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Irresistible Homemade Soft Pretzels

homemade soft pretzels - featured image

Golden brown, perfectly soft, and just the right amount of salty, these homemade soft pretzels are easy to make and rival anything from your favorite pretzel stand.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) warm water
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup (170 g) baking soda
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Coarse salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (355 ml) of warm water, 1 tablespoon (12 g) of sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) of active dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the dough: Add 4 cups (480 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon (6 g) of salt, and 2 tablespoons (30 g) of melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
  3. Knead: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes (by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
  4. Proof: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the baking soda bath: Bring 10 cups (2.4 liters) of water and 2/3 cup (170 g) of baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
  6. Shape the pretzels: Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 20 inches/50 cm) and twist into a classic pretzel shape.
  7. Boil: Carefully lower each pretzel into the boiling soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Brush and bake: Brush each pretzel with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Warm water is crucial for activating the yeast. Don’t skip the baking soda bath as it ensures the chewy texture and golden color. Pretzels bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbrowning.

Nutrition

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