Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

Introduction

Soft pretzels are a classic snack that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Making them at home is easier than you might think, and the aroma while baking is simply irresistible. This recipe guides you through each step for perfect soft pretzels every time.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• ¾ cup baking soda (for boiling)
• Coarse salt (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Gradually mix in flour and a pinch of salt until a dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Divide the risen dough into equal pieces, roll each piece into a 24-inch rope, and twist into the classic pretzel shape.
5. Step 5: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Drop each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, brush the baked pretzels with melted butter before serving.
• Try adding garlic powder or cinnamon sugar on top instead of salt for a tasty twist.
• If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease your baking sheets to prevent sticking.
• Using bread flour instead of all-purpose can make the pretzels chewier.

Storage

Store pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to restore their softness and crisp exterior. They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the flour, and you can skip the initial proofing step with warm water and sugar.

Do I have to boil the pretzels before baking?

Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water gives the classic chewy crust and deep brown color. Skipping this step will result in soft bread rolls rather than authentic pretzels.

Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 83 reviews

These easy homemade soft pretzels are golden, chewy, and perfectly salty on the outside. Made from a simple dough of flour, yeast, sugar, and warm water, then boiled in baking soda water for that classic pretzel texture, they’re baked in the oven for a delicious snack or appetizer perfect for sharing.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 pretzels 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Boiling Solution

• ¾ cup baking soda
• Water (enough to boil in a large pot)

Topping

• Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix dough: Gradually add the flour and salt into the yeast mixture, stirring to combine until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten for the soft texture.
4. First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven and shape pretzels: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each piece into about a 24-inch long rope and twist each rope into the classic pretzel shape.
6. Prepare baking soda bath: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for about 30 seconds to give the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust.
7. Bake pretzels: Remove pretzels from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops with coarse salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pretzels are deep golden brown.

Notes

• Make sure your water is at the right temperature (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Boiling the pretzels in baking soda water before baking is key to achieving the authentic pretzel crust and flavor.
• Use coarse salt for topping to get that classic salty crunch on top of your pretzels.
• For softer pretzels, you can brush them with melted butter immediately after baking.
• These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, easy pretzel recipe, snack, baking recipe, yeast pretzels