Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe
These easy homemade soft pretzels are chewy, golden brown, and deliciously soft on the inside. Perfect for snacking or serving with dips, these pretzels are simple to make and require only a few basic ingredients. With a quick baking soda bath, they achieve that classic pretzel taste and texture. Enjoy them fresh from the oven!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
- Category: Snack, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German, American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling bath)
- 10 cups water
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Optional (for brushing):
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Prepare the dough: Add the salt and flour gradually to the yeast mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 3 minutes.
- Let the dough rest: Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking soda bath: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
- Shape the pretzels: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-24 inch rope, then shape into a pretzel by forming a “U” shape, crossing the ends, and pressing them down.
- Boil the pretzels: Using a slotted spoon, carefully place each pretzel into the boiling baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds. Remove and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Sprinkle each pretzel with coarse salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: If desired, brush the warm pretzels with melted butter. Serve with mustard, cheese dip, or enjoy as is!
Notes
- For a sweet version, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the pretzels instead of coarse salt after baking.
- To freeze, let pretzels cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/easy-homemade-soft-pretzels-recipe/