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Buttery Soft Pretzels

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Short Description

These buttery soft pretzels are golden brown on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and have the perfect chewy texture. Whether enjoyed plain, sprinkled with salt, or dipped in cheese sauce, they make a delicious snack for any occasion. With a simple dough and an easy baking soda bath, these homemade pretzels taste just like the ones from a bakery or your favorite pretzel stand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and chewy texture – Perfectly tender inside with a slight crisp outside.
  • Easy to make – Simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps.
  • Customizable – Enjoy them sweet, salty, or with different seasonings.
  • Great for any occasion – Perfect for parties, game days, or a comforting snack.
  • Fun to make – Shaping the dough into pretzels is a great activity for all ages.

Ingredients

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

For the Dough:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Instant yeast
  • Warm water
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Butter

For the Baking Soda Bath:

  • Water
  • Baking soda

For Topping:

  • Melted butter
  • Coarse salt (or cinnamon sugar for a sweet version)

Directions

this recipe
  1. Prepare the dough – Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough – Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead until smooth (about 8 minutes).
  3. Let it rise – Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the pretzels – Divide the dough into equal portions, roll each into a rope, and twist into a pretzel shape.
  5. Prepare the baking soda bath – Boil water and baking soda, then briefly dip each pretzel for 30 seconds.
  6. Bake – Place on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Brush with butter – Immediately brush with melted butter and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes about 8 pretzels
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Rise time: 1 hour
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

  • Cinnamon sugar pretzels – Brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar after baking.
  • Cheese-stuffed pretzels – Wrap dough around cheese before shaping.
  • Garlic butter pretzels – Mix minced garlic into the melted butter before brushing.
  • Pretzel bites – Cut the dough into small pieces instead of twisting into pretzels.
  • Spicy pretzels – Sprinkle with chili flakes or cayenne before baking.

Storage/Reheating

  • Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked pretzels for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.

FAQs

Why do I need a baking soda bath?

It gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and deep golden-brown color.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but let it proof in warm water for 10 minutes before adding the flour.

How do I get my pretzels extra soft?

Avoid overbaking and brush with extra butter after baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Refrigerate the dough overnight and bake fresh the next day.

Can I make gluten-free pretzels?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.

What can I serve with soft pretzels?

Cheese sauce, mustard, honey butter, or chocolate dip are all great options.

How do I prevent pretzels from sticking to the pan?

Use parchment paper or a greased baking sheet.

Can I make mini pretzels?

Yes, just shape them smaller and reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes.

Why are my pretzels too dense?

Over-kneading or using too much flour can make them dense. Keep the dough soft.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but mix it with all-purpose flour (50/50) for the best texture.

Conclusion

These buttery soft pretzels are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, salty, sweet, or cheesy, they’ll quickly become a favorite homemade snack. Try them today and enjoy the comforting, warm goodness of fresh-baked pretzels!

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Buttery Soft Pretzels

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
  • Category: Snack, Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German, American
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Description

These Buttery Soft Pretzels are chewy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and brushed with warm melted butter for an irresistible flavor. Perfect for snacking, dipping in cheese sauce, or enjoying with mustard, these homemade pretzels are fun and easy to make!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dough:

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Baking Soda Bath:

  • 8 cups water
  • 1/2 cup baking soda

For Topping:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • Coarse salt or pretzel salt

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in salt, melted butter, and flour (one cup at a time), mixing until a dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes).

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Pretzels

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
  3. Roll each piece into a 24-inch rope, then shape into a pretzel.

Step 4: Baking Soda Bath

  1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add ½ cup baking soda.
  2. Carefully dip each pretzel into the water for 15 seconds, then place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Pretzels

  1. Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt.
  2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.

Step 6: Brush with Butter & Serve

  1. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter.
  2. Serve warm with cheese sauce, mustard, or cinnamon sugar!

Notes

  • Extra Chewy Pretzels: Let the pretzels cool for 10 minutes before eating.
  • Sweet Version: Skip the salt and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after brushing with butter.
  • Make Ahead: Freeze unbaked pretzels after the baking soda bath and bake fresh when needed.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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