Warm, soft pretzels you can make at home in one hour of active time and a little patience.
introduction
This recipe makes warm, chewy homemade soft pretzels. They are simple and fun to make with basic ingredients. You can enjoy them plain or with toppings and dips. For a drink to go with them try a cold homemade margarita mix that pairs well with salty snacks.
why make this recipe
Make these pretzels because they are easy, comforting, and better fresh from your oven. You control the salt and toppings. They also freeze well so you can bake more and save some. If you like making other treats, you might enjoy a recipe for pistachio wedding cookies for a sweet follow-up.
how to make Homemade Soft Pretzels
Follow the steps below from mixing to baking. Roll the dough into ropes, shape the pretzels, boil briefly in baking soda water, then brush with egg wash and bake. For a sweet twist, you can try dipping finished pretzels in a white chocolate coating described in a different recipe for white chocolate pretzels.
Ingredients :
- 2 and a 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 and a 1/2 cups warm water
- 4 and a 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 6 cups water
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 1 egg
- coarse salt (for topping)
- everything but the bagel seasoning (for topping)
Directions :
- Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Whisk well and then let sit for 5-10 minutes or until foamy and bubbly.
- Next add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the same bowl. Put the kneading attachment on and knead for about five minutes on low or until the dough comes together into a ball. The dough should spring back when you push it with your finger. (You can also knead by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer).
- Take the dough out of the bowl and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Then put dough in a warm place to rise for an hour or until doubled in size.
- After dough has risen punch it down. Section the dough into 12 even pieces with a bench scraper or a sharp knife on a floured surface.
- Roll each piece into a rope (about 18-24 inches) and fold into a pretzel shape. I find it easiest to watch my video below on how to do this!
- Preheat oven to 450F.
- Meanwhile start boiling a pot with the water and baking soda in it. Once boiling, dip each pretzel in it for 15-30 seconds before removing onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Immediately brush each pretzel with egg wash and top with salt and everything but the bagel seasoning.
- Bake pretzels in the oven for 10-11 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Serve with your favourite dip (I did cheese) and enjoy!
how to serve Homemade Soft Pretzels
Serve warm for the best texture. Offer cheese dip, mustard, or marinara on the side. You can also serve with a cold drink like a simple homemade margarita mix or a cold soda. Cut the pretzel to share or serve whole.
how to store Homemade Soft Pretzels
Cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze pretzels in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes from thawed or longer if frozen.
tips to make Homemade Soft Pretzels
- Use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast.
- Knead until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath — it gives the pretzel the classic crust.
- Brush with egg wash right before baking for a shiny finish.
- For a softer inside, brush with melted butter after baking. Also try a sweet or nutty twist by exploring pistachio cookie ideas for dessert after your pretzels.
Serving Ideas (if any)
- Cheese sauce for dipping
- Spicy mustard or honey mustard
- Cinnamon sugar for a sweet version (brush with butter first)
- Everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds for a savory top
Final Thoughts
These homemade soft pretzels are a simple and rewarding snack. The steps are clear and the result is a warm, chewy pretzel you can customize. Make a batch for a party or a cozy night in.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough by hand?
A: Yes. Mix and knead by hand until the dough is smooth. It will take a bit longer than a mixer.
Q: Can I freeze the dough before shaping?
A: You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Thaw in the fridge, then let come to room temperature before shaping.
Q: Why do I boil the pretzels in baking soda water?
A: The baking soda bath helps the crust form and gives the pretzel its classic color and texture.
Q: Can I use different toppings?
A: Yes. Try coarse salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet option.
Q: How do I get a darker crust?
A: Bake a few extra minutes until golden brown and make sure to use the baking soda bath for proper browning.
Conclusion
For another clear step-by-step version, see Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels – Sally’s Baking. If you want a richer, buttery take on soft pretzels, check How to Make Easy Homemade Buttery Soft Pretzels and Pretzel ….
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 and a 1/4 tsp active dry yeast For activating the dough.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar To help activate the yeast.
- 1 and a 1/2 cups warm water Should be warm, not hot.
- 4 and a 1/2 cups flour All-purpose flour is recommended.
- 1/4 cup olive oil For moisture and flavor.
- 2 tsp salt Enhances flavor.
Boiling Solution
- 6 cups water To boil pretzels.
- 2 tbsp baking soda To create the pretzel crust.
Toppings
- 1 ea egg For egg wash before baking.
- to taste coarse salt For topping.
- to taste everything but the bagel seasoning For optional topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Whisk well and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the bowl and knead on low for about 5 minutes until the dough forms a ball.
- Drizzle olive oil in a bowl, place the dough back in, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough, section into 12 pieces, and roll each into a rope about 18-24 inches long, shaping them into pretzels.
Boiling
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Boil water with baking soda in a pot. Dip each pretzel for 15-30 seconds and remove to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Baking
- Brush each pretzel with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse salt and everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake in the oven for 10-11 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.