Description
This recipe for Homemade Soft Pretzels delivers warm, chewy, and golden-brown pretzels with a perfect salty crust. Made from simple pantry ingredients like yeast, flour, and butter, these pretzels are boiled briefly in a baking soda bath before baking, creating their signature texture and flavor. Ideal as a snack or party treat, they bring authentic German-American charm right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For Boiling
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Topping
- 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Make the dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or using a dough hook mixer for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare baking sheets and boiling bath: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring approximately 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.
- Shape the pretzels: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 20 to 24 inches in length. Twist each rope into the classic pretzel shape.
- Boil the pretzels: One at a time, gently dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda water for 20 to 30 seconds. This step helps develop the chewy crust and characteristic flavor. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Apply egg wash and salt: Brush each pretzel generously with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle coarse salt on top according to your preference for a salty crust.
- Bake: Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pretzels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to enjoy warm and soft pretzels.
Notes
- For a sweet variation, skip the coarse salt and sprinkle the pretzels with cinnamon sugar after baking.
- You can serve these soft pretzels with dipping sauces such as cheese sauce or mustard for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure water for boiling is at a gentle rolling boil to properly form the pretzel crust.