath

  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda

Toppings

  • Coarse salt, for sprinkling
  • Optional: melted butter for brushing after baking

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then knead on a clean surface for 7-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Shape the pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, shape into a U, cross the ends, and press them down to form the classic pretzel shape.
  5. Prepare the baking soda bath: Bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling solution for about 30 seconds to develop the characteristic crust and color.
  6. Bake to golden perfection: Place the pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and aromatic.
  7. Optional finishing touch: Brush the hot pretzels with melted butter right after baking to keep them soft and add a rich glossy finish.

Notes

  • Use warm water between 100°F and 110°F for optimal yeast activation without killing it.
  • Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten for chewy texture.
  • Boiling pretzels in baking soda bath is essential for authentic crust and color.
  • Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even baking.
  • Brush pretzels with butter immediately after baking for added softness and shine.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pretzel
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, chewy pretzels, snack, baking, yeast pretzels

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/soft-pretzels/