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Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 96 reviews

This homemade soft pretzels recipe yields golden, chewy, and fluffy pretzels with a perfect balance of saltiness and a delightful crust. Made from scratch using simple ingredients like yeast, flour, and olive oil, these pretzels are boiled briefly in a baking soda solution to develop their signature texture and then baked to perfection. Ideal for snacks or parties, you can top them with coarse salt or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 4 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt

Boiling Solution

  • 6 cups water
  • 2 tbsp baking soda

Toppings

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Coarse salt for topping
  • Everything but the bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and brown sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Dough: Add the olive oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly oil the parchment.
  5. Shape Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 20-24 inches long. Shape each rope into a classic pretzel form by making a U shape, twisting the ends twice, and folding them down to the bottom of the U, pressing to seal.
  6. Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a rolling boil.
  7. Boil Pretzels: Carefully place each pretzel into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spatula, allowing excess water to drain, and place on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush each pretzel with the egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt or everything but the bagel seasoning as desired.
  9. Bake: Bake pretzels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your soft, homemade pretzels warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
  • Boiling pretzels in baking soda is essential for that classic chewy crust and dark golden color.
  • Feel free to use different toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or cinnamon sugar for variety.
  • For softer pretzels, brush with melted butter after baking.
  • Make sure pretzels are spaced apart on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Keywords: soft pretzels, homemade pretzels, snack, baking, yeast dough, salty pretzels, pretzel recipe

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/homemade-soft-pretzels-recipe/