Print

Soft Homemade Pretzels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 116 reviews

Enjoy soft, homemade pretzels with a golden crust and tender inside. This recipe guides you through making traditional pretzels from scratch, including a quick yeast dough, shaping, boiling in a baking soda bath for that classic pretzel texture, and baking to perfection. Perfect for a fun baking project and a delicious snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for brushing)

Boiling Solution

  • 8 cups water
  • 1/2 cup baking soda

Topping

  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water mixed with sugar and let it bubble until foamy, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and melted butter, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  2. Shape the Pretzels: Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal pieces, typically 8 for this recipe. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20-24 inches. Twist into the classic pretzel shape by crossing the ends twice over and pressing them onto the bottom of the loop. This step is easy and fun to do, especially with kids.
  3. Boil in Baking Soda Solution: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring 8 cups of water and 1/2 cup baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully dunk each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds to develop the chewy crust and color. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Add Salt and Bake: While the pretzels are still wet from boiling, sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until deep golden brown. Once baked, immediately brush the pretzels with melted butter to keep them soft and give them a shiny finish. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use warm water around 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast properly without killing it.
  • Kneading the dough well is essential for a soft, elastic texture.
  • Boiling pretzels briefly in baking soda solution gives them their characteristic chewy crust and flavor.
  • Use a slotted spoon to handle pretzels during boiling to avoid breaking the dough.
  • Brush with melted butter immediately after baking to enhance flavor and softness.
  • Pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to regain softness.

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, baking pretzels, yeast dough pretzels, snack, baking recipe, American snack

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